Reinventing Hungarian work culture in a global context

Work culture is an integrative component of the transformation process. At first sight, Hungarian work culture appears globalized, but many of the globalized or “westernized” characteristics remain superficial. The lack of a deeply-rooted democratic culture can easily be traced at the workplace. The entrance of multinational companies in Hungary has provided opportunities and challenges to the Hungarian workforce, including the model of the “globally integrated enterprise”. While multinational enterprises become more integrated and efficient on the global level, their local social and economic contexts disintegrate. If new forms of cooperation and partnership will emerge, a new work culture in Hungary could increase in momentum and flourish. Identifying critical junctures in work culture has underscored the need for new partnerships among employees and employers who together can positively change the economic landscape and prospects for the future. This study is based on empirical research by using the methodology of value sociology and value surveys. Its major conclusion is that reinventing Hungarian work culture might be a difficult and complex process but nevertheless it is possible and also inevitable.