Interview with Mr. Gajdos, CEO of CMA.
As an CEO and vice president of ČMA (Czech managing association) for more than 20 years, what progress do you see in company culture in Czech companies?
The most important progress came in 21. Century. Company’s culture were based on pyramidal management after Velvet revolution. Today it is employees who is in the middle of the attention. Young people bring changes.
Could you compare Czech and foreign and let’s say family company?
You could see major difference between Czech and foreign companies about 20 years ago. In this time foreign companies are managed by Czech managers unlike expats before. They are more open, on very good level of knowledge and skills. In family companies, as in different countries, there is problem with a successor. Actual trend is to give a authority to professional managers. Unfortunately, this thing brings also negative changes in company culture.
Companies want to come to the market with a new product or service but sometimes the biggest problem are employees who don’t want to change anything. They don’t want to change something that works just fine. Then there are no company culture changes, the owners don’t react to changes of environment. What is your opinion?
Technological innovations and changes must be accepted by employees. They can’t boycott, disturb or defend against them. So “Revolution 4.0” is still a some kind of a Bogey man for some companies.
Important part of a company culture is a presentation of employees. I’ve heard a few times that employees are aware of the importance of formal company dresses and accessories. But their wishes and opinions are overlooked. I am always very surprised when I hear this because I would expect a boycott from employees, not employers. They are often very proud employees. Have you ever discussed this topic with the owners or CEOs?
I’ve seen a countless time a situation when companies do not want to give their employees a company clothes as a benefit. I mean formal clothing, not clothes for work.
What about you and clothes? Do you enjoy clothing or not really?
I definitely enjoy good clothing, every shirt in my closet has its own story and my each of my suit has a specific number for certain events. A suit is a necessary uniform for me. Last time I wore a tender pattern suit and to be honest it is really nice to hear a positive reactions and compliments. But I do not really like accessories.
Your daughter studies fashion design, has she ever had any comments to your style of clothing?
My daughter is more of a young creative kind of person, my formal style of clothing is not her cup of tea.
You also organize very significant ball. Are you satisfied with the social etiquette that is held on this kind of events? I would also mention competition of Manager of the year, where are presented the most important managers.
The level of clothing has drastically changed during the last 20 years but to the good side. Unfortunately I can’t say the same thing about social etiquette.
