The spatial distribution of largest firms in the Czech Republic and its managerial implications

Abstract

Corporate headquarters, which occupy the top of enterprise organizational hierarchies became the subject of an increased interest in last three decades. Until now, post-transformation economies suffer from a distinct cognitive gap in this respect. The main objective of this paper is to analyse and interpret the development of the spatial pattern of top 100 biggest companies in the Czech Republic. Both quantitative and qualitative dimension of this issue will be investigated in the frame of this article. The basic territorial level we examine is constituted by self-governing regions. Finally, particular managerial and regionally-orientated recommendations for both largest enterprises and public administration will be formulated.

Highlights for public administration, management and planning:

Foreign owners of largest enterprises perceive the location decision-making as much more complex and versatile process than their Czech counterparts.

Owners from advanced economies accentuate soft location factors more intensely than their domestic peers.

Regional authorities should develop more initiatives and improve their institutional density to become investor-friendly and bait the corporate headquarters.

Both regional authorities and enterprise managements should concentrate on the creation of milieu conducive to quality labour.