Assessment of Master Thesis – Academic Consultant
Study programme:International Business – Central European Business Realities Academic year:2021/2022
Master Thesis Topic:COVID-19’s Effect on Corporate Culture Author’s name:Gerardo Ruben Lafebre
Ac. Consultant’s Name:doc. Ing. Zuzana Křečková Kroupová, M.A., Ph.D.
Opponent:Ing. Jitka Volfová, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 1
2. Logical structure 1
3. Using of literature, citations 1
4. Adequacy of methods used 1
5. Depth of analysis 2
6. Self-reliance of author 2
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 2
8. Language and stylistics 1
Comments and Questions:
The thesis focus on global pandemics impact and change of work and life habits on corporate culture of companies is a very up-to-date topic, globally relevant for analysis from both corporations and other stakeholders from wider society.
Theoretical part presents solid overview of sources. I value the analysis segmenting sources based on the fast changing environment during time of the global pandemics.
The research is based on both qualitative and quantitative collection of primary inputs. The qualitative consists of semi-structured interviews of managers from three companies in the professional services segment. All three companies, given their business, were subject to massive changes in the daily routines and moved all employees to home office, based on the government regulations. Hence, their
representatives were well selected. The quantitative research is based on the survey of sufficient sample of respondents. The interpretation of own research would be more reader-friendly when presenting more graphs or other visuals rather that mainly text comments.
The research outcome brings suggestions for companies in the case of any similar future shocks.
English and stylistics are of excellent quality.
It is visible that author has complex understanding of the topic.
Questions:
1. In chapter 5 you mentioned several suggested ways for an effective employee feedback. What other ways/approaches were suggested by leading companies as effective? And which of those could be inspirational if the on-line home-office will continue to be prevalent way of working (in case of any further pandemics)? Explain reasoning.
2. The recruitment and Induction process, which are an important part of corporate culture, were also affected by remote on-line (out-of-office) work set-up. So, companies faced challenge how to let newly hired persons “absorb” the company culture. What options do they have, based on your research and recent findings?
Conclusion: The Master Thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 1
Date: 04/09/2021 doc. Ing. Zuzana Křečková Kroupová, M.A., Ph.D.
Academic Consultant
