ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains the concept of the study, its leading research hypotheses and the empirical procedure. It describes the specific analytical reference points, embedded in the general theoretical frame of 'global modernity' are of great importance for the practical arrangement of the study and the interpretation of the empirical results. The book provides the expert interviews on the supra-company level with representatives of trade unions, employers' associations and labour/economics ministries in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany as well as on the EU level were an initial empirical step towards preparation of the case studies. There are several figures pertaining to the extent and significance of foreign direct investments in Central and Eastern Europe as well as a comparative presentation of the industrial relations in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
