The Impact of European Union Integration on Management and Organizational Practices

This paper examines the impact of European Union (EU) integration on management and organizational practices in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries from 1995 to 2023. Employing a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Counterfactual Impact Evaluation (CIE), we analyze changes in regulatory adaptation, innovation, and workforce flexibility. The findings indicate that while EU directives drive convergence in managerial practices, they also allow for localized adaptations. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and labor mobility emerge as key drivers of corporate strategies. Insights from 30 in-depth managerial interviews underscore both strategic realignment and challenges in regulatory compliance, offering valuable implications for policymakers, researchers, and business leaders.