Business Contacts of Baťa Concern with the Soviets in 1918–1938

Abstract

This study brings to attention the active endeavour of Baťa concern to expand to Soviet markets in the interwar period. It also analyzes mutual study contacts between Baťa concern representatives and their Soviet counterparts. Moreover, the study examines the extent of awareness of the Soviet Union in Baťa company and the way the USSR and its economic system were presented by Baťa company press. Last but not least, the study focuses on the business strategy employed by Baťa management and the degree of its compactness, i.e. the short-term modifications of business tactics. By combining chronological and thematic approaches, the study reveals the intentions of Baťa management and also differences in the way they communicated and presented facts when addressing their Soviet counterparts, Baťa company employees and domestic competitors.