E-business in emerging economies: a comparison of Turkish and Romanian multimedia companies

The emerging economies have participated, albeit less than advanced market economies, in the new electronic modes of conducting business. This paper draws on a study of the multimedia industry which focuses on two developed (Canada and England) and two emerging economies (Turkey and Romania). Issues include: the nature of work (both process and outputs); employee characteristics; skills shortages; and organizational success factors. This paper addresses issues relating to work organization in e-businesses in Turkey and Romania. Based upon the experiences of 21 Turkish and 20 Romanian companies, the former emphasise technical skills more regarding the skills needed by individuals to be successful, skills in demand and skills shortages in the industry but Turkish companies are readier also to emphasise creativity, business and interpersonal skills. Companies in both countries attributed their success largely to technical competence and business acumen but again Turkish companies also stressed the importance of creativity.