Cultural Foundations of Economic Integration – Central Europe and Southeast Asian Countries Compared
Cultural Foundations of Economic Integration – Central Europe and Southeast Asian Countries Compared

Summary/Abstract: RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The Author of the article examines differences in the level of economic integration between the Visegrád Group countries, and the chosen Southeast Asian countries (Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines) as case studies. The main aim of the study is to understand why the Central European countries have achieved a higher level of economic integration compared to the selected Southeast Asian countries. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The framework of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model was used to analyse impact of shared cultural values on the level of integration. The section on the economic integration is based on existing quantitative data. The data on GDP per capita, GDP growth, import and export of goods and services, and inflation rate was included to establish a statistical foundation. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The article begins with a descriptive analysis of economic integration in Central Europe and selected Southeast Asian countries, based on existing quantitative data to provide a statistical underpinning. Next, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model is applied to assess cultural characteristics in the Visegrád Group countries and selected ASEAN nations. RESEARCH RESULTS: The comparative analysis highlights potential reasons for the Central Europe’s stronger economic integration, suggesting that shared cultural values among Visegrád Group countries support policies promoting integration, whereas the diverse cultural dimensions of Southeast Asian countries contribute to a less cohesive structure. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The article contributes to the understanding of the role of cultural factors in regional economic integration.

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