Central European Business Review 2025, 14(2):1-23 | DOI: 10.18267/j.cebr.381

Corporate Integration Processes: Lessons from the Covid-19 Crisis

Vincent Montenero ORCID...1, Cristina Cazorzi ORCID...2
1 Czech Technical University, MIAS, Kolejni 2637/2a, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic. Email: vincent.montenero@cvut.cz (corresponding author)
2 Dauphine University, Pl. Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 75016 Paris, France. Email: cristina_cazorzi_martinez@whirlpool.com

This article examines the challenges of integrating new employees into a company in an environment where remote work is growing significantly. The reference situation is the COVID-19 crisis, seen as a case study. To describe the process as accurately as possible and to identify areas of diligence, we use a mixed method based on 51 questionnaires containing numerous open-ended questions and eight semi-structured interviews. The descriptive part of our analysis allows us to focus on the link between the degree of experience and the proactivity of newcomers. It also reveals the differing expectations that newcomers may have regarding what integration should entail. Applying methods from grounded theory, we identify five key areas for companies wishing to effectively integrate their collaborators. The article concludes with the need for companies to return to implementing integration tactics and devices and make the process less dependent on employee proactivity. To continue, it seems crucial to focus on further research for a better understanding of what each individual expects from integration, particularly when new generations are concerned.
Implications for Central European audience: In today's fast-changing environment, swift integration of new employees is increasingly becoming a key success factor. However, the rapid growth of remote activities within companies presents a new constraint that must be considered. Additionally, it is essential to recognize that newer generations may perceive the integration process itself differently or may be less willing to invest effort in it. This research represents one of the first inquiries into this emerging issue.

Keywords: Hybrid working; remote work; employee integration; HR management
JEL classification: E24, J62, O15

Received: November 10, 2023; Revised: June 14, 2024; Accepted: June 18, 2024; Prepublished online: October 13, 2024; Published: May 30, 2025  Show citation

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Montenero, V., & Cazorzi, C. (2025). Corporate Integration Processes: Lessons from the Covid-19 Crisis. Central European Business Review, 14(2), 1-23. doi: 10.18267/j.cebr.381
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