Uncertainty avoidance

- more than average fear of uncertain, unknown situations

- Czechs keep norms, regulations, plans

Short-term orientation

- traditions at the present situation (personal harmony, stability, quick profit) – important

- plans for future – do not go beyond a one year horizon

- particularism – in comparison with western cultures

- Czech culture is more implicit than other western cultures

· our communication style relies on a strong situational context

· non-verbal communication

· context of the communication

- Czech culture is diffuse

· spheres of life - not strictly divided => mixed together

· informal relations and groups at work place – typical

- strong emotions at workplace - as frequent as in private life

- Czech culture is polychromic

· keeping deadlines and punctuality - we are not very particular

· more activities at one time

The United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland

- England

- Scotland

- Wales

- Northern Ireland

LEGAL ASPECT

- key to understanding the mentality of the people and the political culture

- Constitutional monarchy

- real power – parliament => the oldest parliamentary system (no written constitution)

- fully democratic state

- two large parties: Conservatives, Labour

- elections: every 5 years

- truly representative democracy (from 1928)

- before 2WW – right to vote only for men

SOURCES OF THE UK CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT (5)

Acts of parliament

The highest form of law

Doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy – the parliament = the highest lawmakingpower in the UK

· can make any law

· courts in UK - carry out will and attention of parliament

· parliament is elected by people => its will and attention can be understood as will and attention of the people => “real” legislative sovereignty rests in the “people” who vote

· Parliamentary supremacy – not limited. Can pass any law it wants. Limited by “real” enforceability of legislation

Case-law

Backbone of the common law. Works in the interest of legal certainty

· case must be decided in the same way as those previously decided by higher UK courts

· when there is a new case, which (or similar one) has never happen in UK – IK court can look foreign Common law jurisdiction courts for inspiration

Constitutional convention

Very important in constitutional arrangement in the constitutional arrangement of the UK

Queen can:

· dissolve parliament

· grant pardons

· conclude international theaties

· declare war, ….

· she acts only upon consultation with and on the advice of the prime minister