Tomáš Baťa: The Czech Example of Welfare Capitalism

Abstract

This study deals with the welfare capitalism fostered by Tomáš Baťa (1876-1932) in Zlín, Czechoslovakia. The growth of the Baťa Shoe Company as well as the influence of American production methods (including Taylorism and Fordism) on Baťa's management are the focus of the analysis. The Baťa Company's international expansion, its criticism by labor unions, and tariff policies aimed against Baťa's shoe export are also discussed. Special attention is paid to Baťa's social concerns and the implementation of welfare principles as advanced by Endicott Johnson. Baťa's original contribution to the mass-production idea referred to as "workshop autonomy" as well as his political activities as mayor of the Garden City of Zlín are evaluated by the author.