On the basis of the survey results, it is possible to conclude that foreign investors are
not in the role of sole leaders when following contemporary management and
organization development directions and when introducing innovative management
practices in Estonia. For instance, the subsidiaries of Nordic enterprises do not always
follow “soft” management directions such as self-directed work teams or focusing on
employee individuality and personality in Estonia. One reason for this is that
management philosophies and directions are not chosen because of any wish to be
innovative or to obtain a strategic advantage, but mostly due to pressure from the
external environment. Foreign-owned companies are more likely to adapt their
management practices to local conditions and emerging labour market situations.