In this paper certain parameters of ethical values and attitudes of students in economics from different countries are analysed (attitudes toward work and organisation; goals of work; readiness to work for common benefit, etc.). The basic question was whether, and to what extent, such attitudes differ in countries in transition (former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe) compared with western countries with a developed market economy and Latin-American countries. On the basis of empirical research we conclude that there are significant differences, i.e., that students from countries in transition show more selforiented attitudes, less readiness to help others and tend to consider work in an organisation primarily as a means to achieve one's own goals (always compared with students from the other two groups of countries). The main explanation for this is found in the transition itself, i.e., conditions and processes in those countries in the 1990s, and less in the heritage of the previous (communist) system.

This paper presents the results of a research that investigated the extent in which volunteering is present in the population of unemployed in Croatia (in Split-Dalmatia county), and in which way volunteering can be a useful way and measure for their faster and more productive (re)employment. Attitudes and perceptions of unemployed volunteers have been compared with those from non-volunteers, as well as unemployment records of those two populations. Finally, the potential of volunteering as a tool for faster and more productive employment of unemployed has been assessed.Strong evidence that volunteering helps to faster and more productive employment of unemployed has been found. Research showed that population of unemployed is very good target group to promote volunteering as the way to acquire new knowledge and skills. Unemployed see volunteering, among other, as a good vehicle to improve their employability and entry into the 'world of work'. Promotion of volunteering among unemployed should be seen as the activity that contributes not only to develop volunteering and increase individual and social benefits from volunteering itself, but as activity and tool to reduce unemployment, shorten unemployment duration for individuals, and increase productive utilisation of human capital.

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New survey data for more than 470 employees (more than 80% of production workers) in a single Croatian manufacturing firm exhibits large variation in participation in innovative work practices (IWPs) notably online teams, offline teams, employee ownership, and incentive pay. Amongst IWPs, probit estimates reveal that membership in offline teams most often yields favorable outcomes for firms, notably enhanced provision of discretionary effort by employees and more likelihood of peer monitoring, as well as improved worker outcomes, including enhanced job satisfaction and higher employee involvement. Other IWPs usually are associated with similar favorable outcomes for firms and workers. Participation in sets of IWPs, that include offline teams and financial incentives, is found to yield benefits to both employees and firms. Our findings provide support for the proposition that IWPs will produce mutual gains and also help to identify key channels through which different IWPs work. Women also perceive that they are less empowered and report less willingness to engage in peer monitoring.