The Impact of the National Training Fund on Employee Competency Management — the Role of NTF in Supporting Employees and Entrepreneurs
The article analyses the National Training Fund (KFS) as an instrument for managing employee competencies in Poland in 2020–2025. Based on the analysis of reporting and control data, it is demonstrated that the KFS functions largely as a reactive instrument, financing threshold competencies in identified deficit professions. The effectiveness of the KFS in the micro and small enterprise sector remains limited due to the lack of a systemic approach to HRM. The article also critically evaluates the perspective of the KFS as a resource stimulating bottom-up job crafting behaviours (JCB) among employees, pointing to a significant barrier in the form of the supply-driven nature of training services. Conclusions highlight the need to realistically evaluate effectiveness, territorially differentiate priorities (partially addressed by the 2025 Act), and verify actual training initiatives within organisations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Management and Administration Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Determinants of motivation and indicators of employee engagement in the light of our own research
In light of dynamic changes in the labor market and the growing importance of human capital, an in-depth analysis of motivational mechanisms is becoming increasingly relevant. The aim of this article is to determine the impact of selected motivators on the declared level of employee motivation and to identify engagement indicators that may act as predictors of this level of motivation. The main research problem of the article is to determine which motivators and indicators of employee engagement are most strongly related to the declared level of motivation. The research was conducted via an online survey involving professionally active individuals, diverse in terms of gender, type of employment, length of service, educational background, and income level. Statistical methods were employed, including correlation analysis and linear regression models - both aggregate and variable-specific. The overall level of declared motivation among respondents was moderately high. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in motivation levels depending on demographic and professional characteristics. Higher motivation was reported by individuals with shorter work experience, higher education, office-based roles, and higher income. Gender did not show a statistically significant impact, although men scored slightly higher on average than women. The findings indicate that non-financial factors exert the strongest influence on motivation, particularly transparent promotion criteria and the opportunity to engage in developmental and stimulating tasks. Although financial incentives were rated highly, they demonstrated a weaker correlation with overall motivation levels.
Full-time employment and self-employment – a comparative study of public law burdens in 2025-2026
This article compares the public law burdens borne by individuals employed under an employment contract and those running a sole proprietorship (SME) over the age of 26. The article analyzes the differences in social security and health insurance contributions, as well as the tax burdens resulting from various taxation methods available to entrepreneurs, relative to SMEs. The aim of the article was to assess the actual cost of labor based on a gross salary of PLN 10,000 and the funds remaining at the disposal of both employees and entrepreneurs after paying statutory dues. The assessment was conducted based on the regulations in force in 2025 and 2026, taking into account the current contribution and tax rates applicable to both forms of professional activity. The analysis supported the positive verification of the research hypothesis, which assumed that running a sole proprietorship is a more financially advantageous form of income for entrepreneurs than employment under an employment contract.
Management in the context of the digitalization of public administration: challenges and prospects
This article presents the legal foundations and European regulatory framework for the digitization of public administration in Poland, paying particular attention to the need for full compliance with the eIDAS regulations, the GDPR, and the NIS2 Directive. It identifies three key challenges for the administrative system: ensuring data security, countering growing cyber threats, and reducing digital exclusion. The article also highlights the potential of leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and e-democracy tools, while emphasizing the need for algorithm transparency and service design in accordance with the principles of inclusiveness. The conclusion presents recommendations including systematic training of officials, certification of algorithmic decision-making models, standardization of accessibility principles, and maintaining alternative channels for serving citizens. Furthermore, the author emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring of the impact of implemented digital solutions and the need for integrated management of IT projects in administration, which will enable the coherent and sustainable development of the state's digital infrastructure.
Comparative Analysis of Pension Systems in Finland, Sweden and Poland – Conclusions and Challenges for Poland
Nowadays, there is increasing public discussion in Poland about the national pension system. People are wondering whether other countries can provide inspiration for pension system reform. The aim of this article is to present the functioning of pension systems in Finland, Sweden, and Poland, as well as to propose solutions that could potentially be utilized and implemented with appropriate adjustments in the Polish pension system. The research results are based on an analysis of literature, secondary sources, and statistical data. Proposals for changes to the Polish pension system were formulated after identifying the problems of the Polish system and analyzing selected Scandinavian pension systems. The reforms that have been proposed include equalizing the retirement age for both sexes, making pension contributions dependent on life expectancy, introducing pension contributions that go into an investment account, and reforming pension contributions for sole proprietorships. Based on the article, it can be concluded that reforms in the Polish pension system are certainly needed. Finding ideas for reform should not be difficult, as there is no need to invent a completely new system. It is enough to draw on solutions from highly developed European countries and implement them appropriately in Poland, of course taking into account the socio-economic conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Management and Administration Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
DECISION-MAKING PRINCIPLES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEAL ORGANIZATIONS
Teal organizations are a progressive organizational model based on self-management, employee autonomy and decentralized authority. These organizations operate without traditional hierarchies, based on a self-managed structure and the empowering of individuals and teams to take responsibility for decisions through consultations and collective intelligence. The objective of the research was to develop a set of universal decision-making principles in the management of teal organizations. The research methods applied in the study include a systematic review of the literature, along with its critical analysis, observation and logical deduction. To achieve the objective of the research, a conceptual organizational structure diagram of the teal team, a conceptual organizational structure diagram of the teal organization and a set of 11 universal decision-making principles in the management of teal organizations were developed. The research results can be used by managers to improve decision-making process in their organizations, especially in the frames of remote and decentralized work, employee engagement, and the support of self-management and transparency. A promising direction of future research are digital tools and the integration of AI in the decision-making process.
Participatory budget implementation models in Poland as a contribution to organizational listening to the needs of residents: diversity of practices and legislative consequences
The civic budget, also known as participatory budgeting, has been implemented in Poland since 2011, when it was first introduced in the city of Sopot. Since then, the mechanism has gained considerable popularity and has been adopted by numerous local government units. In 2018, there was a significant legal change, as a result of which the civic budget became a mandatory element of governance in cities with county rights, losing its previously optional nature. This article attempts to analyze the variation in the organization and implementation of civic budgets in selected local government units in Poland. The subject of consideration are both procedural and structural differences that affect the effectiveness of this instrument of public participation. The factors determining the different implementation practices, resulting from local conditions and the specifics of individual local government units are indicated. The purpose of the study is to identify and systematize these discrepancies and assess their consequences for the quality and effectiveness of the implementation of civic budgets. The analysis presented contributes to the deepening of knowledge of implementation practices and opportunities for optimizing participatory mechanisms in the Polish local government system.
Designing customer experience on the example of a steam screening service
The article is devoted to the process of designing the customer experience using the example of an innovative service, which is a steam session conducted by a sauna master in a dry sauna. The aim of the article is to analyze and evaluate the attractiveness of the determinants of the experience of the steam seance service and to provide recommendations for service providers on the design of this type of service. The study used primary data in the form of a survey questionnaire conducted among steam seance customers and secondary data in the form of a literature review. The presented results of the own research were enriched with conclusions from research in the field of customer experience design, as well as a thorough analysis of diverse literature. On this basis, conclusions, recommendations for service providers and service recipients were presented along with limitations of the research and future research directions to optimally match the growing expectations of consumers of the developing health and well-being sector in Poland.
Oligopolization of the Polish Pharmacy Market: Impacts and Regulatory Recommendations under the 'Pharmacy for Pharmacists 2.0' Act
Over the past 15 years, the Polish pharmacy market has undergone an intensive process of ownership transformation, resulting in a decline in the number of independent pharmacies in favor of chain entities. The aim of this article is to identify and discuss the risks arising from the growing ownership concentration in the Polish pharmacy market and to justify the need for maintaining and strengthening regulations that protect its structure. Particular attention is given to the potential effects of reintroducing AdA 2.0. The article presents a review of literature and data, an analysis of the consequences of monopolization for various stakeholder groups (small businesses, patients, and the healthcare system), as well as recommendations for future legislative directions. The oligopolization and monopolization of the pharmacy market in Poland is not solely an economic issue – it constitutes a problem with multidimensional social, health, and state-level
ASSESSMENT OF MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OF OLSZTYN COUNTY
The complexity of the municipal economy results from various economic, social and ecological features, where social interest is integrated with economic efficiency. Municipal investments are currently one of the key tools of the commune's development strategy. When planning and implementing them, communes pay special attention to their impact or influence on sustainable development in areas such as economy, society, and ecology. The aim of the article is to analyze and assess the role of municipal investments in the aspect of sustainable development of the commune. The subject of the research are municipal investments implemented in the communes of the Olsztyn district. The research was conducted in 2020-2024. The basic research methods used in the study are: critical analysis method and indicator analysis. For the purposes of the research, a model for assessing municipal investments was developed. The research showed that individual communes obtained different levels of sustainable development indicators characteristic of the municipal economy. The research results can be used to analyze and assess the investment strategies of communes, promote best practices, and improve the process of assessing municipal invest-ments from the perspective of sustainable development.
FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR OF GENERATION Z IN POLAND
The article addresses the subject of personal finances, focusing on the financial behaviors of Generation Z – a generation entering the period of economic activity, in Poland. The author defines finances as a system of processes related to the accumulation and expenditure of funds in various segments of the economy. In particular, the importance of personal finances is emphasized as an area important for individuals and households. Financial behaviors are understood as the actions of individuals related to financial management, including, among others, saving, investing, spending, indebtedness and financial planning. Their shape is determined by psychological, social, cultural and economic factors. The article cites definitions of the concept from the literature on the subject, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature and importance for contemporary scientific research. The author points to changes in financial paradigms caused by globalization, technological progress and dynamic socio-economic changes, which have a particular impact on young generations. Generation Z, entering the labor market, must face new challenges, such as high inflation, job uncertainty and difficult access to credit, which requires them to have developed financial competences. The aim of the article is to identify and analyze financial attitudes and the level of economic knowledge among Polish Generation Z representatives. Particular attention is paid to the impact of economic education on financial decisions, saving practices, investing and the issue of debt. The article is based on a critical analysis of literature and data from reports on selected aspects of financial behavior.
COMPETENCIES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF POLISH BODIES ESTABLISHED TO COMBAT CORRUPTION: ANALYSIS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRAL ANTICORRUPTION BUREAUAND THE SUPREME AUDIT OFFICE
The aim of the article is to present the concept, activities, and specificity of the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) and the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) in the fight against corruption in Poland. The author discusses the problem of corruption in Poland, focusing on two main objectives of combating: the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) and the Supreme Audit Office (NIK). The author draws attention to risks of corruption, such as public administration, health care and electoral procedures. The conclusions indicate that despite legal regulations and actions taken by the CBA and NIK, corruption in Poland is still a problem due to the lack of systematic actions and the high social risk for this type of activities.
TURF IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION 1945-2000
This paper examines the industrial harvesting of turf and its use in electricity generation in Ireland from 1945 to 2000. It explores the commercial exploitation of Irish bogs which had been neglected for centuries. Exploitation achieved impetus when some revolutionaries such as Todd Andrews advocated economic self-sufficiency. With Government approval, Bord na Móna was created in 1945. Another state body, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), established turf-fired power plant. These developments had a significant economic impact until the mid 1980s. Thereafter, a combination of ageing plant, and supra-national environmental regulation led to the closure of power stations and the cessation of peat harvesting.
Formal and legal framework for the implementation, development and functioning of electromobility in Poland and the European Union
One of the key elements for achieving the EU's climate goals is the decarbonization of transport. However, in order to achieve the expected results, the European transport sector must undergo a transformation. One of the directions being considered is the use of electric vehicles. The number of documents affecting the formal and legal operation of electromobility is large. The purpose of the article is to systematize and present selected legal acts that significantly impact the implementation, development and operation of electromobility in the EU and Poland. These issues are addressed within the broader context of the interrelationships among electromobility, environmental protection, infrastructure development, and energy. The analysis confirmed the existence of numerous issues that require further elucidation and regulation in a sustainable Europe.
FAKE NEWS AS THE NEW REALITYOF POWER INDUSTRY OPERATION
Access to information and the ability to disseminate the same have today become seamless. On the one hand, the number of available data is snowballing. On the other hand, new threats are emerging, such as fake news items; albeit many of the origins can be traced back to the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2. A corresponding phenomenon could be noted at the time of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Western sanctions and Russian efforts to blackmail Europe through its energy supply, contributed to a growing number of fake news concerning the energy market. The above trajectories have prompted the author to analyse the phenomenon of fake news as being the new reality that has had a significant impact on the operations of both energy recipients and energy market. The purpose of the article is to determine the extent of false news, above all, those relating to the power industry, and public susceptibility to fake news. The findings of the conducted research demonstrate that fake news about the power industry is a common occurrence; although, the extent of energy-related news is smaller than that of disinformation regarding, say, the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, whenever disinformation about the energy technology reaches the public, it is likely to be subjected to distortion and misrepresentation.
SELECTED MEASURES OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL CAPITAL OF POLISH MUNICIPALITIES AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN MUNICIPALITIES – CORRELATIONS AND MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS
Human and social capital is a key success factor in managing organizations, especially in the commercial sector. This is confirmed by the very large literature on the subject. The present study, however, proposes a different perception of a specific “organization” as a community of residents in a specific territory, empowered organizationally, legally and financially through the municipal government. In such a view, this success and at the same time the result of management should be the quality of life of residents and sustainable development. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between municipalities' non-finan-cial capitals and the quality of life in municipalities and to identify the management implications for municipal authorities that result from this relationship. The article carries out a study of selected literature on the subject. The subject of our own research is 30 Polish municipalities of urban-rural, district cities of land districts (10 of low wealth, 10 of medium wealth and 10 of high wealth. As a result of the research, the existence of a very strong correlation between selected measures of human capital and quality of life in municipalities and a strong correlation between selected elements of social capital and quality of life in municipalities was established. The analyses provided new information on the impact of the studied non-financial capitals on the quality of life in municipalities and the formulation of management implications and recommendations for municipalities on this basis.
THE IMPACT OF CAREER PLATEAUS ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION. THE MODERATING ROLE OF REMOTE WORK
This study examines the impact of career plateaus on job satisfaction, highlighting the moderating role of remote work. Career plateau, characterized by limited career advancement opportunities, has been identified as a significant detractor of employee engagement and satisfaction. Leveraging the flexibility and autonomy of remote work, this research explores its potential to mitigate the adverse effects of career stagnation. A quantitative methodology was applied, analyzing survey data from public and private sector employees in Georgia using linear regression to test the hypotheses. The findings confirm a negative correlation between career plateau and job satisfaction, while greater autonomy in remote work significantly enhances job satisfaction levels. The study underscores the necessity of implementing job-design strategies that incorporate flexible employment forms as a means to counteract the effects of career stagnation and promote employee well-being.
Copyright (c) 2024 Management and Administration Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS' SOCIAL WELL-BEING
Health Literacy, or health awareness, is an essential competency for individuals in the 21st century. It enables the understanding of the purpose of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic actions, which translates into greater control over one's health. Taking care of personal health awareness is an investment in health that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, studying health literacy among students, who are responsible for their own lives and will also influence the lives of others, is an important topic. The article aims to analyze global research on the topic of Health Literacy among students. The reviewed studies provide strong evidence of the relationship between health literacy and factors such as age, semester of study, gender, field of study, parental education, and socioeconomic status. Other potential determinants may include access to information, health-related experiences, financial situation, and social support. Limited health literacy poses a significant challenge to health policy and education worldwide, albeit to varying degrees in different countries. Research should draw conclusions about which groups require systemic support to enhance their health literacy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Management and Administration Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.pl
POLICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. TASKS OF THE POLICE
The modern world creates many new challenges, but there are problems that have accompanied humanity since the beginning of civilization. Corruption in its various forms has been known both in the times of ancient empires and in modern times and is often related to the social situation in the country. Its manifestations can be found both in developed and developing countries, and the fight against it is often considered a priority, along with poverty, unemployment and terrorism, as it paralyzes the proper functioning of the state. The security of each individual and the entire state depends on the efficient functioning of this body. One of the most important foundations for its operation is the fact that it performs police tasks regardless of the current political conditions. In Poland, the main service established to fight crime, including corruption, is the Police. The aim of the article is to present the Police as the competent service in the field of recognizing, combating and counteracting corruption.
DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES OF RE-COMMERCE IN POLAND AND UKRAINE
There is a growing interest in e-commerce channel among buyers and sellers in Poland and Ukraine. The aim of this article is to present the essence of reverse e-commerce and ensure better understanding of its development perspective in both Polish and Ukrainian electronic commerce. In Poland the development of reverse commerce is reflected in customer shopping behaviour and most transactions take place online. In Ukraine, we can see a growing interest in pre-owned trade on the Internet, as sellers and buyers discern the potential of online re-commerce essence in providing savings as well as additional income. As the entire e-commerce sector recovers to pre-martial law level in 2022 and continues to develop, the share of reverse commerce in online sales will be increasing. Electronic commerce in secondary circulation may be a good reaction to geopolitical, economic, social and ecological challenges, both in Poland and Ukraine. Re-commerce practices are beneficial for buyers, for the planet, future generations as well as for sellers. It is worth to implement them on a larger scale in the activities of economic entities on both sides of the border.
DIFFERENTIATING THE DIMENSIONS OF THE SMART CITY CONCEPT IN METROPOLITAN AREAS
The aim of this study is to assess the differentiation of the dimensions of the smart city concept in metropolitan areas on the example of the cities of the Poznan metropolitan area. The analysis covered six basic areas of the smart city concept: smart economy, smart governance, smart mobility, smart environment and smart living. The assessment was carried out using the multi-criteria TOPSIS decision-making method. A total of 31 indicators relating to this concept and identified in the scientific literature were selected as comparative criteria. The analysis covered 14 cities. As a result, seven original rankings were prepared - six presenting an assessment of the cities' activities in individual smart city areas and a collective ranking indicating the position of individual cities in their efforts to build smart cities against the entire group. These rankings may provide indications for improving the programming of their development by decision-makers of cities located in metropolitan areas in the highlighted areas. By comparing the positions of individual units, it was possible to indicate which of them and in which area have the highest achievements and which smart city issues require a more careful look by decision-makers. The results of the study made it possible to indicate the directions of development of activities that are implemented in individual units against the background of the whole group.
Copyright (c) 2024 Management and Administration Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
BUSINESS MODELS AND ACTIVITIES TOWARDSA CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The transition to a circular economy represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, one which involvesmoving away from the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose” towards a system that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices. The research presented here focuses on examining business models and activities that support the transition to a circular economy. It aims to identify and categorize business models aligned with circular economy principles; explore how companies implement circular practices and identify key challenges and enablers that impact businesses’ shift to circular practices. The findings unveil that there are two main approaches to resource circulations: the first involves slowing the resource flows and second involves closing resource loops. Moreover, the implementation practices at three levels: micro, meso and macro levels and four areas, production, consumption, waste management and development support were presented. The study probes the realm of circular economy within sustainability, unveiling its potential to make better use of finite resources, reduce emissions and boost economies. The conclusions of the paper emphasize that achieving a global circular economy model appears unrealistic.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DIGITAL EXCLUSION OF INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISES
The study aims to identify the principal circumstances of the digital exclusion of innovative enterprises. A deductive approach was used in the analyses. A leading method was the query of selected literature sources (domestic and foreign) – narrative literature review. Analysis and synthesis were complementary methods. Scientific studies have been chosen from the following full-text databases: EBSCO, Emerald, CEEOL, and BazEkon. The analyses indicated that the primary external circumstances of digital exclusion concerning innovative enterprises include technological, legal, economic, sectoral/cluster, educational, infrastructural, socio-cultural, territorial, and demographic dimensions. On the other hand, the leading internal circumstances for the digital exclusion of innovative enterprises are financial, relational, competence, management, infra-structural, and structural and procedural. In addition, individual circumstances (internal and external) can interact, which further emphasizes the legitimacy of planned and structured management of these circumstances so that they can be used constructively in innovative activities, i.e., aimed at eliminating the phenomenon of digital exclusion.
SOCIALIZATION OF MANAGEMENT AS THE FUNCTIONINGOF SCHOOL SOCIAL BODIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVEOF NON-PUBLIC AND PUBLIC-SCHOOL TEACHERS
Socialization was an important change in education management introduced after 1989. It provided an opportunity for schools to be managed by citizens and for citizens. Socialization was implemented by changing and modifying the tasks of social bodies that are part of a school’s organizational structure. The main aim of the work is to explore the issue of the role of school social bodies in the management of modern schools as a manifestation of the socialization of management. The article poses the following research question: what is the involvement of social bodies in school management? The research used a quantitative strategy. The tool used to collect research material was a survey. The subjects of the research were teachers of public and private schools. The article shows that social bodies, as elements of the organizational structure, depending on the type of institution: public or non-public, have a different impact on the functioning of the studied school organizations. Their activity covers various areas of the school’s activities. School is an ideal platform, a laboratory, and a preliminary introduction to the world of democracy and its practice. One of the possibilities and at the same time a way through which attitudes and actions based on democratic values can be taught are social bodies operating in schools.
CUSTOMER KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (CKM) USING ORGANIZATIONALLEARNING PROCESSES
The paper addresses the role and essence of customer knowledge management (CKM). The relationship between knowledge management and CKM is described. The main goal is to present the use of organizational learning processes in CKM. Organizational learning processes were characterized based on the author's concept of sub-processes of traditional, empirical and cybernetic organizational learning, the cycles of these processes, changing types of knowledge, main knowledge processes and their categories in CKM. Examples of instruments for implementing organizational learning in CKM are also provided. The publication/article present the result of the Project no 052/ZZZ/2023/POT financed from the subsidy granted to the Krakow University of Economics.
SELECTED ASPECTS OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN RAIL TRANSPORT
Rail transport safety management requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal regulations, advanced technologies, staff training and constant monitoring of the number and structure of accidents, incidents and events. The aim of the study is to show the scope of rail transport safety management. The analysis was carried out based on data from the Office of Rail Transport and the Central Statistical Office. The study analyzed the number and structure of rail accidents as well as the causes of accidents, incidents and rail events. The analysis covered the years 2017-2022. The analysis showed that the accident measure, which is the ratio of the number of accidents to the size of operational work, decreased from 2.56 to 1.89 in the years 2017-2022. At the same time, in the same period, the number of incidents increased from 1256 to 1642. The statistical analysis also showed that there is a significant positive correlation between the number of rail incidents and events and operational work in rail passenger transport. Investing in research and development of new technologies and solutions that improve safety is key to the continuous improvement of safety management. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis, can significantly improve the ability to predict and respond to threats. Those responsible for the organization and operation of rail transport should strive to continuously improve safety management systems.
UWARUNKOWANIA KSZTAŁTOWANIA STRUKTURY ORGANIZACJI PUBLICZNEJ NA PRZYKŁADZIE PODLASKIEGO URZĘDU WOJEWÓDZKIEGO
The research presented in the article concerns the determinants of organizational structures in public organisation, particularly the influence of managerial attachment to existing, stable structures, using the example of the Podlaskie Voivodeship Office. For this purpose, an analysis of legal and organizational determinants was carried out, along with empirical research in the form of a survey conducted among a selected group of middle-level managers (head of departments) of the office. The conducted research illustrates the strength and specificity of the office staff's attachment to stable, and often simply inherited, organizational structures. A two-dimensional character of the determinants shaping the organizational structure can also be observed, consisting of the interplay between external influences (specific legislation) and internal factors, with particular emphasis on organizational culture. The described structure proves to be very stable and therefore inflexible, with a deeply rooted sense of its own organic nature, where the effectiveness of a manager depends on an excellent understanding of the organization (internal recruitment) and where high levels of conformity and adaptation to the team of people they work with are expected from employees.
CHALLENGES IN CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT OF MULTICULTURAL TEAMS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FINDINGS OF INTERVIEWS WITH EUROPEAN MANAGERS
The increasing number of multinational companies has added complexity to tasks performed by multicultural teams. While multiculturalism is common in many companies operating globally, it can impact goal achievement both positively and negatively. However, the effective management of multicultural teams offers several benefits, such as access to employees’ unique knowledge and diverse experiences, improved communication with foreign contractors, and the possibility to introduce innovative solutions. This article aims to identify the challenges in managing multicultural teams based on in-depth interviews conducted in 2024 with managers from Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece. These challenges are compared to those reported by managers from other European countries in the interviews conducted in 2023. The theoretical section discusses the importance of multicultural teams in contemporary management. The empirical section presents the results of the 2024 interviews and compares them to the 2023 findings. According to managers from Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece, the main challenges in managing multicultural teams include the substantive preparation of managers, their level of cultural intelligence, effective communication within multicultural teams, and the continuous development of the knowledge and skills necessary for working in culturally diverse environments.
GOOD PRACTICES OF HYBRID STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES LISTED ON THE WARSAW STOCK EXCHANGE
State-owned enterprises play a major role in today's global economy. However, they are accused of low efficiency as a result of flawed corporate governance. Listed state-owned enterprises are hybrid companies because they combine different institutional logics. Listed companies, in order to gain legitimacy from stakeholders, provide information to the market. Stakeholders expect companies to provide reliable information on the achievement of goals they care about. Corporate governance is monitored on reports of listed companies' adherence to good practices of listed companies. It was decided to investigate the usefulness for stakeholders of reports on compliance with the good practice of companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange for assessing corporate governance. Corporate governance is a problem for state-owned enterprises due to the need to combine corporate and state logic. Hybrid state-owned enterprises (SOEs) also have to follow the logic of the capital market. Therefore, the subject of the study was compliance with good practices of listed companies by hybrid SOEs listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The aim of the study was to find out how their corporate governance compares with other companies. A quantitative study was conducted using the COMPLY factor. It turned out that hybrid SOEs performed better than other companies listed on the same stock indices and in the same sectors. Thus, the results of the study point to the inadequacy of the good practice reporting system.
compliance with best practices of listed companies
PROBLEMS OF SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN POLISH CITIES
Sustainable mobility in Polish cities faces numerous challenges arising from dynamic urbanization, demographic changes, and the growing transportation needs of residents. The increase in the number of cars on urban roads leads to congestion, air pollution, and a decrease in quality of life. Transport policies must focus on reducing individual car traffic in favour of public transport, micromobility, and eco-friendly solutions. Key initiatives include creating bike paths, promoting electric scooters, and developing zero-emission vehicles. Financial support, infrastructure modernization, and changing social attitudes toward transport are essential to achieve sustainable mobility. These actions must be supported by local and governmental strategies such as the "European Green Deal" and the "Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy." Furthermore, educating the public and engaging residents in transport planning will contribute to improving the quality of urban life and the environment.