FRANCHISING AS BOTH A NETWORK PHENOMENON AND AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND KNOW-HOW

Abstract

This article aims to present the specifics of franchise networks, which are playing an increasingly important role in the Polish economy. We shall also look to characterize such networks as an instrument for the transfer and dissemination of knowledge and know-how among the participants of a given distribution system or client base. We shall also draw attention to the fact that although franchising is a network phenomenon, it also exhibits specific characteristics that distinguish it from the classical organizational network model. This applies in particular to the management of the transfer of the body of knowledge possessed by the network organizer under this type of system. Such knowledge management serves both to provide participants with an idea for their own business, and to possibly modify the ways of conducting or running it. This article shall endeavor to indicate that the growing popularity of franchising is determining the specific features of this form of economic cooperation among entrepreneurs.