Background. Many publications have studied environmental management sys­tems. Once a system is implemented and maintained, it should affect employee environmental awareness – the question is to what extent it does so. To date, published studies have defined awareness and highlighted its importance. The author, as a practitioner, was interested in whether the positive opinion about the system expressed in the system documentation (audit reports) was relevant for the development of environmental awareness of managers and employees.

Research aims. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to establish the relationship between the state of the environmental management system and the environmental awareness of users. It was recommended to introduce surveys to raise awareness and improve the system.

Methodology. Literature review and surveys were used to collect the data.

Findings. The surveys showed that the vast majority of employees want their organization to be safe for the environment. But in practice, many employees do not know the environmental objectives or environmental improvement plans. This means that the system is not optimally maintained. Decision-makers rely on the reports from environmental audits and reviews to learn about the need to improve environmental awareness. In addition to analyzing the documentation, surveys are needed in an organization to understand the employees’ feedback.

JEL Codes: J23, O15, R11

Background. Volunteer fire brigades are primarily active at the local level; they are an organizational form of a self-organizing community; they build and benefit from social capital and pursue many social objectives. The local community – the main audience of their activities – often clusters around them. The activities of volunteer fire brigades result from legal obligations, but also from the values shared by the firefighting community.

Research aims. The research objective was to identify values shaping the organizational communities of firefighters and activities determined by such values. The values adhered to by volunteer fire brigade members as well as their activities for the benefit of local communities were identified, including those dedicated to sustaining the volunteer fire brigades’ existence.

Methodology. The strategy for organizing data acquisition and presentation was a collective case study. The research methods that served the purpose of the research included individual interviews, group interviews, participant observations, and analysis of existing documents.

Findings. The values that shape firefighting communities comprise a sense of public service, trust, friendship, kindness, loyalty, solidarity, respect and cooperation. By treating their commitment as service, firefighters fulfil the need of a sense of community, which they extend beyond organizational boundaries by dedicating their actions to local communities.

JEL Codes: L31

Background. For many years, the Polish style of managing universities was based on the Humboldtian model of higher education and the assumption of academic self-government that decides in a collegial manner. Simultaneously, Ustawa 2.0 (The Law on Higher Education and Science of 20 July 2018) significantly changed the way of managing universities. The state authorities noticed that the hermetic academic environment must become open toward the socioeconomic sphere, cooperate with it, and enable universities to professionalize their management.

Research aims. This article seeks to learn the criteria of appointing members to university councils in Poland from the perspective of Ustawa 2.0 and those people who were directly or indirectly engaged in choosing the councils’ members. In the light of this goal, I had to capture the solutions introduced by Ustawa 2.0 from the perspective of changes that occurred in the university management in Poland.

Methodology. I used a mixed methodology to conduct this study. To that end, I analyzed the contents of Ustawa 2.0 and particularly focused on articles about appointing members to the councils. Additionally, I analyzed twenty statutes of Polish universities singled out by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the first edition of the competition “Excellence Initiative – Research University.” Moreover, I interviewed seven people in university management positions who were engaged in appointing members to university councils (among others, a rector and a vice-rector).

Findings. Although university councils operate in many countries, they are a novelty in the structures of the higher education institution (HEI) management system in Poland. The role and competencies of the councils are broad, and they practically influence how Polish universities operate. The conducted research showed that the appointment of members to the university councils follows the universal rules specified in the Ustawa 2.0 and, partially, in the statutes of universities. The law indicates that university council members should be persons respected in the academic environment, who know the mission and values of a given university.

JEL Codes: H75, I23, I28

Background. Currently, the university management requires undertaking the execution of new activities. In response to the challenges of the contemporary processes of the management – building a third generation university – universities are adapting the concepts of management, which up to now have been first and foremost availed of in the sector of enterprises. Such a solution is the concept of a learning organisation.

Research aims. The aim of the research conducted was to verify the using of the concepts of a learning organisation during the building of the third generation university

Methodology. In the research methodology, a systematic literary review was applied, as well as a case study of the Jagiellonian University. The choice of this university was made on the basis of a subjective evaluation of the process of evolution of the university from the second generation to the third generation. The adoption of such research methodology shall facilitate the building of propositions of good practices of the university management for other universities in the future.

Findings. The research conducted reveals that the university has been using a learning organisation to build a third generation university.

JEL Codes: M41, M48, I2

Background. Modern technologies, and the Internet in particular, play an essential role in the effective business model of every company. Due to the fact that social enterprises often take over business models from commercial enterprises, a question arises about their applicability in the use of the Internet in social business. The size of the social enterprise and having a strong leader in the organization should be taken into account.

Research. The study identifies the increase of effectiveness of social enterprise business models through appropriate use of the Internet. The analysis attempts to demonstrate the relationship between business models and the social enterprise strategy, emphasizing the important role of the holistic model. The analysis is in­tended to show the importance of the business model in marketing and management.

Methodology. The study is based on a literature analysis as well as in the empir­ical part on the results of the author’s research. The most important hypothesis of the study assumes that the direct effectiveness of using the Internet is positively associated with the effectiveness and success in creating social value.

Findings. The results of analysis show that the impact of Internet efficiency was high in those social enterprises that used the appropriate business model. The efficiency of using the Internet is positively related to the size of the social enterprise and having a strong leader.

JEL Codes: F69, M29.

Background. The dynamically developing technology and changing system of interpersonal communication has modified the customers’ approach to the process of making purchasing decisions. The literature has even developed the concept of a new customer – a digital one. The market situation forced companies to look for effective modern tools for their marketing communication. One of such tools to reach digital customers is social media.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to indicate the role of social media in the purchasing process of Polish digital customers aged 18–26.

Methodology. The conclusions presented in the article are the result of an analysis of quantitative and qualitative research, which consisted of a survey with 140 respondents and of 6 individual in-depth interviews.

Findings. The conducted research has shown that social media have a significant role in customers’ purchasing decisions. They influence the perception of the brand by customers but also the purchase of specific products. Based on the research results, it can be assumed that SM functionalities that shorten the purchasing process will be developed in the future, and the role of social media in the purchasing process will grow.

JEL Codes: M3, M30, M31, M37.

Background. The explosion of big data (BD), automation, and machine learning have allowed contemporary businesses to better understand and predict human behavior. In scientific research big data have been widely used to study consum­er journey and opinions. One of the tools enabling forecasting of sales volume is the Bass diffusion model, which universal nature has been proven in many appli­cations in forecasting the sale of products belonging to various market segments. This article considers the use of BD as exogenous variables in the Bass model to predict the sales of tourist packages.

Research aims. The purpose of the research is to assess the impact of using big data on improving the accuracy of forecasts for the sale of tourist packages. The Generalized Bass Model (GBM) has been thus expanded to include big data, which means that exogenous variables include: (1) marketer-generated content (MGC) and (2) user-generated content (UGC), including volume of web search and blog posts.

Methodology. This article analyzes online news, blog posts and web search traf­fic volume related to tourist packages, and then integrates the information into the Bass model, treating it as part of the exogenous variables representing the mar­keting efforts of tour operators. It has been assumed that the volume of tour opera­tors’ web news is a proxy for content generated by marketers (MGC), while the vol­ume of blog posts and web search traffic constitute user-generated content (UGC).

Key findings. The empirical analysis found that by incorporating big data into the Bass model provides more accurate prediction of tourist packages’ sales vol­ume. In addition, UGC (as an exogenous variable) is better at predicting sales volume than MGC. UGC is a fairly good tool explaining the level of interest and involvement of potential tourists. However, it has been shown that forecasting efficiency is different for blog posts and web search traffic volumes.

JEL Codes: M31, M37, C55

Background. The issue of economic growth is still an important area of economic research. This topic is crucial for the economic sciences as well as for economic policy practice. Let this statement be the most important assumption in this arti­cle. Everything that happens in the economy concerns socio-economic phenomena. The main scientific problem comes down to the question of what is the role of in­stitutional factors in the socio-economic development of Poland?

Research aims. The author set himself two main aims. The first aim is an at­tempt to present institutional determinants that affect the socio-economic devel­opment of the Polish economy. The second is an attempt to present the devel­opment of the Polish economy by setting it against the background of selected European countries.

Methodology. This work uses a modified taxonomic development measure meth­od based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The research was embedded in the current of new institutional eco­nomics. The concept of the institutional matrix was also used.

Key findings. Analyses conducted have facilitated the creation of an overview of the socio-economic development of the Polish economy. This was illustrated by the average socio-economic development index (ASEDI). Taxonomic measures of development were also calculated for all 10 of the economies analyzed. The main research time horizon is 2008–2018. Part of the collected data enabled anal­ysis of the period 1995–2018. The results of research and analyses have shown that selected institutional factors significantly affect the final level and quality of socio-economic development of Poland in comparison with selected European countries.

JEL Codes: B520, E020, O110.

Background. The increase in the complexity of the social and political situation of Eastern European countries raises questions about securitization of national and ethnic minorities and its impact on the management of ethno-politics in the coun­tries of the subregion. Ethnopolitical management corresponds to the security of the subregion. Research interest in securitization of minority affairs is current, especially after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Research aims. The purpose is to define the role of securitization of national and ethnic minorities issues in the management of ethno-politics in Eastern Europe­an countries. The research area encompasses: Belarus, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The author asks the following research questions: 1) What are the areas of securitization of the issues of national and ethic minorities concerned? 2) How does the securitization of the issues of national and ethnic minorities take place? 3) How does the securitization affect the process of ethnopolitical management in the studied countries?

Methodology. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied, integrat­ing methods from political science, international relations and management. The conclusions from author’s own research carried out during foreign study trips in the years 2014–2017 were used. The literature has an interdisciplinary aspect. The realization of the goal is based on the application of a catalogue of research methods, including in detail, the following methods are mainly used in the re­search: system analysis; comparative method; behavioral method; a qualitative approach was also used in the realized research. The article uses the method of critical analysis of literature, where the concept of securitization is referred to.

Key findings. The role of securitization of national and ethnic minorities in the management of ethnopolitics in the countries of Eastern Europe is diversi­fied (it concerns different minorities and different areas). Uncontrolled may lead to deepening of the subregion’s security crisis (inter alia, to ethnopolitical con­flicts), hindering the process of ethnopolitical management.

JEL Code: F52, F53, J71.

Recruiting agencies in Central Europe partner with various companies in the Unit­ed States to place young women and men (ages 18–26) from their countries into the homes of U.S. families as au pairs, i.e., live-in child care providers. Ideally, the arrangement combines cultural exchange with useful services, to the benefit of all. However, many “matches” do not go well. In over one-fourth of the cases surveyed for this paper, the au pair did not complete the agreed-upon stay with the U.S. host family, often leaving at the family’s insistence. These failures are harmful to the persons involved as well as to the Central European recruiting agencies and the U.S. companies they work with. This paper examines how suc­cess rates could be improved through better practices by all concerned. Success factors include: setting realistic expectations for au pair candidates and host families, coaching them for online interviews (including optimum use of the tech­nology), and providing strong follow-up support. Research for the paper included a survey of U.S. host families and comparative studies of sources such as news reports, academic publications, public websites used in the au pair industry, and other materials.

Background. Recruiting agencies in Central Europe partner with various com­panies in the United States to place young women and men (ages 18−26) from their countries into the homes of U.S. families as au pairs, i.e., live-in child care providers. Ideally, the arrangement combines cultural exchange with useful ser­vices, to the benefit of all. However, in over one-fourth of the cases surveyed for this paper, the au pair did not complete the agreed-upon stay with the U.S. host family, often leaving at the family’s insistence.

Research aims. This paper examines how success rates could be improved through better practices. Success factors include: setting realistic expectations for au pair candidates and host families, coaching them for online interviews and providing strong follow-up support.

Methodology. A survey of U.S. host families and comparative studies of multiple sources, e.g., news reports, academic publications, public websites from au pair industry.

Key findings. A successful placement gives the au pair valuable career experience, enhances the home country’s human capital and its image abroad, helps Central European agents recruit further good candidates. Failures impose financial losses, burdens on all parties. It can damage the au pair’s morale and create obstacles in one’s path to a productive career.

JEL Codes: M11, M15.

Background. The succession of family business has become the topic most often investigated within the family business (FB) research. As we would like to under‑ stand the phenomena we need to recognize its specificity, mechanism of operation, determinants and consequences. In this case, a range of determinants of the pro‑ cess has been investigated so far. But, the flood of publications seems to focus on specific issues, leaving aside some important aspects of the problem.

Research aims. The purpose of the research is to summarize up to date knowledge on the determinants of the succession, and identify possible gaps in research, and thus potential areas for future inquiry. We concentrate on the culture pre‑ vailing in the community the firms operate in as a potentially significant factor determining the behavior of players involved in succession.

Methodology. The discussion undertaken in the paper is theoretical, based on deduction. The determinants of the process of succession are synthetized on the base of literature review. As there is no succession without successor, we concentrate on the younger generation perspective and try to cover the complexity of the issues involved.

Findings. We show important gaps in the research on family business succession, and point at culture embeddedness of the businesses, and the large promising area of intercultural comparative studies for our understanding of succession. We also indicate the legitimacy of a broader view on management issues by setting the problems in a specific cultural environment. The synthesis suggests the necessity of research on cultural determinants of succession, based on comparative analysis of cases from different cultural background. Moreover, it rises doubts if regularities of an organization operations observed in one cultural background would have universal value.

JEL Codes: L26

Background. Although one can find in the subject literature how to implement management by values (MBV), this concept is still relatively new and not devel‑ oped enough. Over the years, it has been proven that there is a direct relationship between management by values and the economic performance of an organization.

Research aims. The aim of the paper is to answer the following research ques‑ tions: “What are the origin and assumptions of the concept of management by values?” and “How should an organization implement and maintain MBV?”.

Methodology. The authors used literature studies and the longitudinal case study method. Within the case study the authors applied participant observations (conducted in 8 years), analysis of documentation and other information about the enterprise under study such as internal reports or website. They interviewed 3 management board members and 8 employees, as well. Then they confronted empirical findings with the “Road Map” concept which is presented in the literature.

Key findings. The research revealed some differences between practice and the “Road Map”. The study delivers guidelines for managers (e.g., on how to oper‑ ationalize the company’s values, how to build a reward system, or how to measure the success of MBV implementation). The paper also presents the directions for further research.

JEL Codes: M12, M14

Background. Nowadays, corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is perceived as an essential approach to boost the innovation and creativity within existing organizations for achieving higher opportunities in the market. This paper examines this concept, which has been largely discussed in the Anglo-Saxon world over the last thirty years. Like for many other phenomena, also in case of CE, this discussion has provided numerous conceptualizations, and consequently, there is not one unique definition of CE. In this respect, the search for an appropriate basis for understanding and describing the phenomenon of CE engenders a challenging issue for entrepreneurship researchers.

Research aims. This paper aims at creating a large platform for understanding the concept of CE by means of a clarification effort through the review of the most important papers in this field and identification of the existing research gaps.

Methodology. Systematic literature survey is the applied methodology. EBSCO and Taylor & Francis database were used as a source for the sampling process.

Key findings. The analysis does acknowledge the need for more qualitative and rigorous research in this field and brings several recommendations for the future studies. The main conclusions also do urge for a more diversified research in terms of the sectors discussed, as the biggest gap identified is in the services sector. There is also a need for a more structured classification of the measures, depending on the real research focus: CE antecedents or outcomes.

JEL Codes: o31, o32

Background. Although it was proved that there is a positive relationship between effectiveness of HRM and performance of the organization, little is known why this relationship exists. It is due to the focus on the organizational level, instead of examining behavioral aspects of individuals in the organizations.

Research aims. The aim of presented article is to fill the gap in HRM effectiveness research by applying multilevel approach. A literature review was conducted to examine how HRM effectiveness was linked to other variables in previous research according to the multilevel logic.

Methodology. The article uses systematic literature review of the empirical research on HRM effectiveness focusing on its antecedents and outcomes.

Key findings. The review revealed scarcity of multilevel approach towards HRM effectiveness yet suggests there is a gap in examining antecedents and outcomes on individual or unit/ group level of analysis.

JEL Codes: M12, C18, L29

Background. The range of operation of e‑participation is constantly widening. The commonness of using e‑participation in public management makes one think about its effectiveness in implementing complex processes, particularly those occurring in cities, as the urban revitalization. This process traditionally benefits from wide stakeholder participation based on face‑to‑face relations.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to present – in the context of literature – the experiences of the Cracow City Hall in the range of using e‑participation of the residents in the process of planning and implementing revitalization. The basic question is whether it is possible to use e‑participation instead or to a limited extent of traditional instruments based on face‑to‑face contacts.

Methodology. The article is based on the results of a desk research (documents of the city of Cracow, the results of research and analyses in the field of interest), website analysis and social media profiles as well as focus group interview conducted by the author in June 2019 with the employees of the Revitalization Office at the Cracow City Hall.

Key findings. By the example of Cracow, on the basis of literature research as well as own research and experience gained by designing several revitalization programmes, the author has claimed that face‑to‑face contact is inestimable. However, city government and its officials cannot avoid the necessity of conducting part of the communication process in social media. The example of Cracow has indicated some weaknesses and dangers which a city may face while using these tools the author has shown..

JEL Codes: O20, R58, H70

Background. Contemporary challenges motivate academics to look for forms of activities stimulating creative processes, releasing creativity, and supporting cooperation between universities and their socio‑economic environments, including the expansion of knowledge with the active participation of these environments. Such effects are brought about by cooperation within the framework of a community of practice – a traditional form of academics’ organizing themselves that is currently being rediscovered.

Research aims. A presentation and analysis of examples of informal academic cooperation in Poland and the United Kingdom.

Methodology. A case study has been conducted on the basis of statements made by British and Polish researchers and practitioners involved in communities of practice.

Findings. The result of the conducted research is the identification of a theoretical basis necessary for understanding various types of voluntary cooperation within an academic community. The research results show that communities of practice are an effective way of working thanks to the stimulation of creative processes, academics’ individual development, and advantages gained by institutions. Their key strengths are the absence of formalization and the joy of creation. They constitute a renaissance of the traditional forms of work compatible with academics’ styles of living.

JEL Codes: I23

This study attempts to determine how external factors affect economic growth. It is a methodological solution unique in the literature enabling the study of basic contemporary phenomena associated with globalisation. The advantage of the proposed solutions is their transparency and simplicity. The introduction of two types of membranes is of key importance. The presented model creates great opportunities for its development and verification of the adopted solutions in the long run. 

JEL Codes: E27

Background. Given the specificity and importance of social innovation as the processes of converting novel ideas and solutions of crucial social problems into value for society, they cannot be research and designed if taken out from real‑life environment. A living lab approach has become a promising methodology for social innovation research and design, wich offer means of developing and testing innovations in co‑creation with users and other stakeholders in real‑life settings.

Research aims. Given that a living lab is above all a research and design methodology, this research study is aimed at developing the inquiry processes on which the functioning of a social innovation living laboratory is based and which are the basis of conceptual design research framework.

Methodology. This research study was realized with conceptual research, wherein the existing knowledge was used as a source of reasoning leading to solve the scientific problem. The observing and analyzing existing information on cognitive processes occurring within living laboratories and their interpretation in the light of knowledge about the processes of creating social innovations led to solve the scientific problem.

Key findings. The original conceptual design research framework for a social innovation living lab understood as a research and design methodology. Proposed research framework enables to combine existing knowledge with the experiences from its application for theory testing and further development.

JEL Codes: O3, M1, L2

Background. The article draws thereaders’attention to changes –trends in particular from the environment of further school organizations, and having a significant impact on the way they function.

Research aims. Review and attempt at the theoretical analysis of macro trends: economic, (post) humanities and technology, which governs or will govern education throughout the world. Attention was also paid to challenges posed by individual management perspectives.

Methodology. My research is based on a literature review giving insight into the basic understanding of changes in education and on existing approaches.

Key findings. The article shows that school organizations are subject to various changes initiated by various entities, including political and economic ones and this requires parallel attention to the development of humanities that will allow individuals to become “fully”human, so that entry into the world of nature, economy, technology, society, and culture can be accomplished through awareness and implementation of humanistic ideas.

JEL Codes: I21, I28

Background. Gender is an important element regarding women’s (and men’s) situation in organizations. Numerous research studies indicate that women have the required competences and yet they hold positions, in particular top managerial positions, definitely less frequently than men. These differences can be explained by the still existing phenomenon of the glass ceiling and discrimination against women. In addition, knowledge about effective methods of preventing discrimination against women and their importance for the functioning of the organization is little.

Research aims. The objective of this paper was to identify the dominant trends in research on women in organizational management. On the basis of the grouped results of the conducted literature review, the authors outlined new research directions which had previously been absent from, or attracted little attention in, the existing discourse.

Methodology. The main method applied by the authors was systematic literature review and the principles of research conducted in the fields of management and business (Creswell, 2013; Easterby‑Smith, Thorne & Jackson, 2015).

Key findings. The authors indicated various possibilities of conducting research on women in management. For example, studies on the glass ceiling effect do not explain differences between the conduct of organizations with a long‑term orientation and those pursuing short‑term objectives. As far as financial benefits are concerned, it is not clear what causes organizations whose management boards include women to achieve better financial results and how such results are influenced by the external context. With respect to preventing discrimination, an important task is to grasp the differences between the strength of prosocial behaviours and training/procedures. There are also many research directions that should be further developed, e.g. differences between women and men in the manifestation of counterproductive and citizenship behaviours.

JEL Codes: D21, M14

Background. The general concept of a neo‑institutional causal sphere was developed in response to the question about what company management, understood as practice, is from the perspective of dynamic changes taking place in a broadly defined coherent causal sphere. A critical analysis of the literature on new institutional economics, psychology, and sociology, observation of the socio‑economic reality, and the author’s long experience in managing companies became the prime movers behind the formulation of the concept presented in this paper.

Research aims. As a result of the search for answers to the key question, two hypotheses emerged. The first one concerns understanding a company as a collection of activities in the form of socio‑economic phenomena, whereas the other is related to human activity within a company, which shapes the neo‑institutional manufacturing system. It is a process of the direct achievement of the organization’s objectives using appropriate tools. However, the most important subject here is the contracting man. In this context, the author of the article proposes a thesis according to which company management practice, as defined by the neo‑institutional perspective, should be oriented towards broad‑aspect determinism of a coherent causal sphere.

Methodology. In order to support his thesis, the author first presents issues concerning a company from the neo‑institutional perspective, providing a background for the concept of a coherent causal sphere. The second part of the paper discusses a coherent causal sphere identified with the dynamic environment of a company. And finally, the author defines functions of company management in the context of a coherent causal sphere, which have a chance of forming a new direction in modern company management.

Key findings. The main conclusions include three elements. The first concerns the concept of the company in a neo‑institutional approach. The second conclusion speaks of the existence of a coherent causal sphere, which is a reflection of the holistic environment of enterprises, in a neo‑institutional approach. The most important conclusion comes down to the statement. The practice of managing a company in the neo‑institutional sense should be oriented towards the broad‑aspect determinism of the coherent causal sphere.

JEL Codes: M200, L220, D230

Background. The city’s brand has a particularly complex and multidimensional structure. Its identity is a key component, and it is the basis for building the city’s image. Increasingly, resources from cultural and creative industries form the foundation of this image. It should be mentioned that an important role in the process of building the city’s image is assigned to a creative person with the ability to recognise opportunities and threats in the future and to flexibly adapt to changes in the environment.

Research aims. The article presents the potential found in cultural resources of the city of Lodz in the process of building the city’s brand. It also shows the extent in which they are used or omitted, perhaps by the insufficient professional experience of cultural managers. The article also describes the profile of the manager of cultural institutions. 

Methodology. Interviews with managers and employees of cultural institutions in Lodz constitute an empirical basis of the research. The data analysis was carried out following the principles of the grounded theory methodology. 

Key findings. Lodz has a sufficient spectrum of cultural resources which have an impact on building the city’s brand. The main ones are those that are included in the urban space and those that are created by cultural institutions in the proposed “cultural offer”. Lodz should not lose its flagship events, as they contribute the most to attracting people into the city and its brand. Lodz represents a post-industrial character, new openness, and creativity in action. It also has neglected areas, such as the weakened film industry, the neglected history of the textile industry, underfunded cultural institutions, or limited relations with local governments. The managers in question perceive the city’s resources as a potential, although this does not mean that they can use them effectively in the city’s brand building process. Their professional development probably allows them to see opportunities and threats of the environment and helps in making decisions. However, this subject needs more in-depth research.

Background. This article discusses the issue of institutional and quantitative changes in the higher education (HE) in Poland after 1990. It is actual and important issue, widely discussed in public space as well as in literature of the subject.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to consider the changes of the model of a higher education institutions (HEIs) have undergone and attempt of evaluation whether this model has evolving towards the university of the third generation. Characteristic features of this model include diversification of finance sources and growing relations of a HEI with its environment, both in educational and research terms. That is why the Author consider these two areas of HEIs’ activity.

Methodology. To reach research aims, an analysis of legal sources, the literature of the subject and desk top research have been carried out, the latter drawing on the data of Statistics Poland, among other sources.

Key findings. The analysis shows the period in question has seen the model of a HEI evolving towards the university of the third generation. 

JEL Codes: J21, D22

Background. Using the second University as benchmark, this paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the curriculums in Guidance and Counselling of the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) and that of the University of Applied Labour Studies, Mannheim in Germany.

Research aims. The ultimate aim is to determine the adequacy or otherwise of the undergraduate syllabuses in career counselling in Nigerian Universities.

Methodology. Methodology includes visits to both Universities to collect relevant data. Interview was conducted with a selection of staff and students of the University of Ibadan while field investigations were carried out in a selection of secondary schools in South Western Nigeria.

Key findings. Analysis reveals that the programme of study in the selected Nigerian University is somewhat inadequate, and this is found to be affecting the practice of career counselling in secondary schools. A revision of the programme in Ibadan University is recommended, and also an improvement in the quality of scientific research by specialist academics in the area.

JEL Codes: 015, J24

Background. The challenge of building a strong territorial brand is an area of growing interest among practitioners and academics alike. Culture, which is an important element of local identity, is increasingly used as a basis for building a territorial brand. Its important creators are local cultural institutions, such as theatres, museums, or galleries. In Poland, public cultural institutions have a high degree of autonomy towards local authorities / local administration and their effective inclusion in the processes of building a territorial brand requires adopting an adequate approach.

Research aims. The aim of the paper is the identification of ways in which cultural institutions can cooperate with local administration to build a brand of a city. On account of the varying roles of individual types of cultural institutions in the process of communicating the city brand, our deliberations have been limited to theatres.

Methodology. To implement this goal the authors used the case study method. The analysis considered two cities: Bialystok and Lodz. The selection of these cities was connected with the clearly accented role of culture in the development strategies of these two urban centres. The case study made use of individual in-depth interviews with theatre managers as well as with heads of municipal office departments responsible for promotion within the two cities covered by the analysis.

Key findings. In the paper, the authors: determine the types of shared projects implemented by theatres and local administration contributing to the development of a city brand, diagnose the benefits resulting from this type of cooperation for both parties, as well as formulate conditions for the success of this type of cooperation. 

JEL Codes: R58, H83, M3

Background. People are the determining factor for the effectiveness of an organization. Diagnosing factors affecting the achievement of good work results, is an important issue, not only for the world of science, but above all for people managing organizations. The article presents factors affecting the level of competences expected by the organization and the tools through which they can be measured.

Research aims. The aim of this study was to present the connection between self‑esteem of personality preferences in individual scales of the psychometric questionnaire, and the assessment of selected competences made by external observers during the Assessment Center session.

Methodology. References to extensive literature were made, in the field of psychology and management science. Also the diagnosis of indicated persons to perform future managerial roles was made with the use of the Assessment Center session and the questionnaire – Bochumski – Personal Performance Inventory. Thereby, the data showing the relationship of competences with psychological factors were obtained.

Key findings. The presented research indicates that there is a relation between the self‑esteem of personality preferences and the assessment of competences, made by external observers. Orientation on the target correlated positively with the Action and Team Orientation. There was a relationship between the Cooperation Competence and Relationships Orientation, and also Team Orientation, Emotional Stability and Self‑confidence and Flexibility. Leadership level was influenced by Achievement Power Motivation. Responsibility Competence positively correlated with Conscientiousness, Power Motivation and Team Orientation. There was also a connection between Change Management with Flexibility and Achievement Motivation.

JEL Codes: M5

Background. The article draws readers’ attention to the potential significance of works of selected Polish sociologists for the historical approach in Management and Organizational Studies (MOS). The reasons for the lack of interest in history, which is typical of management scholars (except for business historians), are outlined, and the phenomenon of “historical turn” in MOS as a counterpoint of the mentioned phenomenon is discussed.

Research aims. The central theme of the article is constituted by the thesis that the “historical turn” cognitively corresponds to the earlier conceptions which were developed by Kazimierz Dobrowolski. The article also highlights the internationally renowned works of Jerzy Zubrzycki and Aleksander Matejko, which are deeply rooted in the Polish historical experience.

Methodology. The analysis was based on studies of literature on the subject and the publication of selected sociologists.

Key findings. The article shows that that the works of mentioned sociologists offer an integral method assuming a holistic nature of social reality, postulating a combination of functional and historical approaches as well as the use of materials obtained through field research and document studies.

JEL Codes: A14, N01, N80

Background. The agency theory is the starting point in this work to incorporate the achievements of leadership and related theory of power into the economic enterprise theory, in particular regarding credit institutions. 

Research aims. The goal is to propose a model of leadership based on values and institutions and to link it with the agency theory, creating a broader perspective on the perception of reality of credit institutions in the light of the modern management concepts.

Methodology. The non‑parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method was used to assess the effectiveness of leadership in credit institutions, which helped to identify the most effective units among banks providing intermediary services in Poland. The analysis was carried out with focus on effects.

Key findings. Powszechna Kasa Oszczędności Bank Polski was assessed as the best in terms of incurred inputs to the achieved effects. Relatively low effects at high inputs were, in turn, achieved by Bank BGŻ BNP Paribas and Plus Bank. Significant differences are noted when comparing the banks’ performance in relation to the averages (the entire sector and the most important competitors). Skilful combination of good leadership with the expectations of the principals is the need of our time.kilful combination of good leadership with the expectations of the principals is the need of our time.

JEL Codes: G32, D21

Background. The literature on entrepreneurship indicates the lack of a strong theoretical basis to fully describe and explain this extremely dynamic and future-oriented area. The classic approaches to the organization and management are not always sufficient to solve some wicked problems in the area, which require the interdisciplinary synthesis of various sciences combined with the experience of practice, and often quite new conceptual frameworks.

Research aims. The purpose of this paper is to describe and present the result of the analysis of the relatively new approach to entrepreneurship, which derives from design sciences.

Methodology. The discussion undertaken in the paper is theoretical and methodological, and primarily based on the method of deduction, which referred to the critical literature study has allowed to achieve the research goals.

Key findings. The paper presents the relatively new approach to entrepreneurship, which derives from design sciences and designers’ practice. However, it is being successfully adopted within organization and management sciences to solve open, complex and unambiguous management problems, especially where entrepreneurship and innovation are required. As the result of the reasoning process, the basic rules of design-led approach to entrepreneurship have been identified. They constitute the basis for a conceptual framework of the presented approach.

JEL Codes: O3, M1, L2

Background. Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVB) and Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) play a crucial role in marketing and promoting a city, region, or country through creating an image of the destination as an attractive target and meeting area. The effectiveness of the overall process is influenced, among others, by the efficiency of the CVBs’ communication with its key stakeholders.

Research aims. The aim of the paper is to discuss the differences in CVBs’ communication styles, particularly regarding the extent to which the communication is diversified and personalised depending on different regions of the world.

Methodology. The comparative analysis is based on a survey conducted among 89 CVB representing Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America. While in most of the studied organisations communication with their members should be effective, the importance of this effectiveness among organisational goals varies. It is among strategic goals for European, Asian and Australian DMOs. Asian organisations personalise their communication styles regarding specific members, so the content of the communication is tailored. Interestingly, for the Asian units it is usually irrelevant for the communication efficiency how many members they have. In contrast, for European and North American organisations the number of members should be lower.

Key findings. The picture presented on a basis of our study results is interesting and complex. While in most of the studied organisations communication with their members should be effective, the importance of this effectiveness among organisational goals vary. It is among strategic goals for European, Asian, and Australian DMOs. Asian organisations personalise their communication styles regarding specific members, so the content of the communication is tailored. Interestingly, for the Asian units it is usually irrelevant for the communication efficiency how many members they have. In contrary, for European and North American organisations the number of members should be lower.

JEL Codes: C1, M14, O15

Background. Technological innovations are boosting in the field of finance, and this tendency is similar at fundraising as well. By introducing new ways of payment and digital currencies, all organisations have to follow the trends to be able to accept payments for their goods and services. The third sector must also follow the newest trends that could make donations easier for philanthropic people, but they should be aware of the necessary devices and the costs of the different methods of payment.

Research aims. This article is comparing the different possibilities to achieve money, and with the results of a survey, it reveals the rentable possibilities by identifying the most popular communication platforms.

Methodology. Comparative and descriptive statistical methods are used to analyse data gained from an online survey to reveal the viability of new technologies at the field of philanthropy.

Key findings. The characteristics of donors are analysed, and the most preferred forms of giving are also highlighted to help the actors of the civil sector to establish a competitive fundraising strategy by the help of new technologies.

JEL Codes: D64, L31, O33

Background. One of the areas of business activity that has become not only a matter of voluntary choice in recent times, but more and more often a necessity is CSR. This area is very little recognised and explored in the context of luxury goods. It is obvious that the prosperity of this market gives its participants great opportunities for actions in the area of CSR. However, it is important to consider and examine whether this behaviour is desirable from the perspective of both consumers and other stakeholders of the brand.

Research aims. The purpose of this paper is (1) to identify the areas in which socially responsible actions can have a positive impact on the perception of brand value, as well as those that do not apply, and indeed are contrary to these values, and (2) to assess whether and to what extent CSR activities are desirable in the luxury market, both from the consumers and other stakeholders’ perspective.

Methodology. For the full explanation and understanding of this issue, the identification of luxury brand values has been conducted. On this basis, the author of the paper has identified the areas in which the socially responsible actions can have a positive impact on the perception of brand value, as well as those that do not apply, and are contrary to these values. The paper reviews the literature, analyses the scope of research conducted in this area and presents examples of socially responsible luxury brands.

Key findings. The results of the analysis conducted in the paper, indicate that although there are more important values of luxury brand than its social responsibility, there are areas of CSR that are compatible with values of luxury brand and there are stakeholder groups that demand socially responsible behaviour from luxury brands. CSR is considered as both the opportunity and the responsibility of luxury sector. Some trends in ethical/social responsible consumption that already exist in the mass market can and should be transposed into the luxury dimension.

JEL Codes: A13, M31, M21

Background. New circumstances in which organizations operate give a new meaning to harmonization imperative which is still present in management theory as one of the most important issues. Today’s harmonization is a base for consistency concept, the concept which requires searching for consistency platforms in organizations. One of harmonization aspects is matching cooperation mechanisms to corporate culture specific in various world regions. Because of borders opening and considerate potential of new regions more and more interest is placed in Siberian organizations which often have much to offer for their international partners. When Siberian organizations are defined to have Critical Success Factors they may be invited to take part in modern virtual structures and then they are responsible for operations taking place in one of the process nests. In such a case the Integrator of virtual organization as well as inside deliverers and inside clients need to focus on consistency mechanism during cooperation process. Knowing corporate culture of Siberian partners is necessary to be able to harmonize cooperation for better effectiveness of the venture.

Research aims. Considering above the main research aim is to provide typical characteristics of Siberian organizations’ corporate culture. In the research such aspects as corporate culture artefacts are identified: language, behavior and material. Moreover, typical norms and values are pointed out and finally cultural traits which form the basis for the previously mentioned corporate culture aspects. The support research aim of the paper is to identify the directions which are expected by Siberian workers as for their corporate culture to be changed. This way the research also provides practical knowledge which may be of use for managers wanting to work out harmonization mechanism when cooperating with Siberian partners.

Methodology. To achieve above research aims the research was conducted in 2018, within the period of three weeks in 40 Siberian organizations of different sizes and branches. All of them were business organizations. In the research such research methods were used as: questionnaires (156 questionnaires filled), interviews (30 interviews made) and direct observation (16 observations). Moreover, for identifying research background and for results discussion international literature studies have been made.

Key findings. The research results have shown that Siberian corporate culture is a specific mixture of Asian and European influences. It can be clearly seen in official and strict regulatory aspects of these organizations functioning on the one hand and in the importance of personal relations and informal aspects on the other hand. This specific dualism may be noticed in all of the culture levels which were researched. Moreover, Siberian corporate culture is specific because there are still strong communistic regime influences which mix with aggressive capitalism of the new era. That is why we can see community mechanism and friendly relations along with individualism and short time orientation for profits and career. As for findings considering expected directions of change, Siberian workers prefer friendly relations and the feel of community over strict orders and financial aspects of their work. These findings should be a starting point for scholars and managers to work out harmonization mechanisms between Siberian organizations and their native companies. As theoretical research have shown, there have not been any previous studies in management theory on Siberian corporate culture so far, so the research results presented in this paper are pioneer.

JEL Codes: M16

Background. Universities worldwide have been called to (re)consider their role in society; to evaluate their mission and their interrelations with various stakeholders. At the same time they are going through transformation aiming to make them more autonomous, economically efficient and competitive. Both this reasons lead to the pressure on universities to prove their efficient resource management that may be realized via intellectual capital disclosure.

Research aims. The objectives of this paper is to present the ‘third mission’ approach adoption of universities imposing on them the need for greater accountability, transparency and more effective communication that may be realized via IC reporting, the second is to review and discuss the qualitative and quantitative empirical research in IC reporting of universities worldwide.

Methodology. The research method consisted in a critical literature and inductive reasoning. The resources theory, stakeholders’ theory, legitimacy theory, and signaling theory as well as the New Public Management (NPM) and post-NPM concepts gave the foundation of this research.

Key findings. The conclusions of the research confirm that the implementation of IC reporting in universities is still a challenge for practice. IC disclosure lags behind the needs of stakeholders and should be improved. Greater awareness and effective implementation of IC reporting in universities could improve their future potential, quality and competitiveness.

JEL Codes: I20, I29, E22, M49

Background. Development of the tourism sector depends on the infrastructure and an efficient transportation system. A better transport infrastructure results in lower transportation costs and thus lower variable costs of trading, and shortens the distance between origin and destination countries, which can stimulate international tourism flows. Significant improvements in the accessibility of general transport infrastructure (road and air) in Poland within other factors have potentially their effect on foreign inbound tourism.

Research aims. The aim of this article is to determine the importance of transport infrastructure among other classical factors of a gravity model influencing foreign inbound tourism to Poland (such as geographic and economic distance from tourism origin countries, or perceived risk factors in the origin countries, like terrorism and economic crises).

Methodology. The study is based on panel data of bilateral tourism flows in the period 2008–2016 from 33 countries trading with Poland. We applied a gravity model for international tourism flows considering four different sub-panels (disaggregated by countries and time) in order to control the role of infrastructure in various data sets.

Key findings. The results show that the level of transport infrastructure development – measured both directly and indirectly – has a significant impact on foreign inbound tourism to Poland.

JEL Codes: F14, F13, L83, R15, R41

Background. Eastern European authors in general, and Polish authors in particular hardly ever publish their work in the top management journals. For instance, out of the 3710 Administrative Science Quarterly papers available in the Web of Science, only 6 (0.16%) were authored or co-authored by scholars residing in the Eastern Europe, including none residing in Poland. The situation is not much better when we take a look at European management journals: Organization Studies features only 24 papers (0.87% of all OS papers available in WoS) authored by scholars residing in Eastern Europe, while Journal of Management Studies so far published one such paper (0.03% of all).

Research aims. The study aims at answering the question by analyzing institutionalized publishing practices manifested in the submission guidelines of Polish and global management journals.

Methodology. Content analysis of submission guidelines in two samples of journals: global and Polish.

Key findings. The study identified significant differences between Polish and global institutionalized publishing practices, regarding the requirements toward the contribution, the role of reviewers, and the technical features of papers. The obtained results shed light on difficulties associated with publishing papers by Polish scholars in the global top management journals. Findings also suggest that adopting different institutionalized practices necessary for successful submissions to global journals may be associated with identity work and depends on author’s willingness and ability to engage in such work. Finally, the results of this study contribute to research on the Americanization of management education and on the persistence of institutionalized practices despite prolonged exposure to global literature on management.

JEL Codes: M10, M14

Background. In the last years micro-enterprises from the SME sector have been the subject of interest and discussion due to their significant share in the total number of enterprises and a significant contribution to the production of national income. This is a phenomenon that occurs both in Poland and in the European Union. There is, however, no research in both the micro enterprise sector and phenomena occurring in individual enterprises over the issues of the possibility of raising competitiveness. regarding the possibility of their development and achieving competitive advantages. Few theoretical studies also touch the issues of knowledge management methods in micro-enterprises, the conditions for the implementation of knowledge and the expected economic effects. Due to the increased complexity and dynamism of the organization’s environment, better use of human capital and improvement of knowledge management methods is becoming more and more important. The development of human capital can be implemented through specific activities, which include extending the tasks of the employee, enriching work and introducing modern technologies, training and broadly understood education. In order for these activities to be effective, the enterprise should define specific conditions related to the implementation of basic development goals, including the role of human capital. Logistic processes of the enterprise and their improvement in terms of human resources can become such an imperative.

Research aims. The aims of the article are (1) to present research on knowledge management and the role of human capital in a micro-enterprise based on the methodological concept of process management knowledge and (2) to present a case study and the results of non-participant observation using online management tools as research tools in the presented area.

Methodology. In the process of constructing the methodological concept, that is the studied group of enterprises, extensive literature of the subject in the field of management sciences was used. Non participant observation was carried out with the participation of 40 master degree students in management, whose task was to prepare a given individual research project. In this way, we obtained data verifying the suitability of the presented research method.

Key findings. The presented research method allows to some extent to identify problems occurring in micro-enterprises in the field of studying the share of human capital in the logistic knowledge management model and is a step towards further research.

JEL Codes: M12

Background. The increase in the complexity of the socio-political situation of Eastern European countries forces questions about the activity of ethnopolitics entities – national minority organizations. Difficult access to data makes it impossible to obtain precise answers to questions about the role of national minority organizations and the impact of their activities on the security of the region. Research interest in these organizations is timely, especially after the Crimean annexation in 2014.

Research aims. The aim is to define the role of national minority organizations in Eastern European countries in shaping the security of the subregion. The research area is: Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. The author puts forward the following research questions: 1) what are the main factors determining the political and social activity of national minority organizations in the region? 2) is it possible to distinguish the strategies of the studied organizations? 3) what is the essence of political activity of national minority organizations?

Methodology. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied, integrating methods from political science, international relations and management. The conclusions from author’s own research carried out during foreign study trips in 2014–2017 were used. The literature has an interdisciplinary dimension.

Key findings. The role of national minority organizations in shaping the security of Eastern European states is diverse. Their activity will depend on the policy of the country of residence. Uncontrolled, they may lead to deepening of the security crisis in the region.

JEL Codes: F52, F53, J71

Background. Regardless of their size, enterprises to achieve their goals should implement risk management in their management processes. One of the tools that can help to control this management is the accounting system. Entrepreneurs in the SME sector are reluctant to run full records of their business activities. Is that right?

Research aims. The purpose of the article is to identify the areas of activity of an enterprise in which accounting will fulfill its role as a risk minimization tool or as a risk signalling device. For the purposes of this study, it was hypothesized that an appropriately structured accounting system supported by additional information would allow for the minimization of the risks (adverse effects) of many economic activities.

Methodology. A pilot study examining whether there is a need for deeper research into broader accounting involvement in the risk management process in SMEs. In order to realize the research problem that was established, the analysis of literature, the author’s experience and the research in a group of small enterprises have been used.

Key findings. Small enterprises do not attach importance to keeping full records (accounting), they do not perceive it as a source of risk information, as they do not notice nor manage the risk. They treat it as something superfluous, costly, but not very useful, apart from the records for tax settlement purposes. It would be necessary to educate entrepreneurs and the people running their books on the use of accounting in risk management. Organizations like PARP (the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development) can do this. With the EU funding, they should organize free of charge risk management training opportunities for SME entrepreneurs.

JEL Codes: G32

Background. Functional fixation has been originally discovered by psychologists and it consists in the difficulty of noticing the possibility of using an object with a known, specific function in a new, unconventional way. It has been studied by behavioural accounting researchers since 1960s who, with time, adopted the idea into accounting and developed a phenomenon called accounting fixation or data fixation. Despite various experiments conducted in the field, the theoretical framework constituting a basis for such research has not yet been summarized in the literature.

Research aims. The paper aims to present theories, models, hypothesis etc. harnessed by researchers to investigate functional fixation phenomenon in accounting.

Methodology. The method of literature analysis available in the Internet was used. The scientific publications’ databases were searched by means of the combinations of relevant keywords. Finally, 39 articles and 6 monograph published in the years 1966–2018 were included in the analysis.

Key findings. Studies on functional fixation based on three groups of psychological theories: behavioural decision theory, learning theory and motivation theory. The first two were intended mainly to explain the genesis of this mechanism whereas the last was exploited in research on how to reduce the occurrence of functional fixation in accounting. However motivation theory has not been treated so far as a main theory for the accounting fixation research, but its potential for further studies of this type seems quite promising.

JEL Codes: D91, M41

Background. Preparation of the financial perspective 2021–2027 is to implement the principle of programming the spending of public funds by the EU institutions. Striving to ensure sound management of EU finances by strengthening the rule of law mechanism has become the core value of the new EU budget. The discussion on the EU budget focuses on public policy issues, in particular on aspects such as migration policy and border protection, defense cooperation, climate policy, as well as research and entrepreneurship. In spite of absence from the main stream of the debate, an important part of the EU budget in perspective 2021–2027 will continue to be the common agricultural policy.

Research aims. The goal of this article is to analyze the agenda of EU budget assumptions and challenges of EU public policy in political discourse.

Methodology. The comparative method used in the study is the analysis of the differences in the scope of inflows and expenditures of the EU budget. In turn, phenomena and events that affect the wording of the EU budget to a lesser or greater degree have occurred at different times and have had a different impact on the budget adoption process. The timeframe for the analysis presented, including the main factors forming the “two streams”, took place in 2015–2018.

Key findings. In the first part of the article, the assumptions of the EU budget for perspective 2021–2027 presented by the Commission were included. The second part of the study is an analysis of the main determinants affecting the revenue and expenditure part of the EU budget. The third part presents the analysis of two streams present in the public discourse: stream of problems, stream of challenges and streams of interests of member states.

JEL Codes: H61

Background. Destination branding is a complicated, long-lasting and challenging process because destination is the most complex tourist product which involves various other tourism products and various entities what requires a special approach.

Research aims. The basic aim of the article is to show using the example of the South Coast Baltic brand, how the process of a cross border umbrella tourist destination proceeds.

Methodology. Apart from the case study, the authors used such methods as: literature and documentation analysis and participant observation. Both authors are directly involved in marketing and pro-quality activities aimed at building the described brand. Therefore, the study is also based on practical knowledge about the subject discussed.

Key findings. The basic problem in the building a cross-border tourist destination brand such as South Coast Baltic is to take into account the differences between the countries and regions that make up the described brand. The brand creation process requires regular monitoring of the needs and preferences of the sailors in order to make the product identified best suited to their expectations.

JEL Codes: M31, L83, L0

Background. Corporate sustainability has captured the attention of much of the world over the last few years. The idea of sustainability refers to all spheres of the company’ activity, including marketing strategy. Before the company starts addressing sustainable marketing activities to external stakeholders effectively it needs to address them to its employees first. The reasons for that are two-fold. First, employees play a key role in the process of implementation of sustainable marketing strategies and programmes to external stakeholders, and thus they determine their effectiveness. Second, their sustainable behaviours performed in every-day work show that the company truly cares about sustainable development, and sustainable activities are not perceived as just cheap promotional, short-term actions. In this paper we assume that culture may differentiate employees’ attitude towards sustainable marketing activities addressed to them and thus may differentiate sustainable marketing activities undertaken by company managers.

Research aims. To explore sustainable marketing activities used by companies towards employees in Europe and Asia, as well as to identify the differences in the assessment of the scope of implementation of these activities by enterprises operating in the European and Asian markets.

Methodology. The empirical part of the paper is based on research results run among 262 MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) operating in Poland (a representative of the European market) and Sri Lanka (a representative of the Asian market). The respondents of the research comprised CEOs or CMOs. The research was run in 2016 and 2017. The non-parametric U Mann-Whitney test was used to examine the significance of the differences between the two countries. Factor analysis was also used to identify the way MSMEs in these two countries define sustainable marketing activities aimed at employees.

Key findings. The study revealed that differences between the two countries in relation to the assessment of sustainable marketing activities aimed at employees are statistically significant. Asian respondents assess them higher then Polish ones. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first in-depth study regarding the assessment of sustainable marketing activities aimed at employees. The study is a comparative analysis of the phenomenon between markets with different cultures – Poland (as an example of the European market) and Sri Lanka (as an example of the Asian market), which has not been previously researched.

JEL Codes: M31, M38

Background. Reputational risk cross building competitive position or mark management. Shareholders of reputational risk management are more heterogenic. Therefore, it is not surprising that managing reputational risk has now become a major preoccupation for business in the private, public and not-for profits sectors.

Research aims. The reputational risk is placed at the top of the risk hierarchy as the risk of others risks. As such, it need in new cognitive framework. In this case we study how manage complexity item.

Methodology. Comparative analysis of models of reputation risk management devoted the cognitive framework located in time and institutional space.

Key findings. Reputational risk management is reduction of internal cost of particular activity, cover transactional cost of monitoring such type of risk and calculate external cost of reputation lost. One of this external cost is crush of reputation on public trust institutions. The current paper demonstrates and reviews different theoretical perspectives that conceptualize reputational risk management. The first part presents cognitive perspective on reputation. The second part covers behavioral approach to risk management. Finally, the paper provides practitioners with a systematic review of different approaches adopted to study reputational risk management.

Background. Consolidation processes in the higher education sector, both public and private, are not very intensive. However, there is a large dispersion in the university sector. It can be argued that the number and intensity of consolidations will increase in the coming years. The reasons for the increase in the importance of consolidation can be seen in: progressive deprivatization of higher education in Poland, excessive institutional dispersion of the higher education system, demographic ‘tsunami’ and public policy, increasingly based on accountability. In the private sector, the merger reasons include in particular the increase in competitive pressure and demographic decline.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to analyze the processes of mergers of Polish universities and to identify possible forms of mergers for various types of universities.

Methodology. The methodology in the article below was based on qualitative research, analysis of the literature on the subject, internal materials of the studied entities.

Key findings. In the public sector, the wave of mergers is in the initial phase, as manifested by the last two acquisitions of the State Higher Vocational Schools (in Sandomierz and Sulechów) by regional universities. Large and often networked universities can take over selected smaller private entities and sometimes also a selected part of their resources.

JEL Codes: M00

Background. The article analyses the possibility of creating additional economic benefits as a result of enterprises effective adaptations to the changes of transaction costs.

Research aims. The article answers the question: whether it is useful and justified to separate and transfer certain activities abroad, and what form could be appropriate to this.

Methodology. The author presents the main assumptions and benefits of the network approach to companies’ cooperation, as well as a concept of business network and strategic network of companies.

Findings. The Author presents the possibility of creating enterprises’ flexible adaptation to the transaction cost changes. In the article he suggests creating incubators of the intelligent firms.

JEL Codes: A100, F000, G000

Background: Information and communication technologies significantly influence tourists’ behaviour. They create the independence of consumers through facilitation of dynamic access to information and saving it, as well as sharing it via social media and other on-line channels. More and more new ICT tools including mobile technologies are being used by tourists. The problem has not been empirically investigated in Poland yet, and this was a reason to conduct research to fill this gap.

Research aims: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the role of selected mobile technologies in tourism in Poland.

Methodology: The questionnaire survey was conducted in the summer of 2016 among Polish tourists in the city of Krakow. The selection of the sample was of a purposive-quota character. The adopted control variables were respondents’ gender and age (the general population was defined as the number of tourists reported during the previous year). The size of the sample was N=1,175 of correctly completed questionnaires.

Key findings: The results of research confirm that IT solutions are growing in popularity and slowly becoming considered as standard tools. Three main aspects were considered: the use of QR code, virtual trips and geotagging by tourists. The most popular were virtual trips to venues and/or places (78% of respondents in Krakow), then using QR code readers in smartphones (45%) and the least popular – geotagging during the journey (36%).

Background. Managing organisations in turbulent environments requires high quality competencies. In the knowledge economy, of all managerial skills, the role of human resources risk management skills is clearly growing. The reason is that each stage of human resource management pursued by managers may serve as a potential source of risk related to the need to take personnel-related decisions. Human resources risk is an inherent part of company operations, whereas the social sub-system is an indispensable, key factor for the smooth running of business entities. Therefore, HR risk should be managed, as any other risk type.

Research aims. The objective of this research was to carry out a diagnosis of manager competencies in the area of human resources risk management.

Methodology. The article was based on the analysis of literature and a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire survey.

Key findings. On the basis of the research conducted with the application of a diagnostic  survey, it was concluded that although managers had a significant potential for the management of this specific risk type, it was not used to a full extent in all of the analysed organisations. Furthermore, the analysis showed that a barrier limiting effective human resources risk management oriented at generating an added value was created by negative attitudes, such as perceiving human resources risk mainly as a threat and striving to avoid it.

Background. Non-ethical business behaviour and the causes of the hidden economy are examined extensively through multiple research methods. The aim of the research is to expand the classical economics’ statements to the fullest extent of the phenomenon, according to which tax avoidance depends on the number of checks, degree of punishment, income level of the individuals, and the extent of the tax rates – which are within the fields of sociology and behavioural science.

Research aims. The purpose of the study is to summarise the results of earlier research related to the possible behavioural patterns and forms of behaviours behind the hidden economy.

Methodology. The main direction of the study is to evaluate the change in the classical economics model – maximising the expected usefulness – along with the field of behavioural economics. The present study examines the possibility of application of the Rosenberg self-esteem scale – which is widespread and utilised for the measurement of self-esteem in the international pieces of research – concerning whether the extent of the self-esteem of the individual may affect the engagement with the hidden economy. After the evaluation of the questionnaire surveys, naturally we expect the suggested research assumptions to be confirmed.

Key findings. Also, both the cultural environment and the demographic factors may have an impact on tax morals, and national pride, also the higher levels of trust among citizens in the government, tax authorities and other legal institutions may also have a beneficial effect. In addition, friendly and respectful treatment of taxpayers, handling them as partners can also improve the willingness to pay taxes, the direct political participation of citizens, and involvement in political decisions, and democracy can have a significant impact on tax morals as well.

Background. Coaching is a popular training method known especially for a specific, non-directive communication style. The non-directive character of communication techniques has a clear target – it unblocks, brings out and maximises a coachee’s potential without giving ready solutions. Coaching constitutes a frequent subject of research, both theoretical and empirical. It proves its effectiveness in various branches and areas. The coaching process is analysed less frequently, and the analysis of implemented non-directive communication techniques is quite a novelty.

Research aims. The main research aim is to analyse the frequency of the non-directive communication techniques used by coaches in the coaching process.

Methodology. The research was conducted on the basis of the survey method with the use of the questionnaire technique on a group of 100 respondents who took part in the coaching process with at least three sessions and when the coaching process had already been finished.

Key findings. The most frequently used non-directive communication technique in the coaching process is coaching tasks, and the shadow procedure is the least frequent one. The choice of a coach (external coach, internal coach or direct supervisor as a coach) has an influence on the frequency of using particular non-directive communication techniques.

Background: In local communities in Poland, introduction of innovative social work solutions which are directed towards solving particular problem cases and move  beyond the current standard of social work in welfare centres, is a complex process fraught with many obstacles. It is only rarely a part of social issues management in local communities. This paper is concerned with qualitative research focused on the factors contributing to the effectiveness of initiatives utilizing the OLC (Organizing Local Community, Organizowanie Społeczności Lokalnej) method, which commenced in 2010–2014, under point 5.4 of the systemic project Human Capital Operational Program (Program Operacyjny Kapitał Ludzki) named “Creating and developing the standards of social help and integration – Standards in help” (Tworzenie i rozwijanie standardów pomocy i integracji społecznej – Standardy w pomocy).

Research aims: The aim of this paper is to identify and determine factors that influence, whether positively or negatively, the spread and establishment of innovative methods of working with communities experiencing social problems in social welfare centres. It focuses on factors associated both with internal social welfare centre management, with social issues management, and with the bodies created to solve them within a given local community

Methodology: The research was conducted using the case study method in three localities and was supposed to appraise the subsequent fates of three social welfare centres in which new activities have been initiated under the systemic project, as well as the fates of social workers employed in them for organising local communities.

Key findings: Thanks to the research conducted and data gathered, we managed to highlight a number of contexts and circumstances which exert heavy influence over the functioning of social welfare centres as well as over the effectiveness of methods of working with communities experiencing social issues. Such contexts have both internal (e.g. the attitude of a centre’s employees towards a given issue and their work) and external (e.g. the attitude of local government or other institutions towards a given social problem) character.

Background. Hospitality jobs are characterised by long, unsocial working hours, irregular and inflexible work schedules, limited time off, shift work, etc. All these aspects, including changes in customers’ needs, create a stressful workplace, where increased demands require more time and energy from employees that “must be” devoted to work related activities instead of family life. Thus, unsurprisingly, hotel employees who try to deliver excellent service and meet high quality standards may be particularly prone to experience work-family conflict, which in turn may lead to very adverse effect for customer service and, as a result, many negative outcomes.

Research aims. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between work-family conflict and its critical consequences for customer service. The research problem is to find an answer to the questions: 1. is there a relationship between work-family conflict and employees’ depersonalisation, which is displayed by treating others (hotel guests) as objects rather that people, through cynical and uncaring attitudes, and 2. may employees’ depersonalisation significantly decrease employees’ customer orientation and the extra-role customer service.

Methodology. The survey instrument was used to collect information from eight hotels in the Pomerania Province (Northern Poland). A total of 130 hotel employees agreed to participate in the study.

Key findings. The study results showed that employees who experience high work-family conflict are also more likely to be detached and emotionally callous towards hotel guests, as a result demonstrating lower customer orientation and decreased extra-role service.

Background. Cooperation with suppliers has an important bearing on the organisation’s ability to achieve its objectives. The supplier selection processes include various criteria which increasingly have also other than purely economic interest. Supplier code of conduct is one of tools for shaping relations between  rganisations and their suppliers which, applied mostly on international markets, expand dimensions of requirements suppliers should meet. The article analyses degree and scope of presence of supplier code of conduct in reviewed scientific publications.

Research aims. Aim of the research is to identify presence of the issue of supplier code of conduct in reviewed scientific journals. The following research questions have been raised: 1. is there a research gap in the field of supplier code of conduct?; 2. which scientific journals publish articles on supplier code of conduct?; 3. which research areas undertake the subject of supplier code of conduct?

Methodology. Systematic literature review was the fundamental research method. Papers subject to analysis were selected based on EBSCO and ProQuest.

Key findings. Bibliometric and contextual analysis have led to the formulation of the following conclusions: 1. the issue of supplier code of conduct is present in  reviewed scientific publications only to a very limited degree, 2. scientific journals publishing articles of supplier code of conduct have diversified profiles, 3. supplier code of conduct is a research subject in numerous research areas. Consequently to the systematic literature review proposals for future research directions have been drawn up.

Background. The article addresses the problem of the influence of dominant discourses in the public sphere on school educational leaders and school reality. The authors focus on two factors of the school environment – political and marketing, which can have a significant impact on creating their development strategies.

Research aims. The main purpose of the article is to show the mechanisms of discourses which are significantly important in functioning of schools as public organizations, depending on policies.

Methodology. The authors use the analysis of selected theories, including M. Foucault, S. Deetz, E. Noelle-Neumann and review the most important reforms of education after 1989, emphasizing the importance of politics for decisions on the shape of contemporary education.

Key findings. Analysing the current situation of Polish education, which is currently mostly influenced by the right-wing and conservative circles, the Authors point out  that there is the possibility of using the national Catholic ideology by schools for marketing purposes, dictated solely by the market interests of schools.

Background. The implementation of the marketing concept to company activities lead to adopting a marketing orientation which enables achieving a long-term competitive advantage. Taking into consideration the position of tour operators in the tourism market structure, that is between partial tourism service providers and sales agents and final consumers, and simultaneously this highly competitive market in the global conditions, it is deemed that tour operators are characterised by a high level of marketing orientation.

Research aims. The objective of this study is to present the concept of the marketing orientation of tour operators as well as indicate elements determining the level of market orientation which stem from relationships of a tour operator with other participants of this market. In addition, the results of research on the level of marketing orientation of tour operators operating in Poland and in selected European Union countries were presented, bearing in mind the level of economic freedom in the analysed countries.

Methodology. Such research methods were applied as a critical analysis of literature on the subject, logical operations, and statistical methods.

Key findings. The conducted research shows that marketing orientation and factors determining it can be subject to assessment by means of measurable quantitative  criteria. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the level of marketing orientation and establish it according to a scale. Regardless of the marketing orientation of tour operators addressed to final consumers of services (tourists), it should be noted that there is a necessity to build a proper level of marketing orientation of tour operators with regard to partial service providers and travel agencies.

Background: Knowledge transfer between the HQ and subsidiary has recently been targets of increasing research interest. However, the role of expatriate managers and local staff perspective on this process has not been examined enough.

Research aims: This paper has two main objectives: first to develop a conceptual framework (model) of knowledge transfer between the headquarters and local subsidiary, and second to empirically evaluate this process in five foreign subsidiaries based in Poland from a knowledge-based perspective.

Methodology: Our study relied on qualitative case study methods. The authors report the empirical findings from five multinational subsidiaries (two German, two American and one Indian) located in Poland. 68 semi-structured interviews were conducted among HR specialists and managers.

Key findings: The transfer of knowledge has always been in one direction, that is from the headquarters to its foreign subsidiary in Poland. Both the headquarters (as a sender) and the subsidiary (as a receiver) have been prepared in terms of tools and institutions to accumulate the knowledge. A key link in the knowledge transfer has included expatriates – their skills and abilities such as openness, willingness to learn and motivation for learning, ability to transfer their knowledge and experience to others, and ability to build positive interpersonal relations.

Background. Personnel controlling is focused on the efficiency of managing resources (human resources), it has motivating functions and creates transparent rules and procedures for planning, monitoring, control, and refers to the possibilities of using existing problems in the organisation or protection against their adverse effects.

Research aims. The objective of this article is to present the results of personnel controlling research through the valuation of human capital in an energy company listed on the stock exchange (The Warsaw Stock Exchange).

Methodology. The applied research procedure combines the analysis of the literature with empirical research and is based upon searching for the answer to the questions how important controlling information is for human resource management in the selected listed company belonging to WIG 20 index.

Key findings. The research has shown that despite the lack of existence of regulated and formalised methods of human capital valuation, the company intuitively makes indirect valuations, however only using the qualitative approach and only when making strategic decisions.

 The following subject matter of social elites has been undertaken here: what they were in the past and what they are today, how they are formed and what their key competences are. There shall also be a concise description of the chosen theories of the elite: Vifredo Pareto, Max Weber, Robert Michels, Gaetano Mosci, James Burnham, Peter F. Drucker, Wright Milles, Roberta D. Putnam, and Zygmunt Bauman. The subject matter of these brief deliberations shall be elitarian and egalitarian policies, while also the negative consequences of excessive elitarian and egalitarian policies. The key competences of the social elites shall be reviewed as exemplified by several chosen functions and positions.

Background.This paper discusses a process of development of evaluation practice at the local level of self-government in Poland. The author raises the question whether the current practice of evaluation of the projects co-financed by the European Union contributes to building of the evaluation capacity and development of sustainable evaluation culture in Polish local administration.

Research aims. The aim of this study was to analyze the conditions of application of evaluation of the EU projects in communes and counties in Poland, i.e. to examine the scale of evaluation practice, methods of its application, evaluation functions, and factors favouring or limiting development of this practice at the local level.

Methodology.The study was based on a review of literature on evaluation and evaluation capacity building. In the conducted field research complementary quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques were used: computer assisted telephone interviews with representatives of 25 counties and 125 communes in four Polish provinces, in-depth interviews with representatives of 13 local governments, and an analysis of relevant documents.

Key findings.The current process of implementation of the EU funds in Poland has contributed to the development of an evaluation practice at the local level of self-government only to a limited extent. Evaluation is regarded primarily as a formal requirement associated with implementation of EU grants (as accountability instruments), which does not promote evaluation capacity building in the local administration in Poland. The main barrier to the practice of evaluation at the local level is a lack of knowledge about evaluation and a low level of internal motivation for its use. Financial constrains are also important obstacles.

Background. The issue of organisational culture and its impact on employees’ attitudes and behaviours have aroused the interest of practitioners and theorists of management for a long time. The study of the subject literature also points to the significance of organisational culture for the enhancement of employees’ commitment in public organisations.

Research Aim. The paper tries to answer the following question: what orientation of organisational culture positively affects organisational commitment of labour office employees and what orientation of this culture negatively influences commitment of labour office employees?

Method. The survey research was carried out from the end of 2013 to the beginning of 2014. The sample consisted of 140 employees of 14 labour offices operating in the south of Poland. Descriptive statistics, t-test for equality of means, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were applied.

Key Findings. The obtained results showed that there is a relationship between the orientation of organisational culture and employees’ organisational commitment in labour offices. The comparison of the level of employees’ commitment in the organisations with the clan culture and with the hierarchy culture showed that employees rated higher their commitment in the clan culture than in the hierarchy culture. Moreover, the hierarchical regression analyses showed that adhocracy orientation positively influences employees’ commitment and hierarchical orientation negatively affects employees’ organisational commitment.

Research background:Innovation partnerships need to be established between public, private and social organisations, hence their nature, scope, and operating conditions should be understood. In discussing this, the following issues were outlined: essence and scope of innovation partnerships in the activities of public organisations; innovation policies and programmes as the determinants of innovation partnerships; and implementation tools for innovation partnerships.

Aim of the study:To demonstrate that nowadays cooperation for innovation is needed among various organisations, yet the fundamental role in this respect is played by public organisations.

Methods:The study was prepared based on the relevant literature, documents on the European Union and Polish (including Mazovian) development programmes and the author’s own reflections. The foundation for drawing it up were data processing methods, i.e. analysis and synthesis, and logical inference methods, in particular induction.

Key findings:The analysis shows that the basis of innovative activities in Poland are guidelines and programmes prepared in the European Union and support (also financial support) for their implementation. Innovative activities are undertaken in all areas and regard not only technological, but also social and environmental issues. An extensive and varied range of innovative activities requires innovative activities to be conducted jointly by various types of organisations but when publicly supported, innovation partnerships should be coordinated by public organisations.

Background.The article delineates competency requirements which have to be faced by contemporary managers in business and their application in a public organisation through the example of the Customs Service.

Research aims. The presentation of the process of changes’ implementation in the scope of management within the Customs Service based on the change of criteria used for the assessment of managerial staff competencies.

Methodology. Field work and participant observation of the assessment process of the core managerial staff of the Customs Service by Assessment Centre method.

Key findings.Public organisations can apply criteria and methods of assessment normally used in business to administer the managerial staff.

BackgroundIn the current economic circumstances, a significant process that affects the efficiency and functionality of the operations of every organisation, including public administration, is the communication process. The correct information flow, as well as mechanisms for sharing knowledge, have become key areas in the life of every organisation.  In that respect, the information and communication technologies, which are currently a key factor supporting social integration and increasing possibilities for the cooperation of public administration bodies with other entities and citizens, are becoming more and more helpful in the communication process. The application of e-administration when fulfilling the needs of citizens has become a real challenge for modern administration.

Research aims The objective of the research of the analysed area is to indicate the main principles concerning efficient communication with the environment and within public administration units, using skilful e-communication management.

Methodology The author presents the main assumptions of communication process management, including e-communication in public administration.The search for some aspects related to the application of e-administration, using certain techniques of communication process management, was based on a review of the scientific literature, with the indication of practical examples and results of previous empirical research in that respect. The author also applied the method of legal dogmatic, which focused particularly on the analysis of the material standard to determine what law applies in a given time on a given territory.

Key findings Among the many aspects and techniques of communication process management in public administration, IT and the Internet are more and more often used for the purposes of realising public services. The possibility of completing administrative procedures electronically allows the modernisation of every organisation, including public administration units, and the building of trust for such institutions. Citizens more and more often use the possibility of contacting various offices online thanks to modern IT technologies.

Background: Studies of foreign literature on IT outsourcing indicate the variety of topics covered in the research. The comparison of these studies with the research published in Poland indicates a disproportion of the number and quality of research, and points to a gap in knowledge about IT outsourcing in Poland.

Research aim: The aim of the research would be to know the state of research on IT outsourcing in Poland.

Method: The method of literature study in relation to the results of studies on IT outsourcing in Polish enterprises was used, as well as with regard to some of the results in other countries and the methods of analysis and synthesis in relation to the comparison of Polish research in other countries. The reviews of published literature (Lacity, Gonzalez) were presented.

Results: The contents of dozens of publications on Polish and foreign IT outsourcing were analysed, and compared. The result of the paper is a recommendation to do research comparable to US and Spanish studies. So in the consequence of the future research it would be possible to make recommendations for users and providers of this rapidly growing service.

Theoretical background: Inter-organisational collaboration is contemporarily the basis for functioning of a public sector organisation. However, it is not a simple process and it does not always help to achieve the assumed goals. Its course is determined by factors related to various aspects of an organisation’s activity, among which many have key significance.

Research aim: The main objective of this paper is to identify and rate the key factors contributing to effective inter-organisational collaboration in the public sector.

Methodology: The research is based on desk research methodology and the hermeneutic process within a focus group.

Key findings: As a result of the conducted research we identified the key factors of Inter-organisational collaboration in the public sector. We also evaluated the power of  influence and the power of relations of these factors, which enabled ascertaining which of them determine the success of collaboration between organisations.

Background. Subsequent research of polycentric systems was associated with the processes of metropolisation and seeking solutions to efficiently manage complex territorial structures. This approach, however, was superseded by the approach of multi-level governance. The authors propose a return to the polycentric theory, accepting it as the theoretical framework for research on functional urban areas, which are in Poland the new paradigm of co-operation of territorial units.

Research aims. The article is to draw attention to the polycentric approach as a useful framework of research in the area of public management and to verify how the organisation of functional urban areas corresponds to polycentric systems, matching relations between the participating actors and the system of distribution of power and influence.

Methodology. The article has been based on the discourse analysis as well as the analysis of the content of reports and other documents.

Key findings. Functional urban areas bear the hallmarks of polycentric systems, therefore, it seems advisable to apply the polycentric approach to their research. Moreover, the polycentrism is free from the deficiencies of MLG. In addition, the polycentric approach gives greater opportunity for interpretation and classification of inter-institutional relations.

Background. The problems of open innovation and crowdsourcing are more and more often present in literature on management sciences. It is emphasized that during creation of innovation a given organisation should make use of the knowledge existing outside of it. Moreover, it is suggested that the process of creating and developing products or services should be open. By the same, organisations should make use of the knowledge that is being possessed by a generally understood public or crowd (Wexler, 2011). The crowd has gained a new meaning: from unorganised, chaotic and often aggressive people it has become organised and oriented towards problem solving, and in particular creating the so-called open innovations. However, despite the increase of researchers’ interest in the subject of open innovation or crowdsourcing and awareness of “crowd wisdom”, it is difficult to find in the literature unambiguous answers to the question on what is crowd capital. Many authors assume that crowd capital is the core of both open innovation and crowdsourcing.

Research aims. The aim of the article is integration and synthesis of the existing scientific output related to crowd capital and presenting an original conceptualisation of this notion.

Methodology. In order to identify the main research perspectives and develop a proposal of the conceptualisation, the method of systematic literature review was used, including an analysis of the number of citations. This enabled revealing the existing research axes and the cognitive structure emerging from works published so far. Publications entered in full text databases were analysed. The research covered a period of 9 years: from 2007 to 2016.

Key findings. The review and analysis of the contents of publications listed within the systematic literature review enabled identifying of the directions of further scientific research. The systematic foreign and domestic literature review published until 2016 indicated that many levels and areas of the occurrence of the subject phenomenon have still not been examined, which shows free space for new research in this scope. The article presents a proposal of an original conceptualisation of the notion of crowd capital.

Background. Different types of organisational behaviours have become a very popular research topic, particularly the search for behavioural pattern of effectiveness: the degree to which objectives are achieved.

Research aims. The study explores gender differences in expression of organisational citizenship behaviours and counterproductive work behaviours, investigating chosen antecedents of the issues.

Methodology. Structural equation modelling was used to examine data based on 327 responses from 165 female and 162 male employees.

Key findings. It emerges that while citizenship is the “core” organisational behaviour for women, counterproductivity is for men, and there are different antecedents for both types of behaviour, depending on the gender. Women’s OCBs could be increased by elevation of their job satisfaction and remuneration. Men’s OCBs depends on job satisfaction that does not rely on salary. Men’s CWBs depend on citizenship performance, but women’s CWBs are not related to any factors included in our models. Considering citizenship and counterproductivity, both women and men differ rather in specific behaviours than in the dimensions of OCBs and CWBs. The results could be useful in building employees’ motivational programs.

Background. In projects of electrical switchboard delivery we can identify many risks which are usually quite severe in their consequences, because these projects are high-budget projects. Our studies indicate that there are no formalised risk management procedures in many Polish companies that realise such projects.

Research aims. Therefore we propose using a traditional risk management procedure adapted for projects of electrical switchboard delivery what was verified on the example of a selected company.

Methodology. We use the following research methods: analysis of the documentation relating to completed projects of electrical switchboard delivery, interviews with project managers, and literature studies.

Key findings. We obtained the following results: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), list of identified project risks, list of risk responses, computer tool for managing identified risks in projects of electrical switchboard delivery. Based on the completed studies we can state that risk management is an important element of electrical switchboard delivery and should not be ignored in companies that realise such projects.

Background. Knowledge about the changing market trends and the ways to identify them is the key to effective business management. The basis of mistaken decisions is a wrong interpretation of information coming from the company. With regard to logistic processes, information on the amount of incurred expenses exhibits some dependencies between them. Therefore, one way of making the right decisions is the use of forecasting models based on time series, which can be used to determine future values of a studied phenomenon. Verification of the obtained results through the determination of average forecast errors can be implemented.

Research aims. The research was conducted to determine the degree of relationship of macroeconomic indicators with the economic parameters emerging in the enterprise. The use of information obtained in this way can be applied to reduce the risk associated with entrepreneurial activity. The utilitarian purpose of this research is defining the correlation coefficient used to determine the extent to which the investigated factors are interdependent and making predictions about the future value of inventory costs.

Methodology. To implement its objectives, critical analysis of literature was applied, analysis of statistical data, a method of determining dependencies between those variables based on the correlation coefficient and the ARIMA method of forecasting based on time series, using advanced autoregression and moving average models. On the basis of the average of relative forecast errors the accuracy of the forecast for future periods can be determined.

Key findings. The main result of the analysis is to obtain information about the influence of macroeconomic factors on changes of the value of the field of logistic enterprises as well as the use of autoregression and moving average models to determine the future size of the variables in the time series. Using the ARIMA model, made on the basis of real plant data forecasts relating to the cost of inventory, showed the suitability of the method for pre-planning of the future logistics trends.

Background. Today’s turbulent economic reality characterised by market distortions, financial and economy crises and increasingly frequent business scandals question the validity of current business models, including also those concerning the notion of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Research aims. The aim of this article is the comparative critical review of the most common CSR business models and criticism of the current CSR rhetoric. We hypothesise that the CSR business model should have grounded institutional foundations that the majority of them lack.

Methodology. As a methodology in our research we use a critical management studies. We base our analysis on the profound literature review. Following the ethical-normative theory of Hopwood (Hopwood & Miller, 1994) and acknowledging stakeholders approach, legitimacy theory, and social contract theory as foundations of our motivation we critically compare 7 conceptual CSR business models. These business models are described based on the positive theory.

Key findings. The general conclusion indicates that the reviewed CSR business models do not consider institutional factors and pragmatic realism of business activities. Moreover, those models are embedded in unrealistic economic conditions. They have many shortcomings and weaknesses that as for now remain a challenge both for the academic research and practice.

Background. Entrepreneurial networks are established in order to achieve a competitive advantage and superior performance, due to collaboration within different levels and types of organisations. Their existence, based on alliances, cooperatives, capital relationships, etc. requires long lasting bonds and thus may not be easily adjustable. Turbulent condtitions, extended response time to occuring changes, and processes’ adaptation may be an obstacle to their appropriate functioning. As a proposal a new approach emerges, which is associated with the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT), favouring redefinition of the market, buyers, users, and product range.

Research aims. The main aim of this article is to present an innovative attitude to network management, based on communication and platforms’ integration, due to the IoT approach. In this regard the paper will show functioning regularities of contemporary networks in a turbulent environment, followed by an analysis of examples used as an illustrative material of smart objects and solutions underlying creation of intelligent shopping, processes’ integration, automation, and personalised packaging, that allow for more flexible and unconventional network management.

Methodology. The paper presents a literature review and an analysis of secondary data resources and it also bases on available case studies of the IoT implementations.

Key findings. Nowadays, available literature as well as business consider network management as a constant and formalised relationships’ dependency and they are more eager to follow trodden schemes. In the proposed new management approach, the network shall be rather perceived as a dynamic solution, created ad hoc by customers using companies’ products and available applications. Therefore, to overcome the above mentioned schortcomings, organisations should go beyond standard solutions, introducing unconventional ideas and thinking. Such attitute may not only constitute a competitive advantage of flexible management, a more versatile approach, but it will also open a new business window to a lucrative market, with an estimated potential economic impact growth annual ratio to be between $2.7 to $6.2 trillion per year by 2025.

JEL Classification: L86, D85, O33, M31

Background. Cultural values are important aspects of the self of consumers. As businesses have become more and more global, the cultural differences among consumers play an important role in the development of effective marketing and branding strategies. This is because the cross-cultural phenomenon occurs as a result of the diverse cultural components that exist among consumers and it is a significant factor that influences buying behaviour in consumer markets.

Research aims. The main objective of this study is to analyse the cultural orientation (cultural dimensions) of consumers in the Czech Republic and Ghana with reference to the different age groups and sex.

Methodology. The convenience sampling method was used to select respondents for the study. A total of 1253 respondents were selected from the Czech Republic and Ghana. There were 460 respondents from the Czech Republic and 793 respondents from Ghana. Data analysis was performed with inferential statistics.

Key findings. The study revealed that with regard to the first hypothesis there were no significant differences between three of the dependent variables and sex in the Czech Republic. The p-value for the analysis on power distance was 0.161, collectivism and individualism was 0.110, and long term orientation was 0.493. There were significant differences between sex and two of the dependent variables (masculinity and femininity and uncertainty avoidance). The p-value of the test of masculinity and femininity and sex was 0.000, whiles that of uncertainty avoidance and sex was 0.007. However, in Ghana, the results showed that there is no significant difference between sex and the cultural orientation of the respondents. The p-value recorded for all the five questions that access the cultural dimensions among consumers in Ghana were more than the significant level of 0.05. Concerning the second hypothesis, it was revealed that in the Czech Republic there was a statistical significance between the ages of the respondents and the cultural dimensions. The p-value of all the five cultural dimensions was less than the significant level of 0.05. In Ghana, there was no statistical significance between the ages of the respondents and the cultural dimensions of collectivism and individualism (p-value 0.230) and masculinity and femininity (p-value 0.728). However, there was statistical significance between the age of the respondents and 3 of the cultural dimensions, namely power distance (p-value 0.011), uncertainty avoidance (p-value 0.000), and long term orientation (p-value 0.000).

Conclusions. The study concludes that the cultural dimensions should be used as pre-predictors to determine how consumers differ or converge in their behaviour in different countries. This is how culture can serve the purpose in defining consumer behaviour and enable managers develop strategies for specific markets.

Background. Changes taking place in the environment of contemporary enterprises cause that, undeniably, an increasing role in achieving success is played by running a business activity in a way which is environmentally friendly. Nowadays, more and more enterprises in their activities realise the idea of sustainable development, (in common with organisational culture), assuming the activity for the benefit of the protection and the improvement of the surrounding natural environment with simultaneous realisation of social and economic goals.

Research aims. The main research aim is to present the influence of ecological awareness in common with organisational culture on the growth effectiveness and prestige of a studied company.

Methodology. The key part of the paper consists of a case study of Henkel in Poland, as an example of an ecologically responsible organisation. The paper also includes a scientific literature review.

Key findings. In accordance with the assumptions, the ecological awareness brought about fame and recognition to the company for the pro-ecological activity, as well as many awards. Additionally, Henkel transformed its offices into environmentally-friendly offices. The main results show that being “eco” brings profits. The article is an introduction to further study of the given problem and it makes comparisons with other environmentally conscious companies.

Background. Implementation and development of the management concept called lean management can be influenced by the culture of an organisation that is mostly determined by the national culture of its representatives. That is why it is important for successful lean management implementation to understand different cultural conditions and how compatible they are with the lean management culture (cf.: Jakonis, 2011, 2012; Parkes, 2014).

Research aims. The aims of the research, which results have been presented in the article, were: the organisational culture and the cultural conditioning of lean management on the example of a case study in Great Britain.

Methodology. The retrospective case study was carried out in 2014 in Great Britain. The main sources of data were: a semi-structured interview (an interview with a standardised list of requested information) and a narrative interview carried out with a long-time company employee, as well as the company’s documents. Additional sources of data were: unstructured conversations with the former respondent’s co-workers and participant observations carried out in trade and service organisations during my professional and voluntary work.

Key findings. On the basis of the research, the characteristics of researched organisational culture, as being different from the lean management culture according to the level of basic cultural assumptions were presented. Although, shaping lean culture should be a part of lean management implementation, the more an organisational culture differs from lean management culture, the more difficult it could be in my opinion to implement a lean management system (cf.: Jakonis, 2011, 2012; Parkes, 2014).

At the same time, there were elements of lean culture in the researched culture, as a result of secondary socialisation, which can indicate that it is not only desirable, but also possible to create a lean management culture (at least to some degree) while implementing the lean management system into the organisation, even in conditions of different culture. It is debatable to what degree we can change the culture, how to effectively sustain that change and if we possibly have to deal with other factors as well, different from the presented characteristics, but also important from the perspective of lean management implementation.

Background. There has been a growing number of studies focusing on the issue of trust in inter-organisational networks. However, there are few publications which focus on the possibility of using trust as a coordination mechanism in inter-organisational networks.

Research aims. The main purpose of the paper is to construct and present a framework for analysing the mechanism of trust and credibility in inter-organisational networks.

Methodology. A critical literature review method was adopted in this paper. The method constitutes a process, a set of cognitive behaviours, as well as the product of this process.

Key findings. In the results from this paper, the different dimensions of trust were analysed. Relations in inter-organisational networks go beyond trust and credibility. Trust may be one of the resources which enables the process of cooperation to start. However, credibility is only one of the reasons that cooperation works within inter-organisational networks.

Background. The proper functioning of man in different areas of their life depends largely on their personal resources. This equipment becomes especially important in the case of high environmental requirements (e.g. in an organisation), which may lead to negative psychological phenomena such as job burnout.

Research aims. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of personal resources (the sense of life meaning and the optimism level of an employee) on the level of job burnout.

Methodology. The group of 119 Polish high-level managers in two large international production companies were included in the research. Three questionnaires: diagnosing the sense of meaning of life, optimism, and job burnout were used. The regression analysis has shown that both optimism of managers and the sense of meaning of life have a significant impact on the level of job burnout. However, this impact is differentiated.

Key findings. The research shows that optimism and sense of life presence protects against job burnout, but the search for meaning of life is positively related to burnout. In this context, employees and organisations should be advised to strengthen the optimism level and the presence of life meaning.

Background. Lean management is nowadays one of the most dominating management concepts within the industrial and service environment, providing compelling business benefits to many companies. At the same time, its potential application in the non-governmental organisations, has not been extensively researched, yet. Filling this gap may significantly improve the operational performance of many NGOs.

Research aims. The goal of this paper is to verify applicability of the 5-step lean management process in the NGO environment and identify potential barriers, which may impede this process.

Methodology. The method used in the research is a single-case study of a lean thinking implementation project within the Wrocław Food Bank. During this project, the Bank went through the full 5-step lean management process, which consists of value identification, value stream mapping, creation of flow, establishing pull, and seeking perfection. Participation in the project enabled the author to gather qualitative and quantitative data, which was used to the answer research question and achieve the research objective.

Key findings. The research shows that application of the 5-step lean management process in NGO environment is possible, however physical implementation of its guidelines can be strongly impeded due to multiple constraints, which non-governmental organisations are facing. The main lean implementation barriers include lack of traditional customer-supplier relationship, project-based activity, complicated operational rules and regulations, and limited budget. Successful lean implementation requires, therefore, strong leadership commitment, which would drive transformation efforts and remove these obstacles.

Background. Ambush marketing in sport events has been widely commented among both scientists and practitioners. Nowadays, companies use more and more sophisticated ambush marketing methods in their promotional campaigns in order to gain recognition.

Research aims. The aim of this paper is to create an innovative classification of ambush marketing methods, based on the case study of the 2012 UEFA European Championship and to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods based on the results of a brand recognition survey carried out on a representative sample of the Polish population.

Methodology. In order to identify and provide an innovative classification of ambush marketing methods, monitoring of media coverage (press, Internet, broadcasts) was carried out between April and August 2012.

Key findings. The authors developed a classification of ambush marketing methods based on associations used in promotional campaigns by companies. These associations were divided into two categories: ones that involve various communication means and others that involve various images. The study may contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon and to design more efficient methods to counter the occurrence of ambush marketing in mega sport events.

Background. The principle reason for this paper is to completely understand females’ business involvement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) zone. Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates provide a good environment for research about women’s status in business and this topic requires more thorough exploration.

Research aims. The purpose of the article is an initial analysis of women’s situation in the Arab countries and assessment of the risks and open doors for women who are willing to own and work their establishments all through the MENA region, however the remarkable attention was given to two chosen nations from the region: Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

Methodology. The paper is in light of composing a review of the conducted research and data gathered on females’ business in MENA area. It takes into consideration studies done on women in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates and the analysis of figures and tables. Thus, it is a literature review and an analysis of secondary resources of data.

Key findings. Females’ business has not reached its full capability. Now is the time to enhance women’s entrepreneurship. Women in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates are still facing several social, cultural, and economic obstacles as part of the workforce. The ability of administrations both to generate measures that are valid, reactive, and inclusive and to improve gender orientation balance is crucial.

Background. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is nowadays widely recognised as important in a globalised economy. Companies often inform the public about initiatives they are involved with in relation to CSR but it is unclear whether such declarations are in synergy with the every-day business reality.

Research aims. The research problem is related to whether the declarations of companies concerning activities in the area of CSR overlap or are in synergy with their espoused business practice.

Methodology. Empirical research in the form of a questionnaire was conducted among 385 companies operating in Poland. The key questions verifying their activity level in the CSR area concerned: (1) involvement in pro-social endeavours, (2) participation in voluntary initiatives, and (3) creating (or modifying) legal regulations concerning the improvement of working and social conditions. The respondents’ answers were categorized based on the form of ownership, the number of employees as well as the source of capital.

Key findings. The general conclusion indicates that the companies’ declarations about CSR are not fully reflected in their real business activities.

Background. The application of modern information technologies alone does not solve communication problems in companies. The effectiveness of internal information flow is contingent on many factors with employees’ participation in planning being supposedly the one.

Research aims. The paper examines downward and upward information flows by looking through “the lens of employees” and considering their participation in planning processes. It links strategic awareness and operational planning on the one hand with performance reporting, scope of control, post-control information, and managerial feedback on the other.

Methodology. The results presented in the paper are based on a survey comprising 179 Polish companies. The authors employed a qualitative approach based on mining descriptive comments provided by employees matched with quantitative results based on pre-defined answer options.

Key findings. The content analysis revealed a certain level of reporting duties being delegated at a departmental level. It was also visible that control activities were a part of a corporate learning process, and that meetings of managers with their employees contributed to a performance related dialogue. On the other hand, the said effects were achieved by a small share of Polish companies, since only one fifth of those engaged employees in their planning processes.

Background. The main thesis of this paper assumes that advisory services provided by universities may be the basis for regional and local development. Therefore, presenting those issues, the objectives of a university advisory system for regional and local development should be defined. They include: preparing development strategies, supporting changes, adapting to existing operating conditions, developing and creating entrepreneurship, preparing to use assistance funds, etc., thereby influencing the preparation of enterprises, public and social organisations to carry out these tasks.

Research aims. An attempt to define the essence, scope, and types of university advisory services and activities related to their provision to regions, while also determining the conditions of their delivery.

Methodology. This study relies on the relevant literature, selected documents on the European Union and Polish development programmes and the author’s own reflections. The foundation for drawing it up were data processing methods, i.e. analysis and synthesis, and logical inference methods, in particular induction.

Key findings. The performed analysis indicates that universities can and should be involved in advisory services as part of their activities. A university advisory system should be built on the cooperation with other actors, cooperation under concluded agreements, but also for the preparation and implementation of regional development strategies.

Background. Internal Market Orientation is a philosophy that is meant to create a seamless relationship among different functional areas in the organisation, with a view to achieving an improved organisations’ performance. However, there is an on-going debate grounded on the upper echelon theory, with regard to how leaders’ background characteristic influence firm performance; though with limited empirical support.

Research aims. This paper seeks to assess the relationship between marketing background expertise of senior executives and Internal Market Orientation, within the context of the public sector.

Methodology. Survey data was collected from senior executives of the public sector of Ghana, comprising 111 organisations; using a structured questionnaire. The hypothesized relationships between Marketing background expertise and the primary dimensions of Internal Market Orientation were tested through Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis.

Key findings. Data analyses reveal lack of support for the hypothesized relationships between marketing background expertise and the primary dimensions of Internal Market Orientation. However, the study provides empirical support for the on-going discourse on leadership characteristics and firm performance, in the context of the public sector; where research on Internal Marketing is limited. It also refines these discussions from both a non-western and a developing economy context.

Background. The vast majority of historical buildings no longer serve its original function because that function is no longer needed today. This fact is the reason why many of the abandoned monuments are subject to the process of degradation. A chance to extend the life cycle of historical buildings is their reuse, which is made possible thanks to adapting these facilities to perform new functions. Polish regulations lack a comprehensive, multi-criteria approach to the selection of variants of adaptation of historical buildings despite the practical needs in this area.

Research aims. Fuzzy inference system assisting the choice of a variant of adaptation of historical buildings presented in this article meets the above requirements.

Methodology. In the analysis, an expert inference system has been developed on the basis of inference rules database by taking into account the fuzzy logic.

Key findings. The developed expert fuzzy inference system is designed primarily for decision-makers from the so-called public sector. The choice made by the above mentioned concerning the use of a historical building will result not only from the analysis of expenditures that need to be incurred for the process of adaptation, but also from the benefits which stem from the idea of sustainable development that can be achieved at the same time.

Background. In many economies, both developed and developing rapidly, we can observe the potential of administration as organizations which under appropriate conditions may show high levels of innovation. The administration on one hand may be an active participant and on the other hand act as a creator of conditions conducive to innovative activities. Both of these roles are important and complementary to each other because the administration can create a legislative base as well as adequate infrastructure and space for innovation, and then actively participate in the process of their diffusion. In recent years, the European Union has shown increasing interest in the actions for measuring innovativeness of the European administration and stimulating its growth.
Research aims. The aim of the study is to compare the degree of innovativeness of Polish and Spanish administration and the activities undertaken to stimulate it. In research on the innovativeness of the EU economies (Innovation Union Scoreboard, 2014) both countries were in the group of "moderate innovators", although there are noticeable differences in the approach to the implementation of innovations and cultural conditions of their diffusion.
Methods. The adopted research method was analysis of the reports on public sector innovativeness in the EU and foreign and national literature studies.
Key findings. The analyzed research results clearly show a higher degree of innovativeness of Spanish administration in comparison to Polish administration. Spanish administration has more experience in implementing innovations in the field of management systems, communication, involvement of entities outside the sector to work on innovation and shaping the organizational culture conducive
 

Background. The importance of learning in and by organizations has since long been
recognized by academic and practitioner scientists for both business and public sector
organizations. In particular in the last decades interest in organizational learning has
been growing. There are important reasons for considering the acquisition of knowledge
in public service organizations.
Research aims. The paper reviews the state of research evidence in the field. The main question of this study is how important it is for employees in public sector to acquire the knowledge and use their full potential in the workplace and whether these organizations
Methods. The main source of empirical data is carried out by the authors of the study in
public sector organizations.
Key findings. The study was conducted using a questionnaire survey. The research shows high expectations related to knowledge acquisition opportunities in the workplace and partial fulfilment of these expectations by the subject organizations.

Background. Courts are by definition bureaucratic, hierarchical organisations, epitomised by low levels of networking potential, which basically lack mechanisms of information exchange, or those of sharing information both at the level of the organisation of the justice system (the macro scale) and within a given court (the micro scale).
Research aims. The aims of this article was implementing modern management methods of common courts, based on the examples of the Gdańsk area courts, and attempts to provide an answer to the question of whether courts, viewed as bureaucratic bodies, are ready to launch organisational change aiming at the creation of organisations based on knowledge.
Method. Based on the case study approach, this paper outlines the results of an innovative pilot study. Throughout the pilot study, sixty selected district, regional and appellate courts, with the help of external experts, were subjected to the implementation of “good practices” –managerial improvements. Also, the paper illustrates the findings of re examples of three district courts and one regional court, participating in the pilot study.
Key Findings. Amidst the basic research methods employed in the paper are: literature-based studies, empirical analysis with the use of available secondary studies, as well as individually-conducted empirical studies conducted for the purposes of this paper, which has initiated the discussion on the notion of organisational culture in courts, and has raised the questions of whether a) the courts are ready to accept the changes aimed at altering their management; b) the organisational culture in the courts covered by the study determined the selection of practices to be implemented; c) organisational culture in courts lies at the foundation of building a knowledge-based organisation; and d) there exists a potential for sharing knowledge among the courts covered by the study in question. The results of the study in question prove that organisational culture of courts determined the possibility of implementing managerial practices aimed at shaping a knowledge-based organisation.
 

Background. Culture as the sole of each organization is examined itself or in different management concepts. Many studies identify culture as a main dimension in the organizational learning process or in learning organizations, both in the private and public sector. However there is a lack of research focusing on municipalities, especially in transformed countries. Ongoing changes in the task of imposed by the government as well as those resulting from the European grants cause needs for appropriate culture which is one learning organization dimensions in the light of theory.
Research aims. This paper explores which variables shaping organizational culture are important for the local municipalities in relation to their scope and to propose their consistent typology for the state of art in research in the example of a transformed country.
Methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 670 municipalities, with response rate of 26,7% of total population. The questionnaire was filled in by one official from each municipality, who takes one of the following position: mayor, deputy mayor or municipality secretary.
Key findings. The analysed research results clearly demonstrate that the level of culture in the rural municipalities is higher than in the urban rural municipalities and urban municipalities. It could be observed, inter alia, that high-rang officials (head of division or mayor) tend to be afraid to talk about their mistakes and there is hardly any atmosphere for constructive remarks.

Background. The Careers Office is a part of Wroclaw University of Technology (Poland). It is responsible for job activation of students and graduates. Challenges and changes coming from dynamic job market relations encourage team members of the Careers Office to take a new approach in management and self-development.
Research aims. This paper presents some innovative actions undertaken by the office such as: researches of student’s expectations or organization change elements (i.e. involving students as volunteers). The aim of this article is to prove that Careers Office can be recognized as a learning organization. Second goal is assessment try of effectiveness rate of the Office in selected aspects of their activity backed by interviews and survey among students.
Methodology. The search for an appropriate framework of learning organization definition was based on scientific literature review. Exploration of actual action undertaken by the office was based on a survey among the students and partially standardized interview with employees of the office.
Key findings. The Careers Office can be recognized as a learning organization based on its multiple definitions elements. The majority of students assessed their Career Office as good in the survey, although their expectations towards organization and the university are very high.
 

Background. Benchmarking is a conceptual framework of effective management policy that allows for organisational improvements. It has been successfully implemented in enterprises and is more and more often applied at public institutions, including health care institutions.
Research aims. The aim of this article is to present to what extent benchmarking may be applied at public hospitals.
Methodology. The survey method and the research instrument in the form of an individually prepared and customized questionnaire was used. The research was carried out among the management boards of 35 public hospitals in the Lubelskie voivodeship, which constitutes 90% of the statistical population. The financial standing of the entity in the studied group served the purpose of an additional characteristic piece of information.
Key findings. The research findings have allowed to determine how many hospitals in the studied voivodeship use benchmarking, what is the dominant type, in what areas it is implemented and how frequently the healthcare facilities use benchmarking to improve activities of a given organization. The most frequently used types of benchmarking in public hospitals have been distinguished as: internal and competitive benchmarking. The main motivations to implement this conceptual framework in healthcare facilities are connected with both qualitative and economic aspects.
 

Background. Universities possess an inherent imperative of self-improvement derived from their mission and they act as a source, transformer and propagator of learning and knowledge. Therefore incorporating a learning organisation concept in higher education institutions (HEIs) seems natural.
Research aims. A lack of clear and explicit practical hints on how to incorporate the concept into a university was identified as a cognitive gap in the literature. The key research aim of the paper was to analyse the concept of a learning organisation in the context of HEIs, present conditions facilitating implementation of the concept in HEIs and indicate how systematic usage of benchmarking can help HEIs to become learning organisations.
Method. In the paper an in-depth study and critical analysis of literature on learning organisation in the context of HEIs was performed. The author points to benchmarking as a tool enhancing the impact of the learning organisation concept. In the study a set of recommendations for HEIs aiming at becoming a learning organisation was developed.
Key Findings. In the paper the thesis that systematic usage of benchmarking helps a university  to become a learning organisation was stated and supported. Benchmarking comprises interorganisational learning. It involves descriptive learning about competition and  the environment of the organisation. Universities willing to become learning organisations should develop a climate of creativity and lateral thinking which enhances learning in the process of benchmarking.
 

Background. Organisations now have to rely on knowledge-worker productivity rather than advances in production equipment to sustain their businesses. There is a quite remarkable contrast in the operating procedures between the “East” and “West” approaches.
Research aims. This paper explores how an amalgamated wisdom of East and West management approach can instigate a wisdom-based renaissance of humanistic epistemology to provide a platform of harmony in managing knowledge-worker productivity, one of the biggest management challenges of the 21st century.
Method. The paper invites further discussions from the social and business research communities on the significance of “interpretation realism” technique in comprehending Lao Tzu, Confucius and Sun Tzu’s philosophies written in “Classical Chinese.”
Key findings. This paper concludes with a call to explore how amalgamating Eastern cultural wisdom (favouring a humanity approach) and Western practices (favouring a performance approach) help to instigate business harmony and its impact on the management of knowledge-practitioners and their productivity.
 

Background. The size of the older population that needs additional training and education is increasing due to the increasing life expectancy at birth as well as some non-demographic factors, for example, the faster development of technology. One of the most important directives in the area of education within the European Union is the Memorandum on Lifelong Learning, which states that all those living in Europe should have, without exception, equal opportunities that adapt to the demands of social and economic life, so they can actively participate in forging the future of Europe. Lifelong learning is a value which has become an important factor in setting the economic objectives of individual countries.
Research aims. The purpose of this small scale research is to determine the reasons for studying and reasons for continuous adult education in addition to what influences the success of individuals in education.
Method. We designed a questionnaire and we decide the sample institutions from education sector in Slovenia. In the research, we found that the majority of respondents believe that education leads to a better quality job position. They particularly see the reason for continuous adult education in a desire for additional knowledge.
Key findings. From the analysis carried out, we can see that those who have a higher level of education perceive adult training as a voluntary individual choice, a desire for knowledge, whilst those with a lower level of achieved education see training as a necessity to maintain employment. In addition we also found that individual commitment has the most influence on an individual’s success in their achievements in training and education.