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International Journal of Contemporary Management

2017

Data publikacji: 23.03.2018

Licencja: CC BY-NC-ND

Redakcja

Redaktor naczelny Ewa Bogacz-Wojtanowska

Zawartość numeru

Cooperation Instruments Between Cultural Institutions and the Environment

Dorota Balcerzyk

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 7-29

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.019.7539

Background. Cultural institutions are facing new social challenges today and so in order to be able to manage them, they cannot only rely on their own potential. Implementing common goals can imply undertaking inter-organisational operations. In the literature of the subject there is insufficiency of research on the cooperation of cultural institutions with the environment, that is why this article has highlighted this issue. The paper shows the value of cooperation as a management instrument, thanks to which cultural institutions can increase their potential while performing their tasks more effectively. Reference has pertained to publications on effective cooperation between public institutions and companies.

Research aims. The purpose of the research was to diagnose cooperation between cultural institutions and the environment. The main research problem involved looking for answers to the questions: do cultural institutions cooperate with other institutions of this type, located in Wroclaw, to increase their offer directed to early school children? Who is the initiator of the cooperation? What is the form of initiating the cooperation with the other institutions? What is the frequency of undertaking cooperation between cultural institutions and the environment?

Methodology. The issue of cooperation was discussed based on empirical data obtained from the survey conducted in cultural institutions located in Wroclaw. The factor, which connects the researched institutions was to orient their activities to organise free time for children in early school age. The study covered all cultural institutions with an offer addressed to this group of receivers, where the problem questions were aimed to the managers.

Key findings. The analysis of the research indicates that most of the researched institutions undertake cooperative activities. Nonetheless, there are some institutions, which are closed to cooperation with the environment or they rarely undertake the cooperation. The nature of the diagnosed cooperation depends to a large on the extent of the specifics of the examined cultural institution. The results of the research indicate the need of increasing the spectrum of activities undertaken by cultural institutions for cooperation with the environment.

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The Opportunities of Professional Development of Officers

Robert Balcerzyk

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 31-49

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.020.7540

Background. A model of the service record of the officers of the Polish Army was presented in this article. The research on the model was conducted in 2015. In 2016, many articles presenting the results of the research on professional competences, training, and vocational training of the officers and their official assessment were published.

Research aims. The article is a culmination of the conducted research. The proposed model is partially based on the solutions that already exist, and its innovative character lies in their combination and appropriate direction. The participation of the officers in their own professional development, supplementing knowledge and skills and their verification before subsequent stages of vocational training play a fundamental role in the model. In this model, education in civil organisations (universities) is assumed, if it is required by the specificity of a given position. Moreover, the proposed model (with minor modifications) can be implemented to other Uniformed Public Services.

The goal of this article is to present a model of officers’ service record, which was worked out based on research conducted in the years 2012–2015.

Methodology. The following research methods were used in the research presented in this article:

– analysis and criticism of writing (literature within the scope of staff management in the army, analysis of binding legal regulations);

– participant observation method (related to professional experience);

– desk research (research of similar range);

– diagnostic poll with the officers concerning personal subfunction.

Key findings. This model is a solution that can be applied, but it requires changes in the regulations concerning military service of professional soldiers. The consequence of making changes proposed in the model will be raising the level of competences of the officers and confidence of staff in the army and the officers of staff sectors.

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Design Thinking as a Source of Management Innovation

Grzegorz Baran

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 51-71

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.021.7541

Background. The paper attempts to present design thinking as an approach which, when applied in management, can transform the mode of operation adopted in an organisation effectively enough to become in effect a source of radical changes and management innovation itself. Management innovation, though not so rare in management practice, has not become widespread in scientific literature, and is often wrongly identified with organisational innovation. It includes everything which significantly changes the manner of implementing management functions. It is very important to contemporary organisations, since by radically changing management methods, it is able to sustain an innovative potential in the long run.

Research aims. The aim of this paper is to identify these advantages of the design thinking approach which, when used in contemporary organisations, may be an efficient support in the creation and implementation of management innovation.

Methdology. The discussion undertaken in the paper is theoretical and primarily based on the method of the analysis and criticism of literature on design thinking and management, and management innovation in particular. The research method used to solve the scientific problem is deduction, which referred to the critical literature study has allowed achieving the research goal.

Key findings. The analysis of theoretical findings resulted in drawing how design thinking approach may effectively support the creation of management innovation in contemporary organizations. Although design thinking comes from a designers’ job, at present it is an approach to creative and innovative ways of solving open, complex, and unambiguous management problems in numerous organisations.

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The Impact of Cooperation among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises on Their Innovation Capabilities

Benedek Andrea, Takács István, Katalin Takács-György

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 73-91

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.022.7542

Background. Although in recent years several measures, government activities, projects, and increased R&D resources have motivated and assisted companies in their innovation activities, the aggregated innovation activity indicators of Hungary (summary innovation index – SII, innovation union scoreboard index – the index-IUS) and the statistics still show a strong fullback compared to the member states of the European Union. This is especially true regarding the region of Northern Hungary, where innovation would be essential for the future and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

Research aims. The primary aim of the research is to examine whether there is cooperation between companies and stakeholders. To observe what is the frequency and depth of the cooperation between the studied companies and the stakeholders. In general, is there a relationship between cooperation and innovation? What kind of sources of innovation are preferred by the surveyed companies? Where does the capital for innovation come from?

Methodology. The primary research examines the innovation activities of small and medium-sized enterprises and the related forms of cooperation. The research database was provided by a questionnaire survey conducted by managers of small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Northern Hungary, which was carried out in 2015.

Key findings. This research showed that there is a significant correlation between the level of cooperation and innovation. It shows which are those innovation activities (market pull and demand push) among the studied companies that are preferred; and how the degree of willingness to cooperate impacts the way of innovation.

The research reflects the openness to innovation of the leaders of the small and medium-sized enterprises and the research showed that the most preferred form of innovation within the market is pull innovation. However, the company leaders know that the resource intensity of innovation is very high and they need external resources, which they do not prefer. The use of bank loans to the innovation is low (only 27% in 2015 among Hungarian SMEs). The companies prefer the development support from the state or local governments.

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The Influence of Organisational Culture of Polish Companies on Their Cooperative Relationships

Michał Chomicki

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 93-106

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.023.7543

Background. Organisational culture in the context of cooperative relationships is a viable research area. However, based on literature review the influence of organisational culture on these relationships is not a primary research topic of Polish or foreign scientists. Hence, this paper was designed to fill in the identified gap.

Research aims. The aim of this paper is to indicate the relationship between the shape of organisational culture of Polish companies and beneficialness of the shape of cooperative relations between these companies with particular kinds of cooperators. The theoretical part of this article was devoted to identifying the role of cooperative relations in the contemporary economic environment and description of the concept of organisational culture, including its influence on cooperation between companies. The empirical part of this paper was devoted to the description of the conducted research and its results.

Methodology. The study was conducted in early 2016 on a random sample of 97 Polish companies, i.e. companies that are based in the Republic of Poland. The survey questionnaire was sent to 493 companies (regardless of size, industry, and geographical region), 114 of which responded with answers. In the process of verification of the consistency of the received responses, 17 of them were rejected due to inaccuracies and other defects. The survey used the respondents’ indications of prevailing values in relations with employees, which describe the organisational culture and the indication of the beneficialness of the shape of cooperative relationships with suppliers, customers, and co-opetitors (in the framework of coopetitive relations). The chi-squared independence tests were used to demonstrate the dependencies.

Key findings. In conclusion, it turned out that the key to the beneficial shape of cooperative relationships can be found in the presence of preferred values of flexibility and freedom of action and the orientation of internal affairs. However, the preference of the mentioned values only affects the beneficialness of the shape of the cooperative relations with the customers.

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Strategies of Protection of Intellectual Property as an Intangible Regulatory Asset of an Organization

Aldona Małgorzata Dereń

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 107-123

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.024.7544

In the article the submitted a special kind of intangible resource regulatory of intellectual property in organization. One of the features of intellectual property is the ability to protection. .In the process of the management of intellectual property this feature determines the definition and implementation of strategies to protect these resources. Strategy for the protection of intellectual property must be subordinated to organization. The article discusses the strategy of explicit (institutional) intellectual property protection strategy implicit (non-institutional) and a strategy based on the sale of its own intellectual resources and / or obtaining external resources. Selected and discussed strategies that fully demonstrate the ability to protect as a resource asset of intellectual property were the subject of research conducted in a group of Polish companies from the Lower Silesia region. The results of this study are presented in this article.

Background. In contemporary organizations, intellectual resources are a key element of strategic thinking, which should take three directions: creation, maintenance and protection of these resources. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate and implement a specific strategy for securing intellectual property resources. This strategy should be part of a competitive organizational development strategy.

Research aims. The aim of the article is to present the types of strategies for securing intellectual property in enterprises in the Lower Silesia region in Poland.

Methodology. The basis of the analysis presented in this article was the questionnaire survey conducted in the group of 137 entrepreneurs from the Lower Silesia region. Survey questions focused on issues related to the knowledge of the types of intellectual property protection strategies and their practical implementation.

Key findings. The analysis allowed to distinguish two types of strategies for securing intellectual property: institutional strategies (patent, protective rights, etc.) and non-institutional strategies (know-how, company secrets). The vast majority of surveyed entrepreneurs apply institutional strategies to protect intellectual property despite complex formal procedures and significant costs of protection.

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Innovative Consistency in Organisations – Business Process Management Perspective

Michał Flieger

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 125-138

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.025.7545

Background. Getting competitive advantage is a process that becomes more and more difficult in nowadays’ organisations. Today not only do business organizations compete but also public ones. That makes the search for new ways of effectiveness even more up to date problem. One of the area in which this advantage is built is organisational structures. When it comes to the structures, process management and process organisations are very often introduced. The concept of organizational consistency may be related to eny organization but as process structures are the future of organization the consistency is analysed from process perspective.

Research aims. The article is to introduce and operationalize the consistency theory from the perspective of process organizations. This way scholars as well as practitioners will be able to get to know this perspective of harmonization in organisation and use it in practise.

Methodology. To recognize consistency and its nature theoretical discussion takes place in the article. It is based on the literature but mostly comes from the Author’s own ideas.

Key findings. In the article the consistency problem is presented as the way to be innovative and to achieve competitive advantage. The article also presents the perspectives and platforms from which the consistency may by analysed. The perspectives as well as their explanations have been introduced in this paper. As the article presents there is a need to operationalize consistency concept deeper so that is is more understandable especially for practice.

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Strategic Management Instruments for Cyber-Physical Organizations: Technological Posthumanization as a Driver of Strategic Innovation

Matthew E. Gladden

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 139-155

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.026.7546

Background. Strategic management instruments (SMIs) are tools used to analyze an organization’s strategic situation, formulate effective strategies, and successfully implement them. Despite SMIs’ importance, there has been little systematic research into them – and especially regarding the impact of emerging technologies on SMIs.

Research aims. Here we investigate whether the forces of technological posthumanization that are creating a new class of ‘cyber-physical organizations’ can be expected to affect innovation in the use of SMIs within such organizations.

Methodology. Through a review of strategic management literature, we identify nearly 100 SMIs and categorize them according to their use in (a) strategic analysis, (b) strategy formulation, or (c) strategy implementation. Meanwhile, an analysis of cyber-physical systems and technological posthumanization reveals three dynamics that are converging to create an emerging class of cyber-physical organizations: (a) roboticization of the workforce; (b) deepening human-computer integration; and (c) the ubiquitization of computation. A framework is developed for mapping the impacts of these dynamics onto the inputs, agents, processes, and outputs involved with the three types of SMIs.

Key findings. Application of the framework shows that technological posthumanization should be expected to both facilitate and require innovation in cyber-physical organizations’ use of all three types of SMIs.

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Talent Management in Higher Education – a Case Study from Hungary

Katalin Takács-György, Takács István

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 157-188

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.027.7547

Background. There is a lot of debate on the role of higher education in the context of intellectuals. Many of them agree as to the question of importance and talent management. Experiences, the students gained during their studies are also key factors for the next generation, this is frequently mentioned in literature of leadership, organisational culture not depending on business or non-governmental organisations. More and more importance goes to an individual, problem solving employee, a human resource that is responsible for new ideas, creating new value is critical. In the modern, developed (successful) economies higher share of value added goes back to knowledge (not to materialised resources or capital), so “people are the main source”. A paradigm change took part in leadership: leaders must be problem solving ones who recline upon the problem solving individuals.

Research aims. The aim of this study is to show an example how higher education can meet the expectations of organisations in the context of knowledge based economy, with supporting students’ scientific research work.

Methodology. Based on secondary sources, with content analysis the history of the Hungarian Students’ Research Societies movement is introduced. To show the development of Students’ Research Societies statistical data were used.

Key findings. Talent management is one of the tasks of higher education, but to define what is talent and what will be a good output of higher education is not too easy. New, competence based educational methods, team-oriented, problem solving project works are needed instead of learn-the-data education, to meet the changed requirements of business and public organisations.

The unique, Hungarian Students’ Research Societies movement meets these requirements of talent management. To be successful, at the very beginning of students’ studies a teachers – students’ relationship (trust!) must be developed. What can the student – tutor cooperation, work in scientific society be compared to? To the ancient Greek philosophers, to Aristotle and his school-masters’ mates. When walking on the hill surrounded by his disciples, they discussed scientific, philosophical, political questions or arts, they were equal on the same floor, questions were answered and disciples were introduced into the world of life.

By the case study of the unique Students’ Scientific Research Societies, it has been concluded that besides the good research works, thesis, the main result is that by taking part in the scientific work, the students are able to believe: “we are the best”.

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Deconstructing Design to Facilitate its Research Within Public Service Organiszations

Mateusz Lewandowski

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 189-208

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.028.7548

Background. Design in public service organisations is an important context, possibly influencing many aspects of public management. Yet it has not been well included in the main research stream as a variable, mostly due to elusive understanding of the phenomenon and its weak operationalisation.

Research aims. This paper aims to further the understanding of design within Public Service Organisations (PSOs), in order to propose the main dimensions for measuring design within PSOs.

Methodology. This study uses a literature review and deconstruction based on a narrative analysis. Literature has been hand-picked according to snowball effect logic.

Key findings. The obtained results of deconstruction allowed for proposing a consistent and comprehensive framework of design within PSOs. It facilitates research by giving the ground for developing concrete measures.

Keywords: public service organisation, service design, deconstruction, design framework, measuring design.

Acknowledgment: This paper presents the research results of the project “Zarządzanie efektywnością i jakością informacji w jednostkach samorządu lokalnego w Polsce”, funded by the National Science Centre, Poland, Project No. 2016/21/D/HS4/00716.

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Sustainable Human Resource Management and Its Models

Barbara Mazur

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 211-223

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.029.7549

Background. During the last decade, a new approach to Human Resource Management (HRM) has evolved. This approach, called Sustainable Human Resource Management (Sustainable HRM), seeks to link HRM and sustainability.

Research aims. This paper examines the meaning ascribed to sustainability and the relationship between sustainability and HRM. It outlines the major characteristics of sustainable HRM. The main objective of the paper is to present two models of Sustainable HRM.

Methodology. The article is a theoretical review. It consists of a current literature analysis. The first part of the paper presents the concepts of and relationships between sustainability and HRM. The second part presents the Three Pillars Model of Sustainable HRM: work-life balance, personal autonomy in professional development, and employability of the workers; as well as the Holistic Model of Sustainable HRM consisting of psychological, sociological, strategic, and ecologic approaches. Finally, a conclusion resulting from the comparison of the models is delivered.

Key findings. The two models presented in this paper can be applied in analysis and empirical study. However the choice of the model for study should depend on the purpose of the study and the size of the audited company.

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Re-discovering Space for the Organisation – Conceptual Considerations

Piotr Pachura

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 225-243

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.030.7550

Background. The peculiar “shrinking” of the world and the already proverbial statement of “the end of the distance” as a result of global processes and technological development have set the thought of the distance aside. However, it seems that there would be a renaissance of scientific interest in space, because it still is one of the basic cognitive and interpretative categories, continually experienced by humans and organisations. The organisations are more and more “struggling” with different spaces, especially in the face of the “locality – globality” dichotomy, or virtual and network spaces phenomena.

Research aims. The aim of the research is an attempt of interdisciplinary and innovative conceptualisation of space issues in the context of organisation and management sciences. Through the course of the research different dimensions of space were identified.

Methodology. Deductive way of reasoning was implemented afterwards. At the macro analysis level – a conceptual model has was built. In the further part of the study a theoretical experiment was made to indicate the applicative capabilities of the model on the meso level, in relation to the business models concept.

Key findings. As a result of conceptual experiments, an original model of four dimensions of space was proposed. This model can be a universal tool for the organization. This article presents its application within the concept of business models.

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Differences in Considering the Operational Risk during the Strategy Implementation Process – Case Study of Classical and Visionary Strategic Approach

Joanna Radomska

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 245-258

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.031.7551

Background. The article describes the issue of considering the operational risk, its identification and analysis, in the strategy implementation stage. It was decided to present the practices used by the companies that are representing the biggest percentage of the sample – a classical and a visionary strategic approach and to analyse their similarities as well as the differences.

Research aims. Its purpose is to present and analyse the differences in the process of risk consideration in organisations representing different types of strategic approach – classical and visionary.

Methodology. The conducted research was based on the qualitative research method using case studies. It is a part of a broader research on operational risk associated with the strategy implementation, conducted on 150 companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, operating in different industries. The sample was chosen because the presence on the stock exchange requires formulating precise strategies and associated strategic objectives, as well as reporting the progress in their implementation. It may be assumed that the companies listed on the WSE pay much attention to controlling the strategy implementation process and the issue of risk associated is an important aspect.

Key findings. The research results show that the two strategic approaches differ in analyzed aspects of operational risk management. Especially surprising is the level of their formalisation, contradictory to the initial assumptions. It was assumed that the visionary approach is more informal and based rather on the scenario planning, while the classical approach seem more formal and regular. The cases described showed the opposite characteristics of approaches.

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Antecedents of Interorganisational Collaboration in Public Safety Management System

Katarzyna Sienkiewicz-Małyjurek

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 259-273

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.032.7552

Background. Inter-organisational collaboration constitutes an important instrument of modern management since it enables considering a given problem from different perspectives and search solutions that go beyond the possibilities of one entity. On the other hand, it is an endeavour that is difficult to realise as it does not always enable achieving the assumed goals. However, public sector organisations are legally obligated to collaborate. In the public safety management system this collaboration is carried out based on the existing legal regulations, accepted safety programs, and signed agreements. Motivation to collaborate, however, is dependent on many other causes, among which the legal obligation does not constitute a sufficient condition. Therefore, it is important to find out what are the antecedents, which constitute the basis for shaping of inter-organisational collaboration.

Research aims. The aim of the research is identification of the antecedents of inter-organisational collaboration in the public safety management system, their dimensions and explanation of the relations between them.

Methodology. The aim of the research was achieved based on a desk research analysis and questionnaire surveys conducted with public safety management system experts. The conducted research and analyses are a result of realisation of a research project entitled “Coordination, communication, and trust as factors driving effective inter-organisational collaboration in the system of public safety management” financed by the funds of the National Science Centre awarded based on decision No. DEC-2012/07/D/HS4/00537.

Key findings. The result of the conducted research is identification of the dimensions of the antecedents of inter-organisational collaboration in the public safety management system.

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An Improvement of The Lithuanian Emergency Medical Assistance System Management

Rimantas Stašys, Gintautas Virketis

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 275-292

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.033.7553

Background. This article discusses an improvement of the emergency medical assistance system in Lithuania. Health care reform in Lithuania has been going on for three decades, but despite the understanding that the health care management has to be effective and methodologically sound it cannot be characterised as consistent, comprehensive, and well-coordinated. The authors explore the methods of how to adapt emergency medical assistance system in Lithuania to the changing environmental factors, the advances of science and information technologies, and to the legal WHO and EU requirements.

Research aims. The aim of this study was to define the key emergency medical assistance concepts and management principals, analyse emergency medical assistance system models in foreign countries and use the results to create a theory for the emergency medical assistance management, determine the deficiencies in the Lithuanian emergency medical assistance system as well as propose tools to improve it and define emergency medical assistance management subsystems.

Methodology. Research methods include quantitative descriptive research through a structured questionnaire survey; data statistical analysis (chi-square, mean) methods, modelling, and graphic representation. The internal consistency of the questionnaire scale was assessed by the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient.

Key findings. Problem areas of the emergency medical assistance were grouped based on their impact on the social or economic state in the country. It was the basis of the improvement of the emergency medical assistance management and integration. A model for the management of the emergency medical assistance system in Lithuania has been developed and based on the system principle where integral parts are linked by internal relations between health care management subjects; resources; and outcomes. Five subsystems: supervision of emergency medical assistance, patient inter-hospital transportation, information, and patient flow management, as well as the public education and information have been defined.

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Growth Orientation of Women and Men Owners of Micro Firms in The Pomeranian Region

Julita E. Wasilczuk

International Journal of Contemporary Management, Numer 16(3), 2017, s. 293-307

https://doi.org/10.4467/24498939IJCM.17.034.7554

Background. Despite the fact that research on women’s entrepreneurship has been conducted for many years, still many clear answers to questions about the differences between entrepreneurs of both genders are missing. One of the unresolved issues is the performance of women in entrepreneurship.

Research aims. The aim of the study is to investigate the growth orientation of microenterprises operating in the Pomeranian region in Poland and to compare its level according to the gender of the owner.

Methodology. An index of entrepreneurs’ growth orientation was developed. This index, being a determinant of the company’s growth potential, was based on five indicators: goals and plans of the entrepreneur, innovative activities, investment, and activity in finding sources of funding. The data was gathered by a face to face survey, based on a questionnaire, among microfirm owners from the Pomeranian region – Poland, in 2009 and 2012.

Key findings. The analysis of growth orientation of women and men, pointed out that the first showed a lower indicator of it, however again the general conclusions are not so clear.

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Słowa kluczowe: public organisations, cooperation, public management, cultural institutions., model of the service record, military service, professional career., design thinking, innovation, management innovation, creativity., Cooperation, Innovation, SMEs., organisational culture, inter-organisational relationships, cooperative relationships, beneficialness, organization, resources, intellectual property protection, consistency, process management, consistency platforms, organisational innovations, Strategic Management Instruments, Cyber-Physical Systems, Cyber- Physical Organizations, Roboticization, Technological Posthumanization, talent, knowledge, needs, organisation, students’ research, Hungarian movement, public service organisation, service design, deconstruction, design framework, measuring design, sustainability, HRM, model, sustainable HRM, space, organisation, management, business model, conceptualisation, operational risk, strategy implementation, classical and visionary strategic approach, inter-organisational collaboration, antecedents of collaboration, public management, public safety management system, emergency medical assistance (EMA), improvement, management, system, women entrepreneurship, growth orientation