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