NUMER BIEŻĄCY / CURRENT ISSUE
Zeszyt Naukowy Numer 61 / VOLUME 61
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Aldona Małgorzata Dereń
Abstract: Growing social and regulatory pressures to conduct sustainable business have intensified the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into corporate strategies. Recognized as a strategic asset, Intellectual Property (IP) increasingly supports the implementation of sustainability goals, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The main aim of this research is to identify how IP management contributes to ESG performance in SMEs. Using a comprehensive literature review and analysis of empirical examples from Polish and international SMEs, the study identifies five mechanisms linking IP and ESG: eco-patenting, open-source licensing, knowledge reporting, servitization, and inter-organizational collaboration. These mechanisms support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17. The results reveal that, despite the growing awareness of IP–ESG synergies, significant research gaps remain concerning their effectiveness in resource-constrained firms. The study concludes by proposing directions for empirical research and managerial practices aimed at integrating IP strategies with sustainability objectives to enhance competitiveness and global value creation.
Keywords: pcorporate strategy, development goals, ESG, intellectual property, SMEs, sustainable
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.01
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Hanna Kądziołka-Sabanty, Bożena M. Czerkawska
CHILDLESSNESS AS A HIDDEN REASON FOR UNEQUAL TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES – PILOT STUDY RESULTS
Abstract: The contemporary workplace increasingly emphasizes the importance of equality and inclusiveness, yet there are still areas of discrimination that remain poorly understood. One such area is childlessness, rarely analyzed as a potential indicator of unequal treatment. The results of the pilot study show that although childlessness is not formally recognized as a basis for discrimination, it can impact professional perceptions and workplace relationships. The aim of the study was to identify mechanisms that may lead to the marginalization of this group, including manifestations of so-called “family privilege,” which involves favoring individuals with children in terms of job assignments, promotions, and access to flexible work arrangements. This article serves as a starting point for a broader reflection on the need to incorporate the perspectives of childless individuals into equality policies and diversity management strategies.
Keywords: childlessness, diversity management, family privileges, HR policies, unequal treatment of employees, workplace discrimination
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.02
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Laura Leticia Gaona Tamez, Ana Cecilia Flores Amador, Gabriel Aguilera Mancilla
GREEN ECONOMY AND FAMILY BUSINESS: BETWEEN CHALLENGES AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Abstract: Family businesses play a crucial role in the global economy, and by adopting green economy principles, they can enhance both their competitiveness and sustainability. This involves the integration of environmentally responsible practices such as efficient resource use, reduction of pollutant emissions, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. The objective of the paper is to identify the opportunities and challenges that family businesses face when incorporating the green economy into their business strategies. A qualitative methodology was used, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 owners of family businesses from the agricultural, manufacturing, commercial and renewable energy sectors located in the central region of Coahuila, Mexico. Key findings reveal opportunities such as strengthening corporate reputation and differentiation in a highly competitive environment. However, family businesses face substantial obstacles, including a lack of financial support, limited knowledge of sustainable technologies, and resistance to change, which may hinder the transition. To address these challenges, it is essential to have government support through fiscal incentives and clear regulations, foster an organizational culture oriented toward sustainability, and leverage the potential of public-private partnerships to overcome financial and technical barriers.
Keywords: family businesses, green economy, opportunities and challenges
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.03
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Emilia Koziarz
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN A SOCIAL ECONOMY ENTITY
Abstract: Currently, the number of social initiatives is increasing, and social economy entities are becoming more important. Therefore, a study of associations has been conducted. The main objective of the study is to review and verify the information and concepts related to association management. The second objective is to identify the motivations for participating in voluntary activities. These goals can be achieved on the basis of a review of the literature and a pilot study. It can be concluded that there are various concepts of non-
-governmental organization management and that their implementation is important for the efficient functioning of these entities. The pilot study indicates that volunteers’ motivations include a desire to help others and that their effectiveness is based on the support of other volunteers.
Keywords: association, management, social economy, volunteering
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.04
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Tomasz Migduła
CORE CHALLENGE OF THE TRIBE MODEL – BALANCING AUTONOMY AND STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Abstract: The Tribe Model is an Agile organizational architecture with the innate goals of accelerating innovation and achieving deep customer centricity. Its core challenge, however, is managing a fundamental paradox: the inherent tension between the high degree of team autonomy required for rapid innovation and the high degree of strategic alignment needed for a cohesive customer experience. The main aim of this paper is to deconstruct the model to analyze how this central paradox shapes an organization's ability to achieve its dual strategic goals. This study employs a systematic literature review, involving a meta-synthesis of academic articles, practitioner works, and expert analysis. The results confirm that while autonomous Squads effectively dismantle functional silos, they can also fragment the customer journey without robust strategic alignment mechanisms. The paper concludes that the model's success is not guaranteed by its structure alone, but is contingent on actively managing this inherent paradox through a conducive organizational culture, the right leadership approach, and the use of appropriate tools, such as OKR.
Keywords: Agile organizational design, customer centricity, innovation, organizational agility, Tribe Model
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.05
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Izabela Okręglicka
GREEN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract: The growing importance of sustainability in strategic management has intensified research on the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) and the competitive performance of companies. The main objective of this study is to identify and synthesize key research streams linking GEO with competitiveness and competitive advantage. A bibliometric analysis based on the Scopus database was conducted using VOSviewer to generate co-occurrence and overlay visualizations. The analysis (up to February 2026) identified four thematic clusters. The findings show that GEO plays a central role in connecting strategic management concepts, green innovation, sustainability performance, and contexts related to small and medium enterprises (SME). Recent research increasingly emphasizes capability-based perspectives, including green innovation capabilities, green intellectual capital, and digital technologies. The study offers a structured overview on the research landscape of GEO competitiveness and outlines the direction for future studies.
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, competitive advantage, competitiveness, green entrepreneurial orientation, green innovation
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.06
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Elżbieta Stolarska-Szeląg
DETERMINANTS OF GENERATION Z’S ATTITUDES TOWARD DISABILITY INCLUSIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Abstract: Contemporary enterprises face challenges related to diversity management, particularly in adapting HR strategies to the evolving expectations of Generation Z employees. Growing up in a world saturated with digital media has influenced their attitudes
towards inclusivity, equality, and corporate ethics. The aim of this article is to analyse Generation Z's perception of diversity, including individuals with disabilities, and to identify the challenges this presents for HR practice. The study was conducted on a sample of 469 students using descriptive statistics, the Shapiro–Wilk test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlations. The results showed that women have significantly more positive attitudes towards working with individuals with disabilities than men, and residents of large cities are more likely to declare their willingness to work in teams with individuals with disabilities. While the amount of time spent on social media was not significant, the descriptive data suggest that exposure to inclusive content plays a more vital role in shaping open attitudes. The findings underscore the need for organisations to implement consistent diversity policies that go beyond mere declarations and genuinely support an inclusive work environment. The study fills a gap in the literature by demonstrating that Generation Z expects employers to be genuinely committed to creating environments that foster the full participation of individuals with disabilities in professional life.
Keywords: discrimination, Generation Z, human resource management, statistical analysis, inclusivity
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.07
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Katarzyna Topolska, Kinga Nicer, Michał Kaniowski
Abstract: The Polish healthcare system operates under cost pressure, workforce constraints, and rising stakeholder expectations, which increases the importance of governance and decision accountability. The aim of the article is to develop, from a management perspective, an analytical framework showing how law and ethics jointly shape governance mechanisms in health care, particularly in balancing patient autonomy with responsibility for public health. The study applies a normative-institutional analysis and conceptual synthesis, complemented by mapping core principles onto key management functions: rule and process design, service prioritisation, risk and quality management, compliance control, as well as stakeholder communication. The results indicate that effective governance requires the simultaneous integration of a patient-rights perspective (transparency, equality of access, respect for autonomy) and a stewardship perspective (solidarity, prevention, and the justificatory standards for allocation decisions). The article concludes by proposing a managerial “dual responsibility” model as a basis for developing measurable governance standards that strengthen legitimacy, coherence and trust in decision-making within the healthcare system.
Keywords: governance, healthcare management, health law, machine learning, management ethics, patient autonomy, public health responsibility
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.08
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Michał Widlak, Maria Sadko
MODERN PRIMARY SCHOOL MANAGEMENT USING IT
Abstract: The article addresses the issue of modern management in primary schools through the use of information technology tools. It highlights the role of digital solutions in organizational, administrative, and pedagogical aspects of school functioning. The analysis is based on a survey conducted among teachers from the OSEhero 2024/2025 community, which examined the extent of ICT use in teaching, administration, and communication. The findings identify the most commonly applied tools, their areas of use, as well as challenges related to teachers’ digital competences and training needs. The study indicates that the implementation of ICT significantly supports effective school management but also requires continuous professional development and adequate technological infrastructure.
Keywords: digital tools, ICT in education, school management
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.09
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Justyna Zawadzka
DETERMINANTS OF SHAPING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN NON-PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Abstract: In the context of dynamic socio-economic transformations within the higher
education sector, organizational culture is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in ensuring institutional coherence and adaptability. The primary objective of this study was to diagnose the determinants of organizational culture in non-public academic universities and to assess their impact on the structure and direction of cultural change. The research was conducted in five Polish non-public academic universities using a case study approach, combining structured interviews (n = 39) and questionnaire surveys (n = 577). The findings reveal that internal determinants – particularly the institutional type and employee characteristics – exert the most significant influence on organizational culture. These factors can be actively shaped. In most of the universities analyzed, a balanced organizational culture was identified, characterized by a combination of individualism and moderate openness to change.
Keywords: determinants of culture, non-public universities, organizational culture
DOI: 10.17512/znpcz.2026.1.10
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