OAR@UM Collection:

Spirituality in the workplace : the impact of Christian values on management style and employees' psychological well-being

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Spirituality in the workplace : the impact of Christian values on management style and employees' psychological well-being Authors: Szmyd, Katarzyna; Rybak, Jan; Odziomek, Paweł Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to demonstrate how Christian spirituality and its associated values (such as human dignity, solidarity, integrity, humility, servanthood, and love for one’s neighbor) can positively influence management styles within organizations and enhance employees’ psychological well-being. The article seeks to integrate a spiritual perspective with modern management practices and mental health promotion in the workplace.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This work is theoretical and review-based, with elements of literature analysis. The authors draw on documents of the Catholic Church (e.g., the encyclical Laborem exercens), academic literature in the fields of work psychology and management, as well as practical examples (such as ServiceMaster and Caritas). The article also relies on statistical data concerning stress and occupational burnout, and on empirical studies exploring the impact of spirituality on employee well-being.; FINDINGS: Work understood as a calling and a form of service enhances the sense of meaning and professional engagement. A Christian management style (e.g., servant leadership) fosters a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. Christian spirituality can reduce stress and burnout levels, strengthening employees' mental resilience. Spiritual practices (prayer, reflection, meditation) support emotional balance. Implementing spiritual values in an organization presents challenges but, when grounded in respect for diversity, can effectively function regardless of employees' individual worldviews.; PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The implementation of Christian values should be based on universal ethical principles and respect for diversity. Organizations should cultivate leadership rooted in servant leadership, promoting empathy, humility, and responsibility. It is advisable to create space for reflection, dialogue, and spiritual development in the workplace (e.g., workshops, retreats). Values should be integrated into human resource policies, evaluation systems, and internal communication. The personal example of leaders is essential for effectively embedding values into organizational culture.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of this article lies in the combination of Christian spirituality with contemporary management theory and practice, demonstrating its practical applicability in secular and professional contexts. The authors present spirituality not merely as a religious concept but as a tangible resource that enhances work quality, interpersonal relationships, and psychological health. It is a proposed management model grounded not only in efficiency but also in humanity, community, and meaningful purpose.

Perception, motivation, and career alignment : a study on trainees’ attitudes toward vocational training centers in Tana River County, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Perception, motivation, and career alignment : a study on trainees’ attitudes toward vocational training centers in Tana River County, Kenya Authors: Tessar, Karina; Cichecki, Paweł; Opiyo, Ooko James Abstract: PURPOSE: This study investigates the factors influencing the acquisition of vocational skills among trainees in vocational training centres within Tana River County, Kenya. It aims to assess how vocational education can address youth unemployment and enhance employability, particularly in marginalized regions.; APPROACH/METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: A descriptive research design was employed across nine vocational training institutions located in Galole, Bura, and Tana Delta sub-counties. A total of 207 trainees were selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests.; FINDINGS: While 69% of trainees acknowledged the adequacy of the skills acquired, 72.5% expressed dissatisfaction with their courses. Despite this, overall ratings remained positive. Motivation and alignment of training with career aspirations significantly influenced satisfaction levels. Major causes of dissatisfaction included insufficient resources, low societal recognition of vocational careers, and misalignment between training content and personal goals. All tested satisfaction variables showed statistical significance (p < 0.0001).; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights the need for better facilities, improved resource allocation, and context-specific training that aligns with individual student goals. These measures can enhance the effectiveness and appeal of vocational education in economically disadvantaged regions.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research provides critical insights into the challenges and opportunities within vocational training in marginalized areas. It contributes valuable evidence to inform policy and practice aimed at making vocational education a viable pathway for youth empowerment and employment Union.

Analysis of corporate insolvency trends in Poland between 2021 and 2024

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Analysis of corporate insolvency trends in Poland between 2021 and 2024 Authors: Maliszewska, Małgorzata; Karlikowska, Barbara; Prachowski, Jakub Abstract: PURPOSE: This paper analyzes the escalating trend of corporate insolvencies in Poland within the 2021-2024 timeframe, focusing particularly on the dynamics between economic pressures, regulatory frameworks, and global market conditions that contribute to corporate insolvencies.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of corporate insolvency statistics with qualitative assessments of legal and economic factors influencing corporate financial stability. The study analyzes official records from COIG and MGBI.; FINDINGS: The findings indicate a significant rise in corporate insolvency proceedings, with the most affected sectors being manufacturing, construction, and services. The findings mark an increase in insolvency activity, including a significant year-on-year rise in restructuring proceedings, and underscore a growing reliance on the proceeding for approval of an arrangement due to its popularity among SMEs and its susceptibility to procedural abuse.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Strengthen early warning systems, optimize regulatory tools, and adapt financial risk management strategies to reduce insolvency risk; aimed at businesses, policymakers, corporate managers, and investors.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of bankruptcy trends in Poland, highlighting the limitations of traditional prediction models, and advocating for the integration of advanced analytical tools to improve risk assessment and forecasting accuracy.

Opportunities for ESG reporting in railway electric power supply enterprises based on annual reports

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Opportunities for ESG reporting in railway electric power supply enterprises based on annual reports Authors: Ferensztajn-Galardos, Ewa; Krajewska, Renata; Wojciechowski, Jerzy Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to analyse the implementation status of ESG reporting in railway electric power companies in Poland.; DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employed a qualitative approach based on content analysis and comparative analysis of reporting documents from four railway electric power supply enterpris in Poland.; FINDINGS: The findings indicate a notable inconsistency in the level and structure of ESG reporting among the analysed companies operating in the railway electric power and transport sectors. Only one of the four companies, PKP CARGO S.A., has published a standalone ESG report for 2023. PGE Energetyka Kolejowa provided ESG-related content within the integrated report of the PGE Group, which limits the granularity of sector-specific insights. PKP PLK S.A. and PKP Intercity S.A. have not yet produced independent ESG disclosures.; PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study have significant practical relevance for railway electric power companies that will be required to comply with the CSRD directive as well as GRI and ESRS standards. The study can support ESG reporting teams in structuring their reports and identifying information gaps. Moreover, the conclusions drawn from the analysis provide a foundation for implementing procedures for monitoring and collecting non-financial data in the environmental, social, and governance areas.; ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study focuses on a narrowly defined yet strategically important sector—railway electric power supply—which has so far been only marginally represented in the ESG literature.