The Evolution of the Strategic Goals of Polish Enterprises During the Economic Crisis

Strategic goals are rarely examined in strategic management, while empirical research carried out in Poland on strategic goals of enterprises showed that during more than 25 years of market economy these goals have changed seriously. These changes are particularly evident when the goals of Polish enterprises set in the first decade after the transformation are compared to those set today. During the whole period after the transformation, the strategic objectives of Polish enterprises have been highly expansive and the growth of the size of a company has been the desired choice. Research carried out during the last crisis showed that a the change of external conditions and the higher risk of a worse financial situation caused by the economic crisis made enterprises rearrange their goals hierarchy and favour goals related to harmonious and safe development and multiplying the value for the owners. This is one of the elements in the change in managers’ attitude, which the economic crisis helped in opening an opportunity to improve the quality of enterprise development management.