Elements of organizational culture of family businesses in Poland

This article aims to analyze the elements of organizational culture of family businesses in Poland. Analytical approach to organizational culture implies the possibility of their description by describing its components. The pilot study conducted for the purpose of this article suggests that organizational culture of family firms differ from non-family firms. Several specific cultural elements such as values, underlying assumptions, communication systems, narratives, stories, myths, stereotypes, rituals, taboos, heroes and subculture were found. Specific features of these cultural elements origin from the family nature of the organization. However, they have a crucial impact on the management of such organizations. It is worth stressing that studies are of preliminary character and there is a need for further research, based on qualitative and quantitative methodology.