Spowolnienie gospodarcze a wielkość firmy. Wybrane wnioski z badań nad sytuacją przedsiębiorstw w latach 2008−2009
Economic Slowdown and Firm Size – Selected Conclusions from a Survey on the Years 2008–2009

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to investigate evidence for a relationship between the size of Polish firms and their reaction to the 2008–2009 slowdown. The method is based on a statistical comparison of different size firms measured with employment, using data collected in a sample of 100 companies. Data was obtained in a telephone survey representing a broad range of activities, ages and markets served. A review of other Polish research as well as a summary of macroeconomic conditions in the years 2008–2009 is presented as an introduction. The results show a comparison between three categories of firms (micro, small, medium) in a few areas. The analysis covers topics such as: temporal aspects, outcomes in various routines of the companies, the impact of external factors and methods of coping. Factor analysis was employed to reduce the multidimensionality of the problems researched. The results show that the vast majority of surveyed firms experienced slowdown effects and that the observed impact depends on employed indicators and firm size. The smallest firms had more problems maintaining liquidity and obtaining adequate financing. Such companies experienced competitive pressure from the shadow economy more deeply. Tiny differences were found as to the perception of changes in the environment. Company size is also a weak indicator of the way in which firms reacted to the effects of slowdown.

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