Practical application of process management theory in Polish enterprises

• Published in: Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization and Management Series Vol. 2024; no. 202; pp. 171 - 187
• Main Authors: Jelonek, Dorota, Soltysik-Piorunkiewicz, Anna, Chmielarz, Witold
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2024
• ISSN: 1641-3466
• DOI: 10.29119/1641-3466.2024.202.11

Purpose: The aim of this article is to attempt to answer the questions: Is process management theory implemented in business practice, and if so, to what extent? Are there discrepancies in the assessment of this phenomenon between academic experts and experts directly involved in business implementation? Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted in 2023 using a methodology that employed two methods of data collection: Computer Assisted Personal Interview (PAPI) and Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI). The study involved 116 respondents, including 33 scientists and 83 practitioners. The research tool was a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out in two stages: analysis of the overall results and analysis by dividing the population into theorists and practitioners. Findings: The research results indicate a strong attachment of respondents to traditional and long-used definitions in the field of business process management, suggesting stability in the perception of the fundamental concepts of this field. Consistencies between knowledge and its practical application were observed. Significant differences were found between the two studied groups of respondents in the assessment of the attributes of process management in business. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to Polish enterprises and may not be generalizable to other contexts. Further research could explore these questions in different cultural or organizational settings. Practical implications: The findings suggest that while traditional definitions in process management are stable and widely accepted, there are notable differences in how theorists and practitioners assess process management attributes. This highlights the need for better integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application in business processes. Social implications: Understanding the alignment and discrepancies between academic theories and practical applications can help bridge the gap between research and practice, leading to more effective business process management strategies that benefit both academic and business communities. Originality/value: This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the practical applications of process management theory in Polish enterprises, providing valuable insights into how these theories are implemented and perceived by different expert groups. Keywords: Process Management, Business Process Modeling, Organizational Conditions, Practical Application, Theoretical Foundations, Polish Enterprises. Category of the paper: Research Paper.