suska

Businesses do not operate in a vacuum but rather in a dynamic environment that has a direct influence on how they perform and whether they will achieve their objectives. There are several internal and external factors that can impact a company’s business decisions, and different combinations of these factors, such as prices, social changes, regulations, and institutions can affect the overall business environment. Business and its environment are closely interrelated and mutually interdependent; thus, to achieve success, a business must understand environmental changes and adapt its policies and pratices accordingly. This multidisciplinary book analyses the background and the impact of the business environment, its factors and features, and how their changes influence business operations and decisions.

It addresses a wide range of aspects related to the business environment, such as political, economic, institutional, investment, environmental, technological, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The book identifies and assesses different features, opportunities, and challenges of business environments, from the experience of Central and Eastern European countries, including the Polish perspective, which is an interesting and needed dimension. Poland is presented as an example of a country that has substantially and successfully transformed its economy. This example may be both interesting and inspiring for other countries, especially the economies in transition.

This book encourages readers to think critically about the nautre, opportunities, and threats of doing business in the 21st century, including a wide range of factors that affect business activity. It will be useful reading for students and researchers in economics and management, as well as for company owners and managers.

Magdalena Suska, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Institute of Management at SGH Warsaw School of Economics.