Changes in HR in the Polish Steel Industry Over the Last Thirty Years

Abstract

The publication presents changes that took place in human resource structures and human resource management in the Polish steel industry over the last thirty years. Changes in the structure and management of human resources in Poland are part of the global process of economic development that has been taking place worldwide over the past few decades (especially in Central and Eastern Europe). The Polish steel industry underwent repair restructuring during the transformation of the Polish economy (1990s). A restructuring process was implemented extensively. It encompassed ownership and property, products and technology, and employment and management. Upon the conclusion of recovery restructuring, steel companies began to build a competitive advantage on the market. Human resources are one aspect of competitiveness. Since the beginning of the transition in the Polish economy, efforts to rationalize employment as well as changes in human resource structures and management demonstrate the increasing adaptability of Polish companies with respect to world market competition requirements. The publication characterizes changes in structures and human resource management in the Polish steel industry. The choice of scope of analysis was dictated by the large scale of changes implemented as well as knowledge concerning employment restructuring in the Polish steel industry as held by the author of the publication.