Economic Transition In Poland Research Articles

Assessing the Technical Efficiency of Timber Production during the Transition from a Production-Oriented Management Model to a Multifunctional One: A Case from Poland 1990–2019

The present work applied a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to assess changes in the technical efficiency of timber production at a period of transition in forest management priorities. The study material consisted of data on timber sold by Polish State Forests (PSF) and on its forest management inputs in the years 1990–2019. During the period of economic transition in Poland (1990–2003) the technical efficiency of timber production on average amounted to 0.809 and was highly variable. In the free-market period, that efficiency was much higher (on average 0.939) and more stable. This improvement was achieved by substantial layoffs in the PSF, and steady rise in the share and standing volume of mature stands, which made it possible to increase timber production while adhering to sustainable management principles. Analysis of the various categories of inputs to timber production revealed that the greatest decline, in labor costs, was attributable to a fourfold reduction in the workforce, and was accompanied by a 2.4-fold increment in timber production. On the other hand, logging costs increased due to, among other causes, the pursuit of environmentally friendly but more expensive harvesting procedures and reductions in clearcutting, which entailed more dispersed harvesting operations.

On the Perception of Linkages between Food Consumption and Health in Poland

This article endeavors to identify a number of widespread beliefs currently shared by Polish people in relation to food and health, and to present these viewpoints within the context of various lifestyle changes that have been taking place since the political and economic transition in Poland started. The research, based on a survey conducted on a group of selected participants from Poland, took place in July, 2015. It focused on the participants' attitudes and beliefs concerning the kinds of food they considered healthy or unhealthy, as well focusing on their perception of the linkages between healthy eating, and being able to maintain a level of physically self-satisfying appearance. To broaden the scope of analyzes, one of the most interesting findings of the study refers to the results of two other recent nationwide surveys: the survey of dieting and eating habits of the Polish, as conducted by the Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS), and the study of changing eating habits of the Polish people conducted by Domanski et al. in 2013.

Fall and Rise of Polish Shipbuilding Industry

The hereby paper describes a brief history of fall and rise of Polish shipbuilding industry in the 21st century and confronts stereotypes about it using data available from variety of statistical sources as well as impressions regarding its current and future condition presented by different authors, including industry representatives. The main goal of the article is the confrontation of political statement with the statistical data and current sectoral trends within the shipbuilding industry in Poland. Firstly, the authors introduce a historical background in a scope of economic transition in Poland. Then, socio-political issues are addressed together with economic condition using statistical data. Lastly, the newest trends and perspectives are analyzed. Eventually, the authors come to conclusion that despite encountering great difficulties and arguments about its collapse from political actors, shipbuilding sector did manage to retain its strong position in Polish economy.

Frequency of under- and overweight among children and adolescents during the economic transition in Poland

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity, using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) criteria, in four cohorts of children and adolescents living in Poland in different economic eras: communist economy (1977/1978), crisis of the 1980s (1987/1988), political and economic transformation (1992/1994) and the free market economy (2002/2004). Analysis was conducted on a database including 10,934 records for children of the age 7–18 years. In Poland, in the last 26 years of economic and political transformations, the epidemic of obesity was not noticed but the growing incidence of children and adolescents with body mass deficit was observed (p<0.0001) (20.2% of girls in 2002/2004 vs. 11.0% in 1977/1978 and 12.1% of boys in 2002/2004 vs. 7.2% in 1977/1978). Lower parental education and a higher number of children in a family resulted in a higher prevalence of underweight (odds ratio [OR] fluctuated from 1.26 to 1.63). The social effects of the political transformation in Poland significantly affected families with low socio-economic status (SES), and especially more eco-sensitive boys. This result is opposite to the trends observed in Western countries and makes an important contribution to the current knowledge of the course of further changes in weight-to-height ratio at a global scale.

Progress in the management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during economic transition in Poland between 1992 and 2006

Implementation of new therapeutic strategies is intended to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study is to evaluate progress in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 1992–2006 based on data from Polish National ACS Registry. A total of 881 STEMI patients in 1992–1996 and 889 in 2005–2006 were enrolled. The use of reperfusion therapy resulted in marked reduction in in-hospital and post-discharge mortality with the best results achieved in the invasive arm. Low invasive approach rate in high-risk patients resulted in no reduction in global mortality.

Hypertension among Polish males during the economic transition

In the late 1980s and early 1990s Polish society experienced deep political, economic and social changes. The aim of the study is to investigate whether changes that occurred in Poland during the transformation significantly influenced the risk of hypertension among adult men. We find that irrespective of age, marital status, education, degree of urbanization, lifestyle variables (smoking, drinking alcohol, and physical activity), and BMI the risk of hypertension after 1989 was higher than before transformation (odds ratio = 1.45, p < 0.001). Psychosocial factors are proposed as factors which might at least partly explain the higher risk of hypertension during the first years of economic transition in Poland.

Changes in the structure of earnings during the Polish transition

We document changes in the structure of earnings during the economic transition in Poland. We find that inequality in labor earnings increased substantially from 1988 to 1996. A common view is that the reallocation of workers from a public sector with a compressed wage distribution, to a private sector with much higher wage inequality, accounts for the bulk of increased earnings inequality during transition (see, e.g., the models of Aghion and Commander (1999) [Aghion, Philippe, Commander, Simon, 1999. On the dynamics of inequality in the transition. Economics of Transition 7, 275–2898.] and Commander and Tolstopiatenko (1998) [Commander, Simon, Tolstopiatenko, Andrei, 1998. The role of unemployment and restructuring in the transition. In: Commander, Simon (Ed.), Enterprise Restructuring and Unemployment in Models of Transition. The World Bank, Washington, pp. 169–192.]). However, our decomposition of the sources of the increase in inequality suggests that this compositional effect accounts for only 39% of the increase. Fully 52% of the increase is due to the increase in the variance of wages within sectors. That is, earnings inequality within both the private and public sectors grew substantially, and by similar amounts. This is consistent with prior work suggesting that even state-owned enterprises in Poland moved towards competitive wage setting as they restructured (see, e.g., Pinto et al. (1993) [Pinto, Brian, Belka, Marek, Krajewski, Stefan, 1993. Transforming state enterprises in Poland: evidence on adjustment by manufacturing firms. Brookings papers on Economic Activity, 213-70.] Commander and Dhar (1998) [Commander, Simon, Dhar, Sumana, 1998. Enterprises in the Polish transition. In Simon Commander (Ed.), Enterprise Restructuring and Unemployment in Models of Transition. The World Bank, Washington, pp. 109-142.]). A substantial part of the increase in earnings inequality was between group, due largely to increased education premiums. However, changes in inequality within education–experience–gender groups account for about 60 percent of the increase in overall earnings inequality. The increases in within-group inequality were very different across skill groups, with much larger increases for highly educated workers. These patterns hold in both the private and public sectors, although increases in education premiums were somewhat greater in the private sector.

The Impact of the Economic Transition in Poland on Vulnerable Populations

The economic changes that began with the fall of communism in 1989 have helped Poland to establish one of the strongest economies in Eastern Europe today. Not all parts of society have benefited equally from the positive economic picture however. Those who are unemployed, living on a pension, single parents, or residents of rural communities are at risk of living in poverty in Poland’s new economic environment. This paper assesses the views of people in these four groups in terms of their perceived need for basic necessities (money for food, rent, and medicine) and for luxury activities (culture, relaxation, and education). The findings have implications for social welfare policies and services in Poland.

Negotiating the New Market: Women, Families, Women’s Organizations and the Economic Transition in Poland

Women have been affected more negatively than men by the economic transformation in Poland. They are the majority of the unemployed and the poor, they have a more difficult time finding jobs, and their incomes are significantly lower than men’s. The disadvantageous position of women on the labor market, coupled with increasing governmental withdrawal from social provisioning like childcare, health care, and education, has created problems for families, especially for growing numbers of single mothers and two-parent low-income families. The transition to a market economy also has generated a steady growth of women’s organizations which have stepped in where the state has withdrawn from social provisioning and provide assistance to women and their families. These organizations are not only helping women and low-income families adjust to the new market situation, but also to negotiate the market so that it better responds to their needs.

Changes in the Structure of Earnings During the Polish Transition

This paper documents that inequality in labor earnings increased substantially during the economic transition in Poland. One surprising result is that earnings inequality increased markedly in both the private and public sectors, indicating that even state-owned enterprises in Poland moved toward competitive wage setting during the transition. Education premia increased sharply, while experience premia declined. Increases in within-group inequality account for about 60 percent of the increase in overall wage inequality. But, contrary to the experience of countries like the United States, increases in within-group inequality in Poland were very different across skill groups, with much larger increases for highly educated workers.

Changes in the Structure of Earnings During the Polish Transition

We document changes in the structure of earnings during the economic transition in Poland. We find that inequality in labor earnings increased substantially from 1988 to 1996. A common view is that the reallocation of workers from a public sector with a compressed wage distribution, to a private sector with much higher wage inequality, accounts for the bulk of increased earnings inequality during transition. However, our decomposition of the sources of the increase in inequality suggests that this compositional effect accounts for only 39% of the increase. Fully 52% of the increase is due to the increase in the variance of wages within sectors. That is, earnings inequality within both the private and public sectors grew substantially, and by similar amounts. This illustrates how even state-owned enterprises in Poland moved towards competitive wage setting as they restructured. A substantial part of the increase in earnings inequality was between group, due largely to increased education premia. However, changes in inequality within education-experience gender groups account for about 60 percent of the increase in overall wage inequality--similar to the patterns observed in the U.S. and U.K. in the 1980s. But, in contrast to the U.S. and U.K. experiences, increases in within-group inequality in Poland were very different across skill groups, with much larger increases for highly educated workers. These patterns hold in both the private and public sectors, although increases in education premia were somewhat greater in the private sector.

Changes in the Structure of Earnings During the Polish Transition

We document changes in the structure of earnings during the economic transition in Poland. We find that inequality in labor earnings increased substantially from 1988 to 1996. A common view is that the reallocation of workers from a public sector with a compressed wage distribution, to a private sector with much higher wage inequality, accounts for the bulk of increased earnings inequality during transition. However, our decomposition of the sources of the increase in inequality suggests that this compositional effect accounts for only 39% of the increase. Fully 52% of the increase is due to the increase in the variance of wages within sectors. That is, earnings inequality within both the private and public sectors grew substantially, and by similar amounts. This illustrates how even state-owned enterprises in Poland moved towards competitive wage setting as they restructured. A substantial part of the increase in earnings inequality was between group, due largely to increased education premia. However, changes in inequality within education-experiencegender groups account for about 60 percent of the increase in overall wage inequality--similar to the patterns observed in the U.S. and U.K. in the 1980s. But, in contrast to the U.S. and U.K. experiences, increases in within-group inequality in Poland were very different across skill groups, with much larger increases for highly educated workers. These patterns hold in both the private and public sectors, although increases in education premia were somewhat greater in the private sector.

Inequality, Transfers and Growth: New Evidence from the Economic Transition in Poland

This paper challenges the conventional wisdom that inequality in Poland increased markedly during the economic transition that began in 1989-90. Using micro data from the Household Budget Surveys, we find that, after a brief spike in 1989, income and consumption inequality actually declined to below pre-transition levels during 1990-92 and then increased gradually, rising only moderately above pre-transition levels by 1997. In sharp contrast, inequality in labor earnings increased markedly and consistently throughout the 1990-97 period. We find that social transfer mechanisms, including pensions, played an important role in mitigating increases in both overall inequality and poverty. We argue that, from a political economy perspective, transfer mechanisms were well-designed to reduce political resistance to market-oriented reforms in the early years of transition, paving the way for rapid growth. Finally, we provide cross-country evidence from the transition economies that is consistent with our interpretation of the Polish experience and is also consistent with recent work in growth theory which suggests that redistribution that reduces inequality can enhance growth.

Inequality, Transfers, and Growth: New Evidence from the Economic Transition in Poland

This paper analyzes the evolution of inequality in Poland during the economic transition that began in 1989-1990. Using microdata from the Household Budget Surveys, we find that, after a brief spik...

Inequality, Transfers and Growth: New Evidence from the Economic Transition in Poland

This paper analyzes the evolution of inequality in Poland during the economic transition that began in 1989-90. Using micro data from the Household Budget Surveys, we find that, after a brief spike in 1989, income and consumption inequality actually declined to below pre-transition levels during 1990-92 and then increased gradually, rising only moderately above pre-transition levels by 1997. In sharp contrast, inequality in labor earnings increased markedly and consistently throughout the 1990-97 period. We find that social transfer mechanisms, including pensions, played an important role in mitigating increases in both overall inequality and poverty. We argue that, from a political economy perspective, transfer mechanisms were well-designed to reduce political resistance to market-oriented reforms in the early years of transition, paving the way for rapid growth. Finally, we provide cross-country evidence from the transition economies that is consistent with our interpretation of the Polish experience and is also consistent with recent work in growth theory which suggests that redistribution that reduces inequality can enhance growth.

Inequality, Transfers and Growth: New Evidence From the Economic Transition in Poland

This paper challenges the conventional wisdom that inequality in Poland increased markedly during the economic transition. Income and consumption inequality actually declined in 1990-92 and rose only moderately above pre-transition levels by 1997. However, inequality in labor earnings increased markedly and consistently during 1990-97. Social transfer mechanisms, including pensions, helped mitigate increases in overall inequality and poverty. More importantly, these transfer mechanisms were well-designed to reduce political resistance to market-oriented reforms in the early years of transition, paving the way for rapid growth. Cross-country evidence from transition economies is consistent with this interpretation and with recent literature suggesting that inequality-reducing redistribution can enhance growth.

Dynamics of the economic transition in Poland: An attempt at interpretation

The objective of this analysis is to describe, interpret, and assess the socioeconomic changes that took place in Poland during 1989 to 1997. This is a dynamic approach that considers the relationships that exist between successive phases of transformation and is characterized by both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The study is in three sections. The first section sets forth analytical tools and methods to study systemic transformation at large. It searches for the promising manner of a transition appraisal. The second section discusses division of the economy into sphere of regulation and real sphere. In turn, the third section includes a dynamic analysis of interrelationships between those spheres that are subject to changes in the course of transformation and, in various ways, shape the economic performance in Poland. Finally, this paper draws conclusions concerning the failures and successes of the economic transition.

Household Responses to Major Economic Change in Poland: A Theoretical Framework

This paper presents the outlines of a model for cross-sectional examination of household responses to major societal events developed in the context of the economic transition in Poland and other Eastern European countries. Assumed in the model is the idea that households have relatively stable norms and values that are used to evaluate conditions in various life domains. When major economic changes produce imbalances between (a) norms and values, and (b) domains conditions, the household engages in predictable, understandable responses in the form of adjustment, adaptation, or regeneration.

Unemployment matters: Voting patterns during the economic transition in Poland, 1990–1995

AFTER THE VICTORY of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) in Poland's 1993 parliamentary elections, the general consensus was that the increase in support for the reformed communist party was linked to the course of economic performance during the transition. What was less certain, however, was the precise nature of the relation between the economy and the election. One explanation was that the election resulted from mass disillusionment with the 'social costs' of reform. In this view, the voters, disappointed with 'unduly cruel market reforms' and the 'rapid enrichment of the few and impoverishment of many', '...led the post-communist parties to victory'.' The SLD and Polish Peasant Party (PSL) benefited from protest votes which expressed a uniform disapproval of the course of market reform. A weakness of this type of analysis is that it relies on imprecise language. For instance, Kabaj & Kowalik cite the existence of mass impoverishment without reference to any of the exhaustive research on the scale and distribution of poverty during transition.2 In contrast, this article argues that there are identifiable patterns of interest-based voting in Poland. These patterns are not only present in the more stable economy of 1992-95 but are observable and consistent across each of Poland's four elections. Unlike other studies of voting using regional demographic and socioeconomic data,3 conclusive results can be obtained through the use of only two economic variables. Distributional issues play a central role in economic voting. Despite a highly fragmented party system, the development of interest-based voting is discernible through the ongoing consolidation of political parties. Of the conclusions reached in this article, the most significant is the strong relation between unemployment rates and voting. The rise in support for the SLD is closely related to the rise in joblessness across time and its variation across regions. While this article concentrates on economic voting, it is acknowledged that non-economic issues also influence voters' decisions. For example, internal rifts and infighting in Solidarity, revealed by the 1990 'war at the top' between Walesa and Mazowiecki, damaged the organisation's public image. The much-discussed problem of the lack of parliamentary representation of the anti-communist centre-right is mostly a reflection of fragmentation at this end of the spectrum. The large number of small rightist parties have been reluctant to trade their separate identities and

The present state of occupational medicine in Poland.

Occupational medicine in Poland has a long tradition, dating back to the establishment of the first health-care institutions for industrial workers at an early stage of Poland's industrialization. Legal foundations of the industrial health-care system, based on the Soviet model, were enacted in 1953. During its most dynamic period of development (1970s and 1980s) the industrial health-care system provided medical services to about 6 million workers. The process of the political and economic transition in Poland began in 1989, and since 1991 there have been numerous transformations in the structure and function of industrial health services. The present article describes the main stages of the transformation process, occupational health training, research, advisory bodies, and the system for setting of hygienic standards.