Polish Consumers Research Articles

Evaluation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel Content in Various Types of Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, and Walnuts - Health Risk of Polish Consumers.

World production and consumption of nuts continue to rise year on year. Nuts, due to their high nutrient content, are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. A potential health risk may result from the consumption of nuts contaminated with metallic trace elements like cadmium or lead. In this research, we measured the content of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in various edible nuts. All elements were detected using the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry analytical technique (ETAAS). The study material comprised 69 nut samples including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts available on the Polish market. Indicators such as the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were used to assess the health risk of consumers. The concentrations of elements in all analyzed samples of nuts were as follows: Cd: peanuts > almonds > hazelnuts > walnuts > cashews, Pb: peanuts > almonds > hazelnuts > walnuts > cashews, Ni: cashews > peanuts > walnuts > hazelnuts > almonds, Cr: almonds > cashews & hazelnuts > peanuts > walnuts. Health risk indicators estimated for consumers whose diet is rich in nuts, in which metallic trace elements were recorded, indicate that an unacceptable impact may occur, and the risk of negative health effects (non-cancer) will be moderate to high.

Economical, Innovative, or Ecological? What Are the Green Energy Users?

Green energy sources play a vital role in mitigating environmental impacts and reducing dependence on energy imports. Growing concerns over climate change, coupled with public policies promoting the expansion of green energy, have notably shaped consumer attitudes and behaviours. This study aims to address the knowledge gap by examining the impact of a sustainable lifestyle, consumer innovativeness, and economic attitudes on the intention to adopt green energy sources. The research was conducted on 580 Polish consumers using an online survey. The results of structural equation modelling revealed that pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) and consumer innovativeness (CI) have a positive impact on consumer behaviour toward green energy sources. Pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) is the strongest determinant of consumer behaviour toward green energy sources. Our research on Polish consumer behaviour could serve as a frame of reference for other countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. From a theoretical standpoint, this research enhances the understanding of pro-environmental self-identity (PESI) and its link to consumer innovativeness while also offering insights into consumer behaviour related to green energy sources, based on the experiences from the Polish market. The conclusions derived from this study may provide valuable guidance for managers and policymakers in formulating strategies to promote the adoption of green energy sources across Europe effectively.

Are We Truly Different in Personal Values and Compulsive Buying Proclivity? Cross‐Cultural Contrasts Between the United States and East‐Central Europe

ABSTRACTThe current study explores the intersection of personal values theory, consumer culture, and compulsive buying behavior theories. By examining the importance of different values types, we aim to understand the extent to which specific values influence individuals' tendency to either embrace or resist maladaptive behaviors like compulsive buying. This study postulated that one's values can both contribute to the development of compulsive buying tendencies and act as a protective factor. Importantly, we explored this values‐compulsive relationship within the contrasting consumer cultures of the United States characterized by individualism, and Poland, which predominantly exhibits collectivistic trends. In this work, we utilized two distinct samples/studies of American (n = 367) and Polish (n = 370) consumers and employed two key measurement tools: the Portrait Values Questionnaire and the Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale. The research findings revealed that values such as self‐direction, stimulation, hedonism, power, and achievement tend to promote compulsive buying tendencies irrespective of the cultural context. However, the prevalence of compulsive buying is more pronounced among American consumers compared to their Polish counterparts. Furthermore, the impact of hedonism and achievement on compulsive buying was twice as large in the United States as it was in Poland. On the other hand, values such as tradition, security, conformity, benevolence, and universalism appeared to help individuals in preventing or mitigating compulsive buying behavior. This study underscores the critical role of personal values, cultural variations, and their impact on compulsive buying tendencies among consumers. It highlights the presence of specific personal values that can either inhibit or facilitate the development of compulsive buying behaviors.

Arsenic in Rice and Rice-Based Products with Regard to Consumer Health.

Most articles on the exposure to arsenic (As) associated with rice and rice products come from Asia where these products are consumed in the largest quantities; relatively few of the articles have focused on European consumers. Since rice products can represent a significant contribution to overall arsenic exposure, the aim of the study was to determine the total arsenic content (tAs) in rice and the most commonly-consumed rice products available on the Polish market. The tAs determination was performed by hydride generation coupled to inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (HG-ICP-OES). Because an inorganic form of As (iAs) is mutagenic and carcinogenic and about 100-fold more toxic than the organic form, an additional aim of the study was to assess the risk of its ingestion, assuming that it constitutes 67.7%, 72.7%, or 90% of tAs. In all products tested, the calculated iAs content was below the maximum permissible levels, and no threat was found for any of the analyzed Polish consumers, based on the mean rice consumption in Poland and the mean calculated iAs content. However, a potential health risk was noted among infants and young children, assuming maximum iAs levels and threefold higher consumption (16.2 g d-1). To avoid a risk of developing cancer, infants up to one year of age should consume no more than 32.2 g of the studied products per week, children under three years of age up to 68.7 g, and adults 243 g. Consumers should strive to include a variety of cereals in their daily diet and choose products shown to have low arsenic contamination levels based on testing and inspection rankings.

Sustainable Behaviors of Young Polish Consumers: the Impact on Logistics and Business Strategies

The main objective of this survey is to analyze the sustainable behavior of young Polish consumers. The specific objectives are to find out the respondents' opinions on the most disturbing environmental phenomena and actions that negatively affect the environment. In addition, an important goal is to learn about their self-assessment of pro-environmental attitudes and to identify pro-environmental actions most often taken by young consumers, as well as to assess sustainable actions taken by companies in the logistics area. The results are based on empirical research concerning sustainable behaviors of young Polish consumers in a research sample of 50 consumers. The research was conducted in April and May 2024 and covered the entire area of Poland. The survey show that respondents have a good assessment of their environmental attitude. As many as 90% of them perceive growing environmental and social problems. The most worrisome environmental issues in their view are increased garbage and waste, polluted air and water, dangerous chemicals in everyday products, and climate change-the greenhouse effect. Among the activities that have the most detrimental impact on the environment, respondents identified deforestation, improper waste management, consumerism, pollution from pesticides used in agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels. Three-quarters of respondents believe they can contribute to improving the environment with their actions, and nearly two-fifths say they are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products or products from companies that support social causes. Respondents also take a number of individual pro-environmental measures, and among them they are most likely to turn off lights, use reusable bags, segregate trash, use reusable bottles, conserve water and choose environmentally friendly forms of delivery for purchased goods. However, when making purchases, most of them do not choose products offered by companies that are actively involved in environmental activities. Up-to-date knowledge on the sustainable behavior of young consumers is particularly important for both the business and government communities, as it provides information on tailored strategies and policies that align with evolving values, ensuring competitiveness, and meeting environmental and social goals. Limitations of the study include the small sample size of the empirical study, as well as the limited nature of the survey questionnaire. Keywords: sustainability, social responsibility, sustainable consumer, young generation consumer

Determinants of changes in perception of the quality of dairy products by Polish consumers

Determinants of changes in perception of the quality of dairy products by Polish consumers

Using Structural Equation Modeling to Explore the Influence of Environmental Concern on the Willingness to Pay for Green Energy and Green Products – the Case of Poland

ABSTRACT Concern for the sustainability of the natural environment is garnering increasing interest across the globe. Environmental issues may significantly impact individuals and societies in various ways, such as by influencing behaviors aimed at adopting more sustainable lifestyles and making eco-friendly purchasing decisions. This study investigates the attitudes of Polish consumers towards pro-environmental behaviors, specifically focusing on environmental concern (EC), promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB), the belief that Poland should move away from coal (MAFC), and willingness to pay (WTP). Data on these variables were collected in 2023 from a sample of 554 Polish respondents selected using a non-random sampling method. Results were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings revealed that environmental concern (EC) influences promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB) and that both EC and PPB affect the belief that Poland should move away from coal (MAFC). Additionally, promoting pro-environmental behavior (PPB) and MAFC were found to influence willingness to pay (WTP). However, EC was not found to have a significant direct impact on WTP. The hypotheses were tested using a structural equation model, validated by such fit indices as CMIN/df = 2.542 (<3.0), RMSEA = 0.053 (<0.08) and CFI = 0.985 (>0.90).

Polish Gen-Z Consumers’ Attitudes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

ABSTRACT Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a management concept that has emerged in response to society’s growing sensitivity to the negative externalities of economic activity. The market success of contemporary enterprises is no longer determined solely by their ability to innovate and select tools for shaping their market positions, but also by their capability to define their roles within the social environment of which they are undoubtedly a part. This article aims to explore how Polish Generation Z consumers perceive and respond to CSR initiatives implemented by enterprises. Understanding their perspectives is particularly crucial, given that the attitudes, preferences, and behaviors of this demographic will soon significantly influence market landscapes and enterprises’ potential to attain success in them. The findings reveal that young Polish consumers place considerable importance on corporate social responsibility. This significance is reflected in their overall attitudes towards CSR initiatives and their willingness to actively support these efforts, such as through their market choices.

Determinants of Young Polish Consumers’ Food Product Purchases

ABSTRACT This article investigates the factors influencing food product purchases by young Polish consumers aged 18–25 – a group important for the development of the economy. In the process of deciding to purchase specific food products, consumers pay attention to various economic and non-economic factors, including marketing. We carried out survey in October/November 2020 using the CAWI method (Google Forms) to test the importance of 17 factors on young Polish consumers’ food purchases, applying factor analysis and cluster analysis to the resulting data. The results reveal that price and product expiration date are young Polish consumers’ primary concerns when purchasing food products. The study also found that environmental sustainability attributes, although less critical than price or product quality, are increasingly influencing young Polish consumers' purchasing decisions.

Virtualization of Service Consumer Behavior in Poland – A Post-Pandemic Perspective

ABSTRACT This article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the virtualization of consumer behaviors in the Polish service sector, emphasizing shifts in service delivery mechanisms. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, accelerating the adoption of virtual solutions across various sectors including tourism, gastronomy, culture, education, and healthcare, as necessitated by social distancing and other restrictive measures. The article first outlines the integration of digital solutions into various service sectors, focusing on the impact of these technologies on consumer behaviors and service delivery. Next, utilizing an online survey conducted in November 2022 with a sample of 1,100 respondents, whose socio-demographic profile corresponds with that of Polish internet users (Ariadna panel), the study examines consumer perceptions and the effectiveness of digital transformations during the pandemic. The findings indicate a high appreciation among Polish consumers for virtual solutions that improved access to and use of services during restrictive periods. However, the continuation of these virtual engagements post-pandemic appears selective, with significant inclination towards solutions in administrative, food delivery, and telemedical services, while long-term engagement in virtual cultural services is less favored. This study underscores the dual role of necessity and technological advancement in reshaping consumer interactions with service sectors, suggesting a sustained yet selective future for virtual service consumption post-pandemic.

Cash holding by consumers: The role of the perceived characteristics of money

AbstractThis study examined why consumers who typically pay electronically at points of sale still carry cash and explained the inertia of demand for cash by considering the additional (perceived by consumers) characteristics of cash. The research was motivated by the growing discussion on why cash, despite the increasing importance of e‐payments, remains a significant part of the demand for money. The study focused on psychological factors and consumers' perceptions of certain features of cash, which make it an attractive additional option for precautionary reasons, and therefore, explored beyond the typical discussion of money as a means of payment. The structural equation modeling based on data collected as part of a survey of Polish consumers was used to verify the hypotheses. It was revealed that cash becomes a reserve solution for consumers, which is kept “just in case” to expand the scope of personal freedom and flexibility in making payments and protect against various potential restrictions and threats related to e‐payments. Consumers' holding of cash as an additional option depends on three key factors: attitude toward cash, particularly the flexibility it offers, unusual purchasing situations, and perceived card or mobile payment risk, considered as a moderator. In the debate on the future of cash, the study supports the position that cash has a place in the modern payment system, although it plays a different role. Cash is a supportive backup solution. Eliminating cash significantly reduces consumer welfare.

Emotional Determinants of Snack Consumption by Polish Consumers

Abstract Emotions are the effect but also the cause of eating behaviors, including the purchase and consumption of snacks. As snacks become an increasingly prevalent segment of the food industry, their consumption has been linked to rising rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related diseases. Understanding how emotional valence influences consumer attitudes and behaviors toward snacks is therefore crucial. This study explores the relationship between emotional eating and the propensity to consume unhealthy snacks, both sweet and salty. A survey of 707 representative participants revealed distinct emotional patterns in snack consumption, with choices significantly influenced by consumers' emotional states and personal preferences. Furthermore, individuals who frequently opted for unhealthy snacks typically exhibited poorer health and financial profiles.

Sustainable Foods: Consumer Opinions and Behaviour towards Organic Fruits in Poland

By producing high quality food with a low environmental impact, organic farming plays an essential role in developing sustainable food systems. Over time, consumer interest in organic food is systematically growing, which results in a generally positive attitude towards organic products. Many studies that are devoted to analysing organic food consumers’ behaviour aim to generalise the studied trends to the population of a given country or region. Given the varying rates of organic market development between countries, there is a need for more narrowly focused research, which could more profoundly facilitate local development of organic market. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of Polish consumers about organic fruit and to identify the socioeconomic and sociodemographic determinants of the propensity to choose and purchase organic fruit. Respondents were recruited via a market research agency using a consumer access panel. To collect responses, a formal, structured questionnaire was developed and distributed using the CAWI method. The general acceptance of price increases for organic apples amounts to less than around 30% (89% of responses). The effect of income and package size tend to interact with regard to the purchase preference of apples (p < 0.001). The highest frequency of organic fruit purchases were indicated for physical stores, in particular supermarkets (5.35 times/month, 95%CI). A relationship between willingness to consume organic fruits and the self-described economic situation (p = 0.005), as well as true household income (p = 0.007), has been shown. A relationship between the frequency of organic fruit purchases and the number of household members (p = 0.006), as well as number of household members under the age of 18 (p = 0.011), has also been shown. Marketing techniques for organic products should emphasize family welfare and be directed at younger consumers, especially at retail outlets where customers are most likely to buy them, namely physical supermarkets, local grocery stores and discount stores.

Modern technologies and the management of sports and leisure buyer engagement


 
 
 The market for sports and leisure services is constantly evolving. Polish consumers are more often interested in the offer of sports and leisure enterprises such as fitness clubs, water parks, gyms, or sports and leisure centres, recognising the importance of looking after their health and physical fitness. After a period of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity is even more frequently regarded as fundamental to maintaining health and fitness, harmony and balance in life. Currently, all fitness-related activities are classified as leisure time mega trends (e.g. work-life balance). Modern technologies are another noticeable trend, which is beginning to accompany people in physical activity as well. They help streamline the service delivery process and apply a personalised approach to the customer. We are not just talking about today’s most popular social media, apps and activity monitoring devices. QR codes, geolocation, gamification, sports coaching, and others can be applied in business practice. The objective of the article was to show the specifics of the sports and leisure industry, characterise the dominant technological solutions and identify the opportunities they can provide for sports and leisure businesses. It was assumed that modern technologies could be complementary and successfully used both to promote physical activity itself and to build the commitment of buyers of services provided by such companies. The research used qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as literature analysis. As the analysis of the survey results and observation of the market has shown, modern technologies motivate participants of physical activity, while sports and leisure companies are beginning to recognise their advantages in promoting their services. The article emphasises the complementarity of solutions and their comprehensiveness, as well as possible implications in the service activity of sports and leisure enterprises. The result of the analysis is a proposal for a set of useful features and solutions dedicated to companies providing sports and leisure services. By applying the proposed solutions, these companies can become more innovative, while their customers will be more satisfied.
 
 

Selection of the Family Electric Car Based on Objective and Subjective Criteria—Analysis of a Case Study of Polish Consumers

In accordance with the policies of European Union countries, including Poland, users of combustion vehicles are and will be encouraged in the coming years to purchase BEVs (battery electric vehicles) through various restrictions, burdens, and incentives. In this context, it is important to choose a BEV that meets consumer needs. The practical aim of the article was to analyse BEVs used in households and to select a car with the highest utility for such a household located in a specific city in Poland. The scientific goal was to analyse the impact of subjective criteria and the imprecision of judgements on the results of the multi-criteria assessment of BEVs. The research used the PVM-VSI (Preference Vector Method—Vector Space of Increments) method, which allows for examining the impact of subjective criteria on the assessment results. Moreover, by examining the deviations of the assessments, the PVM-VSI method also allows for measuring the imprecision of subjective judgements. The study showed that including subjective criteria in the decision-making model may have a decisive impact on the obtained ranking of alternatives. In the study using objective and subjective criteria, Nissan Ariya ranked first. However, in the ranking based solely on objective criteria, Kia Niro EV won, and the winner of the first ranking took the last place. In the study, the imprecision of judgements did not have a significant impact on the order of vehicles in the ranking. Based on utilities and standard deviations, it was found that only if the decision-maker was prone to gambling would there be a slight switch between alternatives.

Consumers’ Knowledge and Decisions about Choosing Organic Sunscreen Products

Objective: The aim of the survey was to assess respondents’ knowledge about organic sunscreen products and to learn about differences in self-assessed levels of knowledge between those who choose and do not choose organic sunscreen products. Research Design & Methods: The survey was conducted using a structured, close-ended survey questionnaire, via an electronic form using the CAWI technique, and with a printed questionnaire. The survey collected the responses of 1,263 Polish consumers. Findings: The results show that both objective and subjective knowledge about organic sunscreen products is low. Identifying this category of products is difficult and knowledge about the UV filters used is low. Implications / Recommendations: An effort should be made to widen consumer knowledge about organic sunscreen products. Greater public awareness of organic sunscreen products, better knowledge of credible labels and the health and environmental benefits of their use could help consumers improve their purchasing decisions and lead them to choose this product category. Contribution: The results are an important guideline for marketing management, the information obtained will help guide the marketing activities of sunscreen product manufacturers.

The Impact of Environmental Indicators on Consumer Purchase Decisions for Food Products

This research paper analyzes consumer expectations and priorities concerning environmental indicators within the food industry. The study’s overall objective was to understand the importance of various environmental indicators on consumer purchasing decisions. A survey was conducted in Poland, utilizing a representative sample to measure participants’ opinions. Respondents were asked to assess the importance of various environmental indicators in influencing their purchasing choices. The findings underscore a high demand among Polish consumers for environmental responsibility from companies operating in the food sector. Key indicators include the effectiveness of environmental management systems, pro-environmental investments, the promotion of environmental awareness, waste management, water conservation, and attention to supply chain and wastewater issues. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences, offering guidance for industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to enhance sustainability practices and align their efforts with consumer expectations in the dynamic landscape of the food sector.

Economic Aspects of Cash Access Problems

Purpose: The aim of the article is to examine if difficulty of access to cash may influence the financial exclusion in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis was performed using microdata collected in the survey on payment habits of Polish consumers and spatial data on ATMs locations. Estimated distance to points where cash can be withdrawn together with feature of respondents of the state of possession of a payment account helps to identify relationships between access to cash and financial exclusion. To prove significance of the relationship, a statistical test is used. Findings: The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the existence of a real risk associated with the problem of the physical availability of cash. which is caused by the systematic reduction of the network of ATMs and commercial bank branches handling cash, which are the main points where consumers can withdraw it. This may consequently lead to financial and social exclusion of certain groups of consumers for whom cash is the main, or even the only, means of making payments. Results support the thesis that payment account without (real) option of easy access to cash may discourage consumers from opening the account and contribute to increased financial exclusion. It is especially visible in rural regions and small towns where we observe high level of exclusion (lack of payment accounts) and longer distance to the nearest ATM. Research limitations/implications: The presented results were based on simple statistical analyses. Further research should include econometric modeling using logit/probit models. Originality/value: The obtained results are the first on the impact of access to cash on financial exclusion in Poland and consistent with the situation in other European countries. The results allow to show the importance of access to physical money in a broader context than just having means of payment to pay for purchases.

Differentiation of Polish and Ukrainian consumers' attitudes to Russian brands and international brands remaining on the Russian market

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was identification and empirical assessment of the differentiation of consumers' attitudes in Ukraine and Poland to Russian brands and other brands offered on the Russian market after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022.Design/methodology/approachThe main research methods include a systematic literature review and the authors' own surveys conducted in November 2022. The research sample comprised 950 consumers – 67% of them were Poles, 30% – Ukrainians and 3% from other countries.FindingsA respondents' country (Poland and Ukraine) does not impact attitudes to brands offered on the Russian market after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Moreover, it does not affect and differentiate emotional engagement in the conflict and assistance to war victims. Cluster analysis resulted in identifying two groups on the basis of consumers' declared emotional reactions to the war. The first group was smaller (N = 353, 37.2%), referred to as “indifferent consumers”, and was characterized by a greater inclination to purchase brands offered in Russia. The other cluster, referred to as “sensitive consumers” (N = 597, 62.8%), comprises those engaged in offering assistance to war victims, showing strong emotions in connection with the aggression and military activities and characterized by a clearly negative attitude to Russian and other offered brands and an inclination to boycott these brands.Research limitations/implicationsA short time horizon, the study confined to two countries, difficulties in reaching Ukrainian respondents due to power failures in Ukraine in the period of conducting the survey (November 2022), a non-representative research sample – overrepresentation of people aged 18–25 years.Practical implicationsThe research study contributes to the knowledge about consumer brand attitudes and preferences under unique social, economic and market conditions. These conditions were created by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as well as the international and global character of the war in Ukraine. The significant implications of the study refer to brand communication policies and companies' CSR-related declarations. A number of consumers' errors were recorded, resulting from wrong brand retrieval, which were rectified at a later stage as a result of international restrictions imposed on Russia, harsh media criticism and social international embargoes imposed on brands offered in Russia. The marketing communication of contemporary global brands should give consideration to the informative function of CSR activities, and the communication process should be continuous. Critical attitudes and an inclination to boycott brands point to the possible consequences faced by inconsistent and ethically doubtful brand policies. This implication is clearly confirmed by the results of the study.Social implicationsThe authors also wish to highlight the implications for practice and society. As mentioned earlier, Polish consumers involved in providing aid to victims of the war also expressed their opposition to the war by boycotting Russian products and international brands remaining in Russia. Popularization of the research results obtained by the authors can be a form of sensitizing the public to the need for long-term relief, awakening global awareness of the essence and importance of sanctions imposed on Russia, as well as the possibility of expressing opposition through individual purchasing decisions and boycotting brands still present in Russia.Originality/valueThe study allowed for identifying consumers' differentiated brand attitudes in two countries: a country inflicted by war (Ukraine) and a front-line country, strongly supporting Ukraine (Poland). The research contributes to consumer behavior theories and studies of consumer attitudes and preferences from the perspective of international corporations' CSR activities under the unique conditions of war. Also, it contributes to the knowledge of the mechanism of forming attitudes to Russian and international brands offered in Russia among CEE consumers.

The development of the e-culture market: perspectives from polish consumers

The development of the e-culture market: perspectives from polish consumers