THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF POLAND'S RETAIL COMPANIES

The paper examines the conditions that determine the internationalization of Poland's retail companies and other businesses, and it also evaluates the scope and forms of this process. The author analyzes these issues on the basis of desk research, or studies that collate the findings of previously published data and evaluate them in new ways. Another method used by the author is direct research involving a selected group of major enterprises that either already operate on foreign markets or plan to expand abroad. The analysis made it possible to identify the most important motives behind the internationalization of business operations as well as the directions of expansion in terms of both geographical regions and individual business sectors. Maleszyk also describes the organizational forms of internationalization (such as foreign direct investment and various forms of cooperation and integration) as well as barriers to decision-making on business expansion and development. The analysis reveals that the process of internationalization applies to a limited group of companies and is at an early stage of development. To accelerate internationalization, it is necessary to strengthen the market position of Polish enterprises and more intensely promote Polish brand-name products abroad. Other priorities include expanding the system for providing investment advice and supporting institutions that promote entrepreneurship, as well as facilitate lending from banks.