The Impact of Relational Capital on Functioning of Training Companies Located in West Pomeranian Voivodeship
Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to assess the impact of relational capital on the functioning of enterprises providing training services in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, and then to develop a concept aimed at improving the relationships of the surveyed enterprises. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article is based on a review of literature and multi-stage research. The conducted research assumed that the functioning of a training company is conditioned by relational capital. The research problem was formulated as follows: How does relational capital affect the functioning of these companies? The main research problem was developed by asking additional research questions: How to quantify relational capital and the functioning of the surveyed companies? How do the individual components of relational capital (relational capital with employees, customer relationship capital, capital with suppliers, capital with competitors, capital with the local community) affect the functioning of the surveyed companies? How to improve the relations of the surveyed companies? The research hypothesis (H1-H5) assumes that relational capital, customer relationship capital, relational capital with suppliers, relational capital with competitors and relational capital with the local community are positively related to the functioning of training companies. Findings: The results showed a strong positive correlation between relational capital and the multidimensional variable of enterprise functioning, which confirms that the potential of effective relationships generates several tangible benefits for training companies. The qualitative study provided inspiration for analyzing and identifying the actions necessary to strengthen relational capital by improving relationships with key stakeholders. Practical Implications: Modern managers should focus on building valuable relationships with their key stakeholders. The qualitative research enabled the author to develop a model concept for improving relationships among companies providing training services, which can be an inspiration for managers interested in improving relationships. Furthermore, the article includes practical implementations in this area. Originality/Value: Undertaking research on the impact of relational capital on the functioning of training companies in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship is a new research endeavour. The research model and quantitative research questionnaire, after appropriate modification, can also be used in future studies of the relational capital of enterprises in other sectors.