The Impact of the External Environment on the Functioning of SMEs - Results of Own Studies

The sector of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the main group of enterprises impacting the economic development. High degree of flexibility and ability to adapt to new markets allow small- and medium-sized enterprises to develop as a result of their capability of effective use of resources in the economy. The SME sector contributes to job creation, increase in the number of enterprises, and growth of the level of entrepreneurship. However, this group of companies is exposed to a negative impact of the environment, both the macro- and microenvironment, which significantly influences the fundamental strength of an organization. Macroenvironment is in most cases beyond the control of an enterprise, whereas an enterprise has a real impact on its relations with the microenvironment. Turbulence of the environment is one of the most characteristic features of the modern conditions of management; therefore, it is important to be able to manage an enterprise subjected to constant changes. The sector of small- and medium-sized enterprises is especially exposed to the impact of the external environment. This susceptibility results, among other things, from the size of companies, limited possibilities of obtaining external financing, and low level of knowledge among company owners on management of an enterprise. The aim of the paper is to identify elements of micro- and macroenvironment that impact this development among SMEs carrying out business activity in Southern Poland. The survey conducted in 2016 on a group of 250 enterprises classified, based on the size of employment, as small- and medium-sized enterprises allowed to indicate factors determining the development of enterprises, which are both external in character and represent stimuli from the macroenvironment and microenvironment of an enterprise.