Factors Strengthening the Competitive Position of SME Sector Enterprises. An Example for Poland

The role of competition in the context of the most natural and distinct sign of market orientation and implemented enterprise activities on the part of managers, contractors and owners of companies is often stressed as part of the concerned issue. Since routine actions, faith in the repeatability of market phenomena or the loyalty of consumers are not accepted in competitive activities of enterprises, the owners and managers are expected to act in an entrepreneurship-like manner to achieve a competitive position. As part of each market and sector based on the principle of competitiveness, a leader can be distinguished who, by his dynamics, forces other participants to undertake actions aimed at achieving a better market position in the competitive race (Strużycki, 2002).The primary purpose of selecting the research area of this article is, first of all, the desire to present the issues of SME enterprise competitiveness with the simultaneous determination of factors having impact on the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as on their development. The purpose of the article will be to identify the factors having a direct impact on creating the competitive position and the development of enterprises as well as mutual relations between entrepreneurs and their business partners. The cooperation between business entities affects the proper growth in the whole branch and particular sectors of the economy. Thus, in the process of planning and decision-making in an enterprise, the selection of an appropriate business partner plays an important part. In order to analyze the subject matter, a secondary research was used using the study of literature, research reports from various scientific centers and statistical data as well as an empirical research conducted by means of a questionnaire with participation (supported by pollers) on a random sample of 520 micro, small and medium enterprises. 460 entities were selected from this group, which answered all questions included in the questionnaire. The enterprises participating in the research are located within southern and south-eastern Poland in three voivodeships – małopolskie, śląskie, podkarpackie.