The Quality of Interpersonal Relationships at Work. A Comparison of the Private and Public Sector in Poland

Abstract Research Background: This article compares the private and public sector by the quality of interpersonal relationships between employees. Available publications indicate some differences in this quality between each of these sectors. However, there are no comprehensive empirical studies in this area. Purpose: The author set two objectives: 1) to identify possible differences in the interpersonal relationships at work between the private and public sector, 2) to evaluate the quality of interpersonal relationships at work in the private and public sector in Poland. Research methodology: To achieve the objectives the author used the results of a survey conducted in 2018 on a sample of 1,336 active workers in Poland. Results: An analysis of the results made it possible to achieve both objectives. It has been confirmed that the quality of interpersonal relationships at work differ between the private and public sector (the quality was higher in the private sector). The Author also evaluated the quality of interpersonal relationships at work in the private and public sector in Poland. Novelty: The presented research results are novel, because it has been confirmed, that the quality of interpersonal relationships at work differ between the private and public sector.