Qualitative factors of design management effectiveness. Empirical research on a representative sample of Polish enterprises

The concept of design management has appeared in the literature on the subject relatively recently. It falls within the scope of innovative enterprise management processes, having a very significant impact on enterprise functioning and development, as confirmed by the results of an empirical study conducted on a representative sample of Polish enterprises. These results constitute a new contribution of knowledge to the theory and practice of enterprise functioning in Central and Eastern Europe and provide a new perspective on the factors affecting enterprise development. The results of the study carried out take into account not only the quantitative factors, but also the impact of the qualitative factors that can define those enterprises’ competitive advantage. The purpose of the article is to present new knowledge on the functioning of enterprises using design management, and to identify factors determining their condition and survival in the era of environmental change. It should also contribute to further discussion and research on the evolution and development of design management processes.