The impact of relations with stakeholders on change management, innovation and competitiveness of the organization on the example of the current economic situation of enterprises in Poland

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to systematize knowledge about organizations' relationships with their stakeholders and to highlight the connection and impact that managing these relationships and functioning in their network can have on them: an organization's capacity for innovation, change management efficiency and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach: Approach to the subject of the paper is theoretical in its first part and in the second one is based on the case study methodology conducted in chosen organization in Poland. On the basis of the literature, the basic variables influencing the accumulation of effects that can be achieved by an organization that effectively uses the synergy of all mentioned phenomena have been analysed. The examples of organizations in Poland applying such activities in the current economic situation were cited. Findings: Organisations which deal with difficult market situation should flexibly: use support from their stakeholders, take the risk of innovation and using both of the above try to implement and manage necessary changes efficiently and quickly. All these phenomena as well as the way of dealing with them make coping with hard situation easier. Practical implications: Article’s analysis and general view confirmes the significant economic and business impact on maintaining and increasing the competitive advantage of organizations using all mentioned phenomena to deal with difficulties of global market. Mentioned positive practical effects on enterprises prove how high the potential is created as a result of combining management of relations with stakeholders on competitiveness, innovation and the ability to manage organizational change. Originality/value: The interactions and effects of the impact on the organization of: stakeholders relations, networks and change management – that have already been scientifically described many times were emphasized because only in a few sectors of the economy their’ coexistence and its effects on the organization are clearly visible, observable and possible to describe