This paper presents the significance of the issues related to the activity of territorial self-government for the social and economic development of Ukraine. The efficient operation of self-government in any country is unfeasible without financial resources. Polish experience in the development of territorial self-government is particularly valuable in relation to the reform of Ukraine's self-government. The paper outlines the differences in the structure and operation of territorial self-government in both countries. The paper is concluded with numerous observations on the direction of selected reforms of Ukrainian self-government. It shows the weaknesses of local self-government in Ukraine, which result from the lack of decentralization of finance and the small amount of state-collected taxes. The conclusions end with the observation that a consistent development of the Ukrainian state is required for Poland to develop well.
This article comprises a sketch of the most important perspectives on local government. Among other things, it also aims to present the unique nature of government at the mezzo-social level. Here the concepts of political governing are considered as a social relationship and social resource; proposed, too, is the application of the category of the social field in the analysis of local government. Such social fields are characterized by both relations and resources associated with power when viewed from the standpoint of actions and structures. A separate aspect making itself known in the field of political power is its manifestations and influences.
More and more people around the world are using computer (video) games. The development of the gaming industry means increasing of its complexity in all aspects. Not only is the content represented in games continuously differentiating, but we also see the increasing diversity among their creators, users, researchers and the public. This article aims to draw attention to the possibility of using the concept of social capital in ludologists' research as well as in improving the quality of games and of the cooperation between social environments related with games. Social capital is understood here as a potential of interactions embedded in interpersonal ties and social norms, which can bring advantages for individuals, groups and societies. The author takes a closer look on: the main features of this multi-dimensional category; significant differences between human, social and cultural capital; as well as the positive and negative influences of social capital.
Mimo ścisłych związków między technologią i stosunkami międzynarodowymi istnieje niewiele prac w nauce o stosunkach międzynarodowych, które podejmują próbę teoretycznego połączenia obu tych sfer rzeczywistości społecznej. Podstawowym celem artykułu jest historyzacja technologii militarnej w społecznej historii stosunków międzynarodowych. Autor przedstawia proces historycznego wzrostu znaczenia technologii militarnej w funkcjonowaniu społeczeństw i jej destruktywny wpływ na życie społeczne. Przekonuje, że nowe technologie rozwinaje są przez istoty ludzkie, a nie "odkrywane". Dokonane wynalazki odzwierciedlają określone interesy, posiadanie adekwatnych zasobów do ich dokonania i istnienie określonego instytucjonalnego wsparcia. W takim rozumieniu nauka, technologia i innowacje są funkcją ludzkich wyborów, interesów, idei, instytucji i zasobów. ; Despite close connections between technology and international relations, there are few works in international relations studies that would make an attempt to theoretically connect both of these two spheres of social reality.The main aim of the article is a historization of military technology in a social history of international relations. The author presents the process of historical growth of importance of military technology in functioning of societies and its destructive influence on social life. He convinces one that new technologies are developed, not "discovered" by human beings. Inventions reflect specific interests, owning proper resources to develop them and the existence of determined institutional support. In this understanding, science, technology and innovations are functions of human choices, interests, ideas, institutions and resources.In the first part of the article, the author presents relations between science, technology and innovations, as well as main attitudes in international relations studies in the context of comprehending these relations. Problems caused by technological development are also discussed. In the second part of the article, the author presents the meaning of military technology in international relations through its historization. By showing different contexts of "war machines" (horse, chariot, cavalry, cannons, conventional and nuclear weapon, information technology),one can observe the influence of military technology on international relations in the process of uneven and related development of different societies in different times from antiquity to the present day. In particular, the results of transformation of relations between armed forces and scientific institutions after World War II into permanent structures of society and government are shown. On the example of United States of America, the author points negative consequences of forming bureaucratic national security services for many aspects of social life. Finally, referring to James Der Derian's analysis, the author presents transformative influence of information technology on international relations.
This book explores the issue of development-induced population displacement from the point of view of development studies and development ethics. Based on an ethical approach, specifies the measures to minimize the problems of displaced persons and strengthening their participation as a beneficiaries of development projects. The book combines a thorough examination of the most important causes of involuntary population resettlement with numerous references to ethical and social aspects of this problem. Ethical considerations have become a starting point for the analysis of the decision-making process in the most spectacular cases of development-induced displacement and resettlement, associated, inter alia, with the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River, and the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River. In addition to the groundbreaking theoretical approach to the problem, the significant advantage of the book is to draw attention to the lesser-known causes of displacement and notable historical considerations. The interdisciplinary nature of the study is reflected in the application of ethical approach as a point of reference for considerations on the basis of development studies, decision-making mechanisms and legal framework for resettlement planning, defining the responsibilities and the nature of the displaced (DIDPs) and affected (PAPs) communities (rights-based approach).
The law on the Polish Charter is an element of a certain process, noticeable in Central and Eastern Europe, the purpose of which is to reinforce and retain contacts of respective states with immigrants, that is the members of the nation that predominates in each state who live abroad. The regulations which the Polish side has introduced in order to simplify border crossing for individuals of Polish origin by introducing special visas and the Polish Charter have stirred a profound political and social discussion in Belarus. Belarussian society does not have its own national identity, and is not sufficiently developed. The western part of Belarus is a multicultural region. This allows the dwellers of this region to declare themselves to be of practically any nationality as need arises. It may be concluded then that the Polish Charters, issued by Polish diplomatic posts, do not reflect the number of the actual members of the Polish minority. The applications for a Polish Charter are frequently triggered by economic aspects and the assessment that it pays to be a Pole. ; The law on the Polish Charter is an element of a certain process, noticeable in Central and Eastern Europe, the purpose of which is to reinforce and retain contacts of respective states with immigrants, that is the members of the nation that predominates in each state who live abroad. The regulations which the Polish side has introduced in order to simplify border crossing for individuals of Polish origin by introducing special visas and the Polish Charter have stirred a profound political and social discussion in Belarus. Belarussian society does not have its own national identity, and is not sufficiently developed. The western part of Belarus is a multicultural region. This allows the dwellers of this region to declare themselves to be of practically any nationality as need arises. It may be concluded then that the Polish Charters, issued by Polish diplomatic posts, do not reflect the number of the actual members of the Polish minority. The applications for a Polish Charter are frequently triggered by economic aspects and the assessment that it pays to be a Pole.
The article attempts at juddgement of roots of Polish crises taking the international conditioning into consideration. There are variants of forecasts for the eighties formulated, on the grounds of the observed tendencies in the aspect of evolution of social and economic system and the cooperation with the West. Two regressive "paths" are distinguished which require substantial curbing; of links with the West as well as two progressive ones implying further inflow of accumulation of outside from the West. The variant resting on the assumption of extrapolating main trends of seventies is considered by the author to be the most probable. It involves also the tendency of further structural hybridization without removing the main reasons of inefficiency of the economic system i.e. lack of correct political verification of macroeconomic decisions and lack of mechanism of optimum investment allocation and motivation system. There is also a forecasting variant presented which implies a reduction of social antagonisms by means of the national compromise providing facilities for a transition to the real national State organized according to the rules of inclusive socialism (including a society in the process of exercising political and economic power). These rules should capacitate creation of the new economic model different from the Hungarian and Yugoslavian ones, which in the opinion of the author, do not ensure a correct utilization of external and internal accumulation and are likely to induce crises. Yet, this forecasting variant (labelled the path 4) is considered by the author to be the least probable on account of the adverse structure of social powers and a lack of practical experience. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016
The main purpose of the survey discussed in this paper is to answer the question of which factors describe the status of political integration of Poles in Austria. Political integration concerns the phenomenon of joining the political life of a given political system and, to some extent, also its results. For the purpose of this study the notion of political integration is to stand for the involvement of the 'visiting' citizens in the political life of the 'host' state, in particular political participation, taking the form of public activity and voting in elections. The survey adopts a general theoretical model where the state of integration of Poles in Austria is comprehended in terms of a three-element political culture (comprising cognitive, emotional-and-assessing, and behavioral elements). It undergoes external influences, related to the period spent living abroad, and domestic influences of social identity (approached functionally). Additionally, the model assumes that these factors can be internally related. The empirical aspect of the analysis is based on the authors' own survey carried out using a questionnaire, psychological scale and focus group interview of a sample of Polish émigrés in Austria.
The article is devoted to aspects of the functioning of public administration. Due to the nature and the properties of its functioning, the administration has many characteristics (acts on behalf and for the account of the State, it is of political nature, it works in the public interest, etc.). In addition to the fact that the administration has those characteristics, it also has to meet the specific functions such as controlling, performance of public duties, and management of organizations' resources. Therefore, the activities of administration fulfill four important from the perspective of citizens' spheres of activity: asset managment, social services, regulation services and the development managment. The condition for efficient administration are the considerations which include: appropriate organizational structures, staff, maintaining the appropriate relationship between people, appropriately structured work process and technical equipment and information. It should be stressed that all activities are compliant with the European Code of Good Administrative Behaviour and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the documents constituting a kind of moral statement in the administrative field and an integral part of public administration in the European Union
The law on the Polish Charter is an element of a certain process, noticeable in Central and Eastern Europe, the purpose of which is to reinforce and retain contacts of respective states with immigrants, that is the members of the nation that predominates in each state who live abroad. The regulations which the Polish side has introduced in order to simplify border crossing for individuals of Polish origin by introducing special visas and the Polish Charter have stirred a profound political and social discussion in Belarus. Belarussian society does not have its own national identity, and is not sufficiently developed. The western part of Belarus is a multicultural region. This allows the dwellers of this region to declare themselves to be of practically any nationality as need arises. It may be concluded then that the Polish Charters, issued by Polish diplo- matic posts, do not reflect the number of the actual members of the Polish minority. The applications for a Polish Charter are frequently triggered by economic aspects and the assessment that it pays to be a Pole.
In spite of many attempts made in the past at accelerating transformations of the system, the Polish agriculure in its major part is still a small scale production sector. This situation results in a need of searching for more effective ways of transformation making a better use of specific features of indivdiual farming. Productive cooperation is undoubtedly answering for that need as it allows a relatively non- conflict linking of growth of production with gradual social transformations in the country. The experience of the last decade seems to be very valuable in this respect. A particular importance of that period is resulting from the distinctive features of adopted concepts of the cooperational developement, both in the aspect of intra- sector and inter-sector relations. A new productive organization emerged in Polish village is the group of individual farmers, acting according to the regulation of partnership. Productive and economic achievements of these groups are unquestionable, yet their effect on account of the high social costs is still relatively small. As far as the intersector Cooperation is concerned, the experience of the seventies is a long step forwards on the way overcoming isolation between the sectors. A limited effect of the cooperation of seventies in the process of stimulating transformations in our agriculture is consequent non on the fallacy of the very concept, but on the unfavorable external conditioning of the developement of agriculture. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016
The article is an attempt at presentation how basic notions and ferms used by sociology of organization function in other sciences dealing with problems of organization as eg. praxiology, theory of organization and «management or psychology of organization. General reflections are concentrated around various ways of understanding of the notion of "organization" and around the so-called concept of system analysis of organization. The author advocates understand of organization as a set of rules of action or rules of functioning of groups or other human communities. He represents an opinion that organization cannot be identified in sociology with institution assi there are essential differences between them. The author attempts to present a relationship between organization and institution in sociolo¬ gical aspect on the grounds of (the proposed way of interpreting the notion of organization. The article includes critical remarks on the so-called system approach in sciences on organization. It is found that in most of the oases the system approach functions only as a language formation unable to contribuite any methodological qualities but a new slang. Treating the system approach as a new methodological directive assumes a p r i o r i , that any organization is a system which does not always correspond to social reality. For there are organizations not fulfilling their statute goals because they do not function as a system. The final part of reflections is an attempt at presentation of tasks of sociology in analysing organizations and explicating those mechanisms for the sake of practice which cause organizations to function as an integrated whole, as a social system. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016
The general aim of the paper is a systenatization of concepts and also an analysis of some aspects of the process of forming institutional infrastructure in Europe after the collapse of centrally managed economic system. Characteristic feature of such transformations is that they concern mainly the sphere of non-material components of economic subjects' surrouding. This involves difficulties in monitoring them and in interpreting them in a strict way. Europe needs a transformation of all the elements of its institutional infrastructure. In teh case of such institutions-organizations as European Union or NATO - an evolution is expected towards their more universal character. Within the institutions of codified principles the developing of European political infrastructure (i.e. agreements serving increased co-operation of all States of the region) is more particularly desirable. The element that unites transformations of institutions-organizations and institutions-formali zed principles is the fact that both of them are undertaken fully consciously. Also changes within institutions-non-formalized principles are of much importance for the process of European integration. The changes are the result of very complex and time consuming economic and social developments. The need for such changes involves more particularly the societies of former Eastern Europe which, under specific conditions of centrally planned economy, have developped institutional system quite difficult to adept it to the market economy. ; Digitalizacja i deponowanie archiwalnych zeszytów RPEiS sfinansowane przez MNiSW w ramach realizacji umowy nr 541/P-DUN/2016
Theories which are the base of this article refers to institutional project. Among democratic instruments we can mark out inter alia political institutions. But to find out more about mentioned aspects, It is necessary to examine and analyze fields, methods and ways of thinking about them. This particular dilemma is one of many which we can read about in famous book of James March and Johan Olsen "Rediscovering Iinstitutions. The Organizational Basis of Politics". At the beginning it's important to remind that the principle idea of theory of sovereignty is based on the fact that the people will should finally overweight. Thought, it is important to answer actual questions like who adhere to "the people", how it's possible to recognize their "will", how long does "finally" take and what exactly "overweight" means. Theories distincts in this matters. But it is crucial to straight out that those slim differences are very important, because their interpretation transfer to distinction of two opposite political processes called by their authors aggregated and integrated ones. Moreover, making short simplification, the same distinction is combined with well known contrast between contractual and collective view on social organization which grew on dissimilarities between societies defined as collectivistic and individualistic ones. This article inspired by "Rediscovering Iinstitutions. The Organizational Basis of Politics" book refers to proposition of dividing political processes into aggregated and integrated ones. After broad explanation March's and Olsen's theories, the author compare them to other conceptions like contractual and collective ones trying to find common bounds same as main fields of disagreement of mentioned theories.
Theories which are the base of this article refers to institutional project. Among democratic instruments we can mark out inter alia political institutions. But to find out more about mentioned aspects, It is necessary to examine and analyze fields, methods and ways of thinking about them. This particular dilemma is one of many which we can read about in famous book of James March and Johan Olsen "Rediscovering Iinstitutions. The Organizational Basis of Politics". At the beginning it's important to remind that the principle idea of theory of sovereignty is based on the fact that the people will should finally overweight. Thought, it is important to answer actual questions like who adhere to "the people", how it's possible to recognize their "will", how long does "finally" take and what exactly "overweight" means. Theories distincts in this matters. But it is crucial to straight out that those slim differences are very important, because their interpretation transfer to distinction of two opposite political processes called by their authors aggregated and integrated ones. Moreover, making short simplification, the same distinction is combined with well known contrast between contractual and collective view on social organization which grew on dissimilarities between societies defined as collectivistic and individualistic ones. This article inspired by "Rediscovering Iinstitutions. The Organizational Basis of Politics" book refers to proposition of dividing political processes into aggregated and integrated ones. After broad explanation March's and Olsen's theories, the author compare them to other conceptions like contractual and collective ones trying to find common bounds same as main fields of disagreement of mentioned theories
