Given the country's economic condition and the limited scale of profit for most companies, relatively few enterprises see the benefits, or even the possibility, of focusing on social issues. Of these companies, roughly 1,000 understand and practice the concept of corporate citizenship and try to apply it in their communities. This group of leading businesses comprises both multinational and Polish companies of varying sizes. The scope of business involvement in the community can be quite wide and ambitious. Although the process of community involvement can be costly and time-consuming, many businesses consider it an important pursuit.
Companies are in part motivated by the desire to enhance their public image.
In Poland's very competitive market, companies want to be perceived as working to increase their profits, as well as to improve municipalities, scientific organizations, and conditions for children and society overall. Charitable foundations One mechanism that has emerged over the last two years is the charitable foundation. Under this arrangement, a company establishes a foundation which is responsible for conducting socially sound activities, as opposed to getting directly involved itself. While objectives may vary among foundations, the overall pattern is one of support for hospitals, nonprofit organizations, child-related projects, publications, and research. One of the leading organizations is the Buchner Foundation, established in 1989 by Piotr J. Buchner, owner of several companies operating in Poland and throughout the world.