Strategic working capital management in Polish SMES: Navigating risk and reward for enhanced financial performance

Abstract

This study examines the impact of operating capital management (WCM) strategies on the monetary execution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poland, with a particular focus on finding the correct equalization between liquidity and benefit. The review utilizes relapse investigation to survey the effect of forceful and conservative (WCM) techniques on the benefit and fluidity of 4,891 Polish SMEs from 2012 to 2021, as measured by an informational index of budgetary and operational information. The results demonstrate a noteworthy connection between WCM improvements and budgetary results. However, aggressive actions do not just mean higher earnings; they also involve heavier financial risks. On the other hand, cautious methods are linked with stronger financial stability but may lead to lower profit. According to the survey, when cash conversion cycle (CCC) days fall by 1%, return on total assets (ROA) can increase by approximately 1:0 percentage points. This demonstrates again that WCM is very important in improving company profits. These findings have implications for academics, practitioners, and government officials.

Keywords

• cash conversion cycle
• financial performance
• liquidity
• Poland
• profitability
• risk