Management of pilgrimage traffic in Poland in functional terms

Abstract

Objectives This article aims to analyze the potential and the possibilities of using knowledge in the field of modern management in relation to the practice of walking pilgrimages and to provide specific recommendations regarding this area. Material and methods The desk research method and participant observation, conducted during pilgrimages to the Jasna Góra sanctuary, were chosen for the purposes of this study. A critical analysis of the literature and specialized press was carried out, and the method of descriptive analysis was used. Results The results obtained show that the increase in competence in the field of modern management among clergy and lay people who perform various managerial and support functions at all stages of walking pilgrimages (preparation - implementation - completion) facilitates the optimal use of existing resources to achieve goals, among which the most important is the reception of spiritual content by pilgrims. Conclusions Professional knowledge will also provide the ability to coordinate the activities of services that cooperate with each other during the pilgrimage, resulting in solutions that are beneficial to all stakeholders, especially those that are difficult to obtain alone. Even the material needs, which are receding into the background but met on the way, constitute a factor that influences positively the pilgrims' satisfaction with the peregrination effort and that may influence the decision on their re-participation in the pilgrimage. In the process of pilgrimage management, the functions of planning and organizing are of the greatest importance, while motivating and controlling, due to the sensitive structure of the pilgrimage are less important.

Keywords

• management
• pilgrimage movement
• walking pilgrimages
• management functions
• pilgrimage traffic management