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Internet-based mass communication in multi-level marketing companies operating in Poland
Beata Nowotarska-Romaniak1, Sonia Szczepanik2
1,2 Katowice University of Economics, 1 Maja 50, 40-287 Katowice, Poland
1 E-mail: beata.nowotarska-romaniak@uekat.pl
ORCID: 0000-0003-3563-2596
2 E-mail: sonia.szczepanik@edu.uekat.pl
ORCID: 0000-0002-4275-3700
DOI: 10.2478/minib-2024-0020
Abstract:
This study examines the areas of Internet-based mass communication (websites, social media) utilized by multi-level marketing (MLM) companies operating in Poland, using methods including literature review, descriptive analysis, and statistical analysis of primary data. Findings reveal that the most popular MLM websites in Poland are those of foreign-owned companies with over 16 years of operation, which attract more smartphone users, especially among younger firms with high mobile engagement. Average visit duration is around 4 minutes, with longer visits on established global sites, while about half of all visits result in a bounce. Most of the MLM websites examined have content in Polish, primarily featuring product information, company details, and contact information, alongside product and partnership options and required privacy policies. Social media presence is less significant, with Facebook being the most utilized platform, particularly by older firms; Polish-language profiles are rare on more time-intensive platforms like YouTube. Facebook holds the highest average user count, especially for firms operating for over 21 years. This study lays a foundation that may support the first formal classification of MLM enterprises in Poland and inform governmental policies on MLM regulation and PKD code identification. Despite the study’s limitations, the findings contribute a preliminary understanding of MLM companies’ online communication strategies in Poland, paving the way for future qualitative and quantitative research.
MINIB, 2024, Vol. 54, Issue 4
DOI: 10.2478/minib-2024-0020
P. 25-48
Published December 16, 2024
Internet-based mass communication in multi-level marketing companies operating in Poland
Beata Nowotarska-Roamaniak – habilitated doctor, university professor in the Department of Marketing at the University of Economics in Katowice. She has authored and co-authored numerous books in the fields of healthcare, insurance, and marketing services, as well as more than two hundred scientific articles on consumer behavior, service marketing, and promotion, which have been published both domestically and internationally. That are frequently cited by both Polish and foreign authors. Beata Nowotarska-Romaniak is involved in adapting marketing in insurance and healthcare services. She also conducts research on consumer behavior in the insurance and healthcare service markets, delivers lectures and training sessions, among others, for managers and employees of healthcare facilities, banks, and insurance companies. She she collaborated on the project “Managerial Support for Healthcare Facility Management Staff” co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund. Students, postgraduate students, and doctoral students alike hold Beata Nowotarska-Romaniak in high regard as an educator. She lectures a variety of subjects and creates his own programs. She teaches seminars at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. She serves as a reviewer for an extensive array of articles and monographs.
Sonia Szczepanik – Graduated from Finance and Accounting (BA) as well as Management (MA) at the University of Economics in Katowice. Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Management and quality sciences at the Doctoral School of the University of Economics in Katowice. Author and co-author of scientific articles in the field of crisis management, insurance services, dietary supplements market, direct sales and multi-level marketing, published in Polish and English.