How Do Executives Define Corporate Entrepreneurship? A Longitudinal Analysis of Large Enterprises in Poland

Purpose: This study explores how corporate entrepreneurship is perceived in large enterprises and how it contributes to their strategic development and competitive positioning. The research responds to the identified gap in both domestic and international literature regarding comprehensive insights into the dimensions and perception of corporate entrepreneurship. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in two waves, in 2019 and 2022, using a structured questionnaire administered via CATI and CAWI methods. The sample consisted of 100 large enterprises operating in Poland, across various sectors. Respondents were asked to select one of five definitions of corporate entrepreneurship that best reflected their organizational practice, enabling a comparative analysis across time. Findings: The findings show a notable shift in the perception of corporate entrepreneurship between 2019 and 2022. While the importance of innovation (Definition A) remained relatively stable, there was a significant decline in support for continuous employee engagement in internal innovation processes (Definition B). Conversely, Definitions D and E, emphasizing risk-taking and the social impact of entrepreneurship respectively, gained in popularity. The results indicate an evolving orientation toward more dynamic, externally focused, and socially aware forms of entrepreneurship, reflecting changes in the macroeconomic environment and post-pandemic business priorities. Practical Implication: The research highlights the growing strategic role of innovation, risk-taking, and social responsibility in large enterprises. Understanding how corporate entrepreneurship is interpreted can guide decision-makers in aligning entrepreneurial initiatives with organizational development goals, especially in times of uncertainty. Originality/Value: This study offers a longitudinal perspective on corporate entrepreneurship in large enterprises and introduces a novel methodological approach by comparing executive preferences across predefined definitions. It enriches the understanding of how corporate entrepreneurship evolves in practice and offers insight into the strategic mindset of business leaders in large organizations.