Family patterns and adulthood - meet the new book co-authored by our lecturer Dr Anna Paluszak

A book entitled. "Entangled in family patterns. How childhood influences adult life", authored by Jack Rydlewski, M.A., and Anna Paluszak, Ph. (our full-time lecturer).

Therapeutic parenting - book description

Being a parent is difficult. Although we try with all our might to provide for our children what we did not have ourselves, the results of our efforts are very often far from expectations. This is because no one teaches us how to become a guardian and guide for a child. What we do know is our own homes, the places where we grew up. And things were not always rosy there.

Is it possible to escape the vicious circle of inheriting family patterns, problems and traumas? Yes, it is. Each of us has a tool that really helps. That tool is the systemic perspective presented in this book in a conversation between two experienced therapists - Anna Paluszak and Jacek Rydlewski. Think of this guide as a map on which to find yourself easily, identify your main difficulties and their causes. It will give you concrete guidance on what direction to take and what steps to take to restore peace in your family.

Find the key to healing relationships and changing toxic patterns. Learn about systemic therapy in practice!

Anna Paluszak For more than ten years she taught psychology at the Universities of: Wrocław and Zielona Góra. She has been working as a psychotherapist for five years, remaining in supervision. As a psychologist, she supports people before and after undergoing bariatric surgery, as well as patients with endometriosis. She was the originator and co-host, together with Jacek Rydlewski, of a series of talks on relationship problems; the half-hour programmes were broadcast in 2016-2017 on Wrocław's Academic Radio Luz under the common title "Związki na luzie" and were very popular with listeners.

The economics of motivation in uniform - new article under the affiliation of the School of Vocational Training

How to motivate soldiers effectively? The authors seek the answer to this question the latest scientific articlewhich has just been published by the Upper Silesian Academy Publishing House. The text, entitled. "The Importance of Economic Motivation Tools in Shaping the Attitudes of Uniformed Services Personnel Using the Example of the Army" was prepared by Ewa Chomać-Pierzecka from the Vocational Training College and Stefan Dyrka from the Wojciech Korfanty Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice.

Analysis of the incentive system in uniformed structures

Serving in structures focused on the implementation of security and defence activities requires specific competences - not only knowledge and skills, but above all commitment to the mission. This action largely depends on the level of personal motivation, which is shaped by the value system and support tools used by the organisation.

The specific nature of Armed Forces institutions shapes a unique model of organisational behaviourwhich determine the ability to perform the assigned functions. At the same time, this model determines the scope of competences to be need military services, posing specific challenges to the human resources management system.

The article therefore addresses a key issue in maintaining the organisational efficiency of the military in the modern state. The authors point to the role of the organisational culture of military formations and analyse in detail the impact of motivational tools - particularly economic ones - on the attitudes, commitment and identity of Polish Army soldiers.

The researchers attempted to assess motivational practices in the military based on the literature and the results of their own research. The aim of the study was to show how the motivational system affects the effectiveness and readiness of uniformed personnel - both individually and organisationally. We encourage you to readings:

Report after the conference 'President of the Republic of Poland: Campaign, Elections, Political Position"

New technologies bring great potential for the democratisation of the electoral process, but also new challenges that are not yet fully recognised by the legislator. Internet voting, social media campaigns or the targeting of selected content to specific individuals are issues that need to be regulated, conference participants pointed out 'The President of the Republic: Campaign, Elections, Political Position'.

Our University co-organises the conference

The conference was organised by: Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring and University College of Professional Education in Wrocław. Experts - constitutionalists, political scientists and representatives of public life - discussed the role of the president in the Polish political system, the transparency of the election campaign, the impact of new technologies on elections and many other issues related to the competences of the head of state. The conference was held 13 May, moderated by Dr Kamil Stępniak, President of the Board of the Centre for Constitutional Law and Rule of Law Monitoring. The Law.pl service was a media patron of the event.

Protection of the presidential election - identification of the most important provisions and risks by an expert of the JCCC

Dr Damian Wąsik, an expert in criminal law from the Higher School of Vocational Training in Wrocław, discussed the criminal law protection of presidential elections. He cited historical examples of fraud from the interwar period, viz:

• bringing ballot papers to be consecrated in church;
• stamping bread with election slogans;
• satirical chants suggesting election rigging.

The speaker recalled that we have an entire chapter in the Criminal Code dedicated to offences against elections. This inter alia. articles relating to:

• falsification of electoral documents;
• giving false data in order to obtain the right to vote;
• violation of the secrecy of the vote;
• agitation offences, especially on voting day.

In addition to the Penal Code, there are also relevant provisions in:

• the Electoral Code, which provides for inter alia. liability for violating the silence of the electorate or conducting illegal canvassing;
• Act on referendums and certain special laws.

The speaker pointed out that the most serious electoral offences are falsification of voting results, pressure on voters, vote buying or obstruction of voting.

"A very worrying phenomenon is also the organisation of so-called electoral transports, i.e. the transportation of organised groups of voters by committees which, one could say, 'invest' in certain local communities - in order to force a certain electoral result. These practices, although sometimes difficult to prove, can bear the hallmarks of a violation of the principle of free and equal elections, he stressed. He pointed out that there are also situations involving violations of the secrecy of the vote - such as when a third party accompanies a voter to the booth or when a voter is instructed on how to vote."

"I would also like to mention media crimes, i.e. those involving canvassing conducted illegally - for example, during the electoral silence, or using misleading material, such as false information about candidates. We have had cases where manipulated material was published on the eve of the election to discourage people from voting for a particular candidate. And although formally it is sometimes difficult to attribute them to specific individuals, the disinformation effect remains," the speaker said.

Dr Damian Wąsik He also pointed out that all such cases violate citizens' trust in electoral institutions.

Silent destruction in the company. Does bullying block innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises?

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the foundation of the Polish economy, having a significant contribution to GDP creation - 28.2% for micro-enterprises and 17.1% for small and medium-sized companies respectively (according to the Polish Entrepreneurship Agency report, 2024). Unfortunately, these values are lower than a year earlier, which experts explain by the effects of the pandemic and dynamic economic and technological changes.

The SME sector, despite its limited resources, plays an important role in the innovation process - as many as one third of companies with 10 to 49 employees and half of medium-sized companies (50-250 employees) are active in innovation. However, success is not determined solely by financial outlay, but also - and perhaps above all - organisational climate and psychological factors: team creativity, level of commitment, work culture and management style.

Why does the working environment matter for innovation?

As the ICAN Institute points out, companies wishing to stay in the market should take special care of three pillars: organisational culture, leadership i employee involvement. It is these elements that create the space for growth and creativity that underpin innovation in SMEs.

The problem remains the phenomenon of the so-called ''green'. quiet quitting, i.e. quiet withdrawal - employees perform only the bare minimum, forgoing commitment and initiative. According to the report State of the Global Workplace As many as 72% of employees in Europe are in the process, and 15% openly manifests a lack of motivation. In extreme cases there is a phenomenon of revenge quitting, i.e. demonstrative departures in response to toxic conditions - often being the effect of mobbing.

Bullying - a threat to stability and the development of innovation

Bullying not only lowers morale and increases staff turnoverbut can completely stifle innovation processes in an organisation. In the SME sector, where every highly qualified employee has a real impact on the development of the company, Creating a working environment based on trust and cooperation is becoming a necessity.

It was these challenges, determinants and consequences that Dr Marika Szymanska, Director of the Institute of Management and Quality Sciences, and Mehmet Omurlu, M.Sc., Programme Director of the Management and Business Psychology course at the College of Vocational Training, discussed at the online conference. "Bullying as a destructive aspect of the working environment". Experts agreed that understanding the impact of workplace atmosphere on innovation is no longer just a question of ethicsbut a real business need for the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector.

Dr Mariusz Michalski - Assistant Professor at the College of Professional Training on the challenges of modern forensic science

23 April 2025 Dr Mariusz Michalski, Assistant Professor at the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław, took part as a speaker in the Third National Scientific Conference entitled "Forensic science and the changing reality of crime scenes". The event, organised in a remote format by the Academy of Applied Sciences in Radom in cooperation with the Regional Police Headquarters in Radom, brought together a large number of academics, representatives of the uniformed services and crime practitioners.

Speech by Dr Mariusz Michalski - analysis and reflections

In his speech entitled "'Exclusion of criminal liability in the use or application of direct coercive measures by police officers - some reflections', Dr Michalski carried out a thorough analysis of the statutory counter-narratives that exclude the criminal liability of Police, Border Guard and Military Police officers.

A special place in his lecture was given to the changes introduced by the amendment of the law of 24 May 2013 on means of direct coercion and firearms. Dr Michalski discussed the implications of these changes, pointing out potential violations of the rules on the use of coercive measures. His speech received a lot of attention due to the topicality of the issues raised and their relevance to the practice of the uniformed services.

Forensic science and changing realities - the importance of sharing experience

The conference has become an important space for the exchange of experience between theory and practice. Participants emphasised the need to continuously adapt forensic methods to dynamic social, technological and legal changes. Such events strengthen collaboration between academics and practitioners, enabling a more effective response to the challenges of modern crime.

Cooperation without borders: Professor Soboń and Dr Seleznova at the conference in Szymkent

We would like to inform you that on 22 April this year. Professor Janusz Soboń and Dr. Ruslana Seleznova took part in the International Student Scientific and Practical Conference held in the city of Shymkent, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Together with the lecturers National University of Biological Resources and Natural Economy of Ukraine (Kyiv) prepared student papers on current topics related to the digital economy. Professor Janusz Soboń and Dr Ruslana Seleznova acted as research supervisors for the students as part of the joint international scientific project Poland-Ukraine-Kazakhstan.

Professor Soboń and Dr Seleznova also express their hope for further development of international academic cooperation and invite Polish students to actively participate in scientific activities together with students from other countries.

Silence and loyalty in the uniformed services. Psychosocial mechanisms of victims' failure to report bullying - conference findings

There is a strong culture of loyalty and so-called 'conspiracy of silence' among uniformed services such as the police, border guards and firefighters. As a result of this phenomenon, officers rarely decide to report mobbing, as they fear exclusion from their environment, professional consequences and social stigmatisation. About covert psychological violence in the services during the conference on 23 April 2025, spoke Dr Rafał Guzowski, lecturer and programme director Institute for Homeland Security and Criminology.

Bullying - hidden violence in uniform

Bullying is not just a one-off conflict - it is systematic, long-term psychological harassment in the workplace. It manifests itself through humiliation, ridicule, criticism or obstruction of duties. In the services, where discipline and hierarchy play a key role, distinguishing between command and violence can be difficult - but necessary.

Why are the victims silent?

In his paper, Dr Rafał Guzowski from the University of Vocational Training in Wrocław analysed the complex web of psychosocial conditions that cause officers not to report violence. These include:

• shame, guilt and the need to belong;
• fear of losing one's position, entitlements or even one's job;
• disbelief in the effectiveness of the support system;
• strong pressure to "be tough" and avoid "complaints";
• an organisational culture that prizes loyalty to the group, not to values.

What does the research show?

Surveys among police officers in the Lubelskie Voivodeship showed that:

• 30% experienced verbal aggression;
• 17% received absurd tasks in a systematic way.

In turn, a 2014 Interior Ministry report revealed that:

• Over 40% women in the uniformed services felt discriminated against on the basis of gender, maternity plans or lack of availability outside working hours.

Bullying as the theme of an international conference

This topic was further discussed during the international scientific conference organised by our University and entitled 'The European Union.
"Bullying as a destructive aspect of the work environment"..

This event, aimed at representatives of various professions - not just the uniformed services - addressed the universal issues of bullying:

• How do you recognise the first signs of psychological violence?
• What are its implications for individuals and organisations?
• How to prevent and respond effectively?

Renowned experts from Poland and abroad shared their knowledge, and the conference provided a space for the exchange of experiences, reflections and proposals for viable solutions.

Conclusions

Silence is not the absence of violence - it is the result of it. Loyalty, which is intended to protect the common good, is unfortunately sometimes a tool of intimidation and exclusion. If bullying is operating in the institutions set up to protect society, we must ask a fundamental question: Who protects those who are supposed to protect us?

Silesian LegalTech - about artificial intelligence in law and business

On Friday, 25 April, the Silesian Museum in Katowice hosted Ślōnski LegalTech. This event was organised for lawyers, entrepreneurs, innovators and anyone interested in the digital revolution in the legal industry. The conference combined the topics of modern technology and law. One of the partners of the event were the College of Vocational Training, represented by Dr Kamil Stępniak.

5 key thematic panels

The following topics were covered at the Silesian LegalTech conference:

Panel 1 - "How should the law keep up with innovation while protecting human beings?";

Panel 2 - "LegalTech in Practice: How Technology is Changing Business Services and the Labour Market";

Panel 3 - 'The New Generation of Lawyers: Innovation, Design and Technology in Practice";

Panel 4 - "Regulation, Technology and Business: how to successfully implement LegalTech in a world of regulatory requirements?";

Panel 5 - 'AI, Automation and the Future of Law: From Theory to Business'.

The participation of the College of Vocational Training in Silesian LegalTech is a confirmation of the following the University's involvement in modern developments in legal and technological education. The presence of Dr Kamil Stępniak among the experts and the panel topics discussed prove that the future of law is inextricably linked to innovation, digitalisation and openness to change. This event was not only an opportunity to exchange experiences, but also an inspiration for all those who want to actively shape the legal world of tomorrow.

Our lecturers as guests of honour at the International Scientific Seminar in Shymkent (Kazakhstan)

We are pleased to share a short report on our recent participation in a scientific event. On the 11 April We had the honour of representing our university at the International Scientific Seminar aimed at researchers, lecturers, practitioners and students.

The seminar, which lasted two days, brought together eminent scientists from across the Central Asiapresenting top-quality scientific presentations. The event was organised by our friends and long-standing partners from Akademik A. Kuatbekov People's Friendship University w Shymkent (Kazakhstan).

We have strong scientific and friendship ties with this city. We have had the opportunity to visit Simkent many times - both in person and remotely. This beautiful, sunny and hospitable city has firmly established itself on the map of our international cooperation.

We were invited as guests of honour the second day of the seminar entitled: 'Trends in education and engineering: competence, innovation and technology'. The following spoke on behalf of our university Prof. Janusz Soboń, Prof. Adam Muszyński and Dr Ruslana Selezneva.

We warmly invite all lecturers and students of our university to participate in next year's edition of this unique event.

Conference "Our national micromania and its negative effects in the 21st century".

From March 31 to April 2, professors from the Institute of Criminology and Homeland Security participated in an inter-environmental and interdisciplinary conference organized by the Pedagogium Higher School of Social Sciences in Warsaw and Business School in Nowy Sącz - National Louis University.

The theme of the symposium was 'Our national micromania and its negative consequences in the 21st century'. The spiritus movens of the meeting was Professor Maria Szyszkowska. Proceedings chaired by Prof. R. Borkowski consisted of 25 papers and lively discussion and took place in the beautiful scenery of Nałęczów in the "Ewelina" villa.

Professor Piotr Skudrzyk delivered a paper entitled. "The danger of micromania of humanists", pointing out that the foundation of the resilience and cohesiveness of a nation is a delicate layer of culture. It is formed by the community of academic and non-academic humanists. Humanists should feel the importance of their own role and society the need to support its humanists. Professor Robert Borkowski presented a paper "Laboratory Theatre and Performatics. Grotowski appreciated and underestimated"., speaking not only about experimental theatre, but also about the influence of theatre on the development of performatics as a research perspective in the social sciences.