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The European larch (Larix decidua Mill.)

The European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) is Europe’s indigenous species of a deciduous coniferous tree. It reaches 40 metres tall, forming a conic or cylindrical crown with broadly outstretched branches. It is native to Central Europe’s mountains, growing at an altitude of 1000-2500 metres. In Poland wild larches grow only in the Tatra Mountains, while in other areas of the country it is a popularly planted tree. Its bark is thick and deeply cracked, brownish red in colour, getting dark and grey brown in older trees. The pale yellow-buff, smooth and glossy shoots bear small round buds. Needle-shaped leaves, formed in bunches, are soft, light green, pointed but not sharp. They develop in early spring and turn golden yellow before falling in the autumn. The small, ovoid cones mature in the autumn and they remain on the tree for a few years after they release their seeds. Larches are trees that grow fast and are tolerant of low temperatures and air pollution. Their wood, hard and durable, contains high levels of resin, making the trees resistant to severe atmospheric conditions, and has been commonly used in construction and carpentry.

Description in the Faculty’s nomenclature

The European larch is a tree that brings strategic wisdom to an organisation, as it has developed the skill of strategic planning. In winter, when the environment is hostile, it can protect its core assets by shedding leaves, only to recover in more favourable weather. This allows the European larch to expand into unfriendly, mountainous areas in the manner similar to the actions of strategically oriented organisations which can compete in difficult and demanding environments by the apt use of their key resources and competencies. The wood (xylem) of the European larch is a complex plant tissue, located in the space between the pith and the cambium, a secondary growth tissue. Metaphorically speaking, wood represents an important part of any organisation, the part connecting and mediating between what is permanentand stable in the organisation - its strategy and structure - and what is creative and changing - its people, their aspirations, dreams and commitment that they bring to the organisation. "Organisational wood" reflects the structure of a company - its communication systems, cultural values and norms, as well as the network of connections between workers. The role of "organisational wood" is to disseminate information, knowledge, wisdom, creativity and enthusiasm, just the same as the prime role of wood is to distribute water and nutrients from the roots to the entire tree. We should also remember that the wood of the European larch is as light, flexible and durable (even in water) as efficiently managed businesses.

Historical applications in the Faculty’s field

Wood as basic technological material was used in all spheres of human activity, including management and marketing. The abacus is likely to have been the most significant wooden tool created by and for traders, merchants and clerks. As commercial activity intensified, the need to use higher numbers became more pressing and people started to use stones and sticks to record them on wooden tablets with grooves carved out to represent higher powers of ten.

Modern applications in the Faculty’s field

Abacuses still remain popular among merchants, business people and clerks in Asia, but the applications of wood in management and marketing are definitely more widespread. Until recently, one of the indispensible management tools was paper, which was universally used to produce all kinds of reports and financial statements for top executives. At present, however, paper is being replaced by silicon-based technologies, while wood itself is a luxury good, used in office interiors as a durable and environmentally friendly material.

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