Abstract:

Ever since the COViD-19 pandemic Poland has been struck with a challenging inflationary environment. These circumstances have impacted its competitiveness and therefore understanding the multifaceted reasons behind the crisis is imperative not only for policymakers but also for other entities impacted by the soaring inflation.

The designed research methodology sought to disentangle the depths of Poland's inflationary predicament and included indicating the main reasons behind the current surge of inflation. The study employed fuzzy cognitive mapping and a large-scale online survey.

Fuzzy cognitive mapping was employed to capture interrelationships among various factors contributing to inflation. By mapping out the cognitive structures of individuals' perceptions, we aimed to uncover the underlying drivers shaping inflation dynamics. Through this approach, we were able to unravel the complex network of economic, social, and political factors influencing price levels. The integration of an online survey provided valuable empirical insights into the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of Polish citizens regarding inflation. By analyzing the responses of a diverse sample of adult Poles, we shed light on inflation’s societal impacts and provided implications for policymakers.