The importance of management control in the Polish public finance sector: The case of university

Abstract The article addresses a gap in research on management control systems, particularly the long-term impact of self-assessment on management effectiveness. While most studies focus on single-period analyses, this research emphasizes the importance of multi-year perspectives and causal relationships. The study’s primary goal was to examine the strategic use of management control in public finance sector units, with a special focus on public universities. It highlighted the role of management participation in ensuring effective operations. Conducted from 2015 to 2022, the research relied on self-assessment questionnaires, a mandatory component of management control systems, as well as reports on risk management activities from the same period. Findings revealed that conscious self-assessment significantly supports goal achievement and enhances coordination, information, and planning functions in public sector units. The study demonstrates how a long-term approach to self-assessment can improve the effectiveness of management control systems, offering practical insights for public institutions aiming to optimize their operations.