DOES CONSOLIDATION AFFECT THE NUMBER OF BANK EMPLOYEES - AN EXAMPLE OF POLAND IN 1997-2013

The paper examines the impact of consolidation of the banking sector on the number of bank employees in Poland in the years 1997-2013. Using the quarterly banking and macroeconomic data and the multivariable regression model, it was proved that banks cut the number of their employees with growing concentration of the banking sector. The process is accelerated with the improvements of the macroeconomic conditions and increasing the level of technology applied in the banking operations. Banks reduced their employment with the growing value of their assets. Additionally, raising competition in the lending and deposit markets force banks to expand their employment.