Located in Central Europe, Poland is a country of 38 million people in an area of 312,000 km². The country is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east, and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast to the north. In 1989, Poland abandoned its communist policy and the Third Republic of Poland was established. Member of the NATO since 1999, the European Union since 2004, and the Shengen Agreement since the end of 2007, Poland is today more than ever part a strong partner and a strong economic market. With a growth in GDP of 5% annually, a decrease in unemployment over the years, strong market and relative low wages, Poland constitutes one of the biggest destinations for international businessmen looking to extend their market, set up base in Europe at lower costs or find valuable partnerships. According to KPMG, “80% of Poland's current investors are content with their choice and willing to reinvest”. Moreover, since 2005, Poland had witnessed an increase in FDI of 14%. That means that more people are investing more money in Poland, and that its attractiveness is at its height since the boom of the nineties after the change in politics.
In this report, we will discuss the different aspects of Polish culture, the way businesses are conducted, some advantages and inconveniences, and we will offer some recommendations to international managers who will be stationed there.
[...] Hence, administrative rules concerning firing and hiring are strict and complicated in order to guarantee maximum job security and respect for the employee Business negotiations In business negotiations, the first and most important step is the introduction. Indeed, relationships are very important in business in Poland, so the first impressions count a lot. One should particularly care about his presentation and the presentation of his business. Also, the notion of must be understood as the cornerstone for good relations. Honesty, being clear, showing emotions and giving feedback are highly recommended. [...]
[...] In business communication, English is generally understood, but a manager or businessman speaking Polish is highly appreciated. The communication style has low context with an explicit message. So, the language is clear and direct, and sentences are usually finished. But the manager must take care about jargon and slang and use his words appropriately. During a meeting, one must not introduce himself to unknown people. A third party will do the introduction. When a manager is introduced for the first time, he must be very polite and formal, using title and family name. [...]
[...] This will more often that not be turned down out of politeness. . Do not ask for a tour of the house. . Table manners are Continental, i.e. hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. . Wait for the hostess to invite you to start eating. . Most meals are served family-style. . Take small amounts of food initially so you can accept second helpings. . Try a bit of everything. . [...]
[...] So, in general, a foreign manager has to be aware of the religious impact on business activities Corruption Where truth and honesty are seen as qualities for a good businessman, or the simple man for that matter, Poland is ranked at the last place of the ten new members in the European Union according to the Transparency International report. Before this accession, Poland was the 67th country along with Sri Lanka, Croatia, and Peru. This rank is due to political and economic scandals in the past years and during the 90s, mainly caused by the new evolution of the Polish society in the liberal world economy. [...]
[...] You should avoid talking about politics, for example Cultural dimensions that influence business communication The first step in the analysis of a culture and a country is based on the Hofstede's five dimensions - power distance index, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance index, individualism and long-term orientation. http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_poland.shtml This part will show the general aspect of Poland and give an overview of Polish business and management orientation. The above average power distance index show the inequality in society and the share of power. [...]
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