A unique history and geography has shaped the distinctive personality and customs of the Polish people. Established as an independent nation in the middle of the 10th century, Poland reached its political and military zenith in the 16th century before internal fighting and external influence provoked its partition.
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Poland Today
Poland briefly regained its independence in 1918 but lost it again following the German and Soviet invasion in 1939. At the end of the war, Poland become a Soviet satellite state until the democratic party ‘Solidarity’ (‘Solidarność’), led by Lech Walesa, came to power in 1990. The following years have seen significant economic, social and political reform culminating in Poland joining NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. Today, Poland emerges as a culturally rich and proud nation where the contemporary meets the traditional. Understanding this unique culture is essential for any effective business endeavour in Poland.
Polish Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Identity – A characteristic feature of Polish culture is its commitment to and involvement in the life of the country. Poland is a patriotic nation, united by the strong sense of community felt by its citizens. Following centuries of invasion from neighbouring countries, Poles are proud to have maintained an unbroken cultural identity and value their relatively recently attained autonomy.
Relationships – As a family-focused society, the Polish are reliant on the building and maintaining of close personal relationships. Given Poland’s history of occupation, it is generally the case that outsiders must earn the trust of their Polish acquaintances before a close relationship forms. For this reason, when conducting business in Poland, you may find that your Polish colleagues adopt a fairly formal approach to begin with and it may take several meetings before any final decisions are made as strong relationships and trust are crucial.
Roman Catholicism – At various points in this country’s history, religion has played a central role in Polish society. As a result, Roman Catholicism serves as the foundation of Polish identity. As one of the most devout nations in Europe, 90% of Poland is Roman Catholic. Even in present-day society, the Roman Catholic Church has a significant bearing on many aspects of Polish life and culture. It continues to provide both the country and its people with a basic sense of solidarity and constancy for the future.
Doing Business in Poland
Poland, the sixth largest nation in the European Union in terms of population, was the first country in the eastern block to free its government from 45 years of Communist domination. Despite years of multiple occupations and wars fought to define its borders, Poland has continued to pursue a policy of liberating Polish society and reforming government procedures. The early 1990s saw the country transform its economy into what is today one of the most successful economies in Central Europe. Its acceptance into the EU and a fast-developing private sector have opened up the Polish market to potential foreign business ventures and investment opportunities. Poland was the only economy in the European Union that was able to completely resist the financial crisis in 2008-09. For those looking to enter into this vibrant new market, an understanding of the business culture behind it is essential.
Poland business Part 1 - Working in Poland: Working practices in Poland
Structure and hierarchy in Polish companies
Working relationships in Poland
Poland business Part 2 - Doing business in Poland: Business practices in Poland
Polish Business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO use personal titles where possible or the basic courtesy titles, Mr. (‘Pan’) and Mrs. (‘Pani’) followed by a surname or first name.
DO try to learn some basic Polish words and greeting phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’. Your Polish business contacts will welcome your efforts and perceive them as a gracious gesture.
DO smile and maintain direct eye contact during conversation with your Polish counterparts as it helps to develop a feeling of trust with the people you are meeting. The Polish are particularly perceptive to nonverbal cues.
DON’T over compliment your Polish business colleagues as it may create the impression that you are insincere in your business dealings.
DON’T try to disguise your feelings and emotions. Openness and honesty are qualities that your Polish colleagues will appreciate and it will help build trust for future business transactions.
Polish Culture Quiz – true or false
1. When entering the meeting room in Poland and there are people you do not know, you should wait for a third person to initiate introductions.
2. It is quite acceptable to greet your Polish business colleagues with three ‘air kisses’ to the cheeks.
3. Polish offices operate an open door policy where you are free to enter and discuss business at any time.
4. If you are invited to a Polish home, a small gift such as a bottle of wine or flowers for your host is generally expected.
Polish Culture Quiz –Answers
1. True.
2. False. The standard greeting in Poland is a firm handshake, unless the person you are greeting is a very close friend.
3. False. Doors are generally kept closed in Polish offices and require you to knock before entering.
4. True.
Poland Today
Poland briefly regained its independence in 1918 but lost it again following the German and Soviet invasion in 1939. At the end of the war, Poland become a Soviet satellite state until the democratic party ‘Solidarity’ (‘Solidarność’), led by Lech Walesa, came to power in 1990. The following years have seen significant economic, social and political reform culminating in Poland joining NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. Today, Poland emerges as a culturally rich and proud nation where the contemporary meets the traditional. Understanding this unique culture is essential for any effective business endeavour in Poland.
Polish Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Identity – A characteristic feature of Polish culture is its commitment to and involvement in the life of the country. Poland is a patriotic nation, united by the strong sense of community felt by its citizens. Following centuries of invasion from neighbouring countries, Poles are proud to have maintained an unbroken cultural identity and value their relatively recently attained autonomy.
Relationships – As a family-focused society, the Polish are reliant on the building and maintaining of close personal relationships. Given Poland’s history of occupation, it is generally the case that outsiders must earn the trust of their Polish acquaintances before a close relationship forms. For this reason, when conducting business in Poland, you may find that your Polish colleagues adopt a fairly formal approach to begin with and it may take several meetings before any final decisions are made as strong relationships and trust are crucial.
Roman Catholicism – At various points in this country’s history, religion has played a central role in Polish society. As a result, Roman Catholicism serves as the foundation of Polish identity. As one of the most devout nations in Europe, 90% of Poland is Roman Catholic. Even in present-day society, the Roman Catholic Church has a significant bearing on many aspects of Polish life and culture. It continues to provide both the country and its people with a basic sense of solidarity and constancy for the future.
Doing Business in Poland
Poland, the sixth largest nation in the European Union in terms of population, was the first country in the eastern block to free its government from 45 years of Communist domination. Despite years of multiple occupations and wars fought to define its borders, Poland has continued to pursue a policy of liberating Polish society and reforming government procedures. The early 1990s saw the country transform its economy into what is today one of the most successful economies in Central Europe. Its acceptance into the EU and a fast-developing private sector have opened up the Polish market to potential foreign business ventures and investment opportunities. Poland was the only economy in the European Union that was able to completely resist the financial crisis in 2008-09. For those looking to enter into this vibrant new market, an understanding of the business culture behind it is essential.
Poland business Part 1 - Working in Poland: Working practices in Poland
Structure and hierarchy in Polish companies
Working relationships in Poland
Poland business Part 2 - Doing business in Poland: Business practices in Poland
Polish Business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO use personal titles where possible or the basic courtesy titles, Mr. (‘Pan’) and Mrs. (‘Pani’) followed by a surname or first name.
DO try to learn some basic Polish words and greeting phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’. Your Polish business contacts will welcome your efforts and perceive them as a gracious gesture.
DO smile and maintain direct eye contact during conversation with your Polish counterparts as it helps to develop a feeling of trust with the people you are meeting. The Polish are particularly perceptive to nonverbal cues.
DON’T over compliment your Polish business colleagues as it may create the impression that you are insincere in your business dealings.
DON’T try to disguise your feelings and emotions. Openness and honesty are qualities that your Polish colleagues will appreciate and it will help build trust for future business transactions.
Polish Culture Quiz – true or false
1. When entering the meeting room in Poland and there are people you do not know, you should wait for a third person to initiate introductions.
2. It is quite acceptable to greet your Polish business colleagues with three ‘air kisses’ to the cheeks.
3. Polish offices operate an open door policy where you are free to enter and discuss business at any time.
4. If you are invited to a Polish home, a small gift such as a bottle of wine or flowers for your host is generally expected.
Polish Culture Quiz –Answers
1. True.
2. False. The standard greeting in Poland is a firm handshake, unless the person you are greeting is a very close friend.
3. False. Doors are generally kept closed in Polish offices and require you to knock before entering.
4. True.
