Doing business in Poland

Résumé du document

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.

Extraits

[...] You may want to precise what kind of food one does not eat (In case of religious limitations or allergies, not in case of preferences). Most often, business guest are invited for lunch. During breakfast it is improper to talk business while dinners are for families and friends. There is a Polish saying that goes: “Jedzcie, pijcie i popuszczajcie pasa” . "Eat, drink and loosen your belt". Polish are heavy eaters and drinkers, especially when a contract is signed or during celebrations in general, so be prepared Time and age conscious In term of time, Poland is past-oriented. [...]

[...] A strong code has been ratified against money laundering. Deputies, senators and all high-ranked decision-makers are in the obligation to publish their heritage and annual incomes. The implication of local and national press in this movement against corruption, and the awareness by the public, lead Poland toward a good way of the establishment of a clear economy. Conclusion As a new member of the European Union and with its emerging markets and economy, Poland becomes an attractive country for new investors. [...]

[...] Poland, as a conservative society, is masculinity-oriented. The main characteristics of this dimension are ambition, polarization, work and decision. As shown in the graph, Poland has strong uncertainty avoidance. Indeed, where emotions are accepted and appreciated, conflict must be avoided because of the high stressed-work. The stress can be explained by the previous characteristics as masculinity (ambition, work- orientation . ) and power distance (Rules and laws, hierarchy) Poland is short-term oriented (from the past orientation with traditions and conservatism). [...]

[...] Business is seen with conventional rules. Stability and profit for today are the top-worlds in Pole management. So, quick results and short-term investments are usually done Some special values, attitudes and beliefs Literature and poetry has a long history in Poland. Indeed, Polish literature dates back to 1100s and include many famous writers and poets. Also Nobel prices in Literature have been discerned to very prolific polish authors. One should not limit the Polish culture to the folklore everyone thinks of when we talk about Poland. [...]

[...] Hence, administrative rules concerning firing and hiring are strict and complicated in order to guarantee the maximum job security and respect for the employee Business negotiations In business negotiation, the first and most important step is the introduction. Indeed, relationships are very important in business in Poland, so the first impression counts 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. On the opposite, avoid behaviours as over complimenting, or chit-chat. [...]