Thoughts on operating in poland
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This document summarizes a presentation given on business opportunities in Poland from a Polish perspective. It discusses Poland's culture and position in Central Europe with influences from Western Europe. It provides tips for operating successfully in Poland such as building trust through in-person meetings, following up on commitments, and noting that Poles appreciate titles and a formal business culture. The document also outlines Poland's local and regional government structure and notes that officials can influence decision making. It suggests working with Polish migrants in the UK to bridge cultural differences between the UK and Poland.
Thoughts on operating in poland
- 1. UKTI Presentation: Discover your Opportunities in Poland Workshop February 2016 Michal Chantkowski MA BSc Thoughts on operating in Poland A Polish perspective
- 2. Why are we here? Business opportunities in Poland Understanding the background How can we help?
- 3. Our background We have operated in the North East since 2009 Based in Sunderland Working with minority ethnic people in the region, especially Eastern European migrants, including the Polish community A range of targeted projects, including advice and guidance, advocacy, employability, culture, environmental work (also energy advice), English classes Trust of the local Polish community and over 550 ICOS’s members Sunderland Community Safety Award Nomination (Sunderland Echo, 2013), Sunderland BME One Voice Award – Employer (2015)
- 5. The culture and the country Poland is often associated with the East of Europe… However, its geographic position place it in the middle of Europe (Central Europe) Poland’s real geographical position is linked to its history and culture. Poles are both – “Eastern” and “Western”. While being disciplined, they are also creative and independent people. Before communism, the most important cultural influences could be attributed to French and to a lesser extent – German (including Prussian and Austrian). This has influenced our day-to-day life, as well as the legal framework and the legal culture (e.g. Napoleonic Code) Linked to the above is the codified rather than common law legal system and the legal culture… (need for paperwork)
- 6. continuation An a divide between towns and large cities driving economic development Also, an urban – rural divide More socially conservative than the UK A higher level of participation university education and vast majority of university students progress onto master’s level. Knowledge is respected. Primary and secondary education is developing quickly; university education still some time to catch up Poland is not a class-based society (albeit not completely classless).
- 7. The language… Polish is a complicated language but not impossible to learn the basics There are good reasons for that… Pronunciation will might be the problem – prepare yourself for a lot of “sh” More words and a more “precise” language and perhaps less flexible language e.g. – Szklanka = Shklanka = a Glass (an item) Vs. Szklo (Shklo)– Glass (e.g. window glass)
- 8. Some tips: Follow things up Be honest Poles like complaining - it does not mean they are necessary sceptical about your project idea or that they do not like you In Poland, titles (e.g. a PhD) are matter more than in the UK and business culture is slightly more formal (especially applies to people over the age of 40 and the public sector) Trust is very important and in Poland it is hard to gain it if you are not conducting business in person (e.g. try to meet your partners/clients in person and then follow-up over the phone / skype / a webinar etc. Polish people are risk-takers and might sometimes seem to rush into new schemes, ventures etc.
- 9. Local and regional government Gmina – 1-tier authority Responsible e.g. for primary/secondary education, local transport and roads, culture, but also ID cards… Powiat – 2-tier authority /responsible e.g. for public health, social security, water management, environmental protection (many of those functions in the UK are undertaken by quangos, private entities and national agencies – e.g. the Forestry Commission) Some cities and larger towns are unitary authorities (BUT still independed of regional authorities) Wojewodztwo (Voivodship)– regional authority and the regional assembly. A bot similar to English devolved authorities – e.g. infrastructure. Their status does not depend on negotiation with the government Boundaries for health services, regional government and emergency services overlap along regional lines
- 10. Map courtesy of Wikipedia
- 11. How are they governed? All tiers of government are elected Key influencers are local and regional politicians and officers. Civil service now (theoretically) independent of local politics. “New” and “old” civil servants Government officials not yet wedded to the idea of soft power… Departments and government agencies are also key influencers of local and regional decision making As in e.g. France, local and regional officials are not always good at cooperating with one another
- 12. How to engage with Polish clients? Since EU enlargement in 2004, about a million Poles have moved to the UK. For many, this will prove to be a one-way ticket, at the same time, we know that there is a constant flow of people backwards and forwards. Poles in the UK can guide cooperation between UK and Poland-based businesses – as interpreters of language, but also, as interpreters of culture
- 13. Why work in Poland, why work with the Poles? The shortest and simplest answer is: our cultures are different and complimentary. Poles will be focused and driven – English people can and will negotiate and compromise to achieve results. Business people are always pragmatic (that is, when successful) and both Poles and English are more than capable of this Additionally -> an open door to other countries in the region – especially Ukraine, Slovakia and Lithuania
- 14. How can we help? Translations / interpreting Courses / intercultural training / taster language / language tuition Events Experience of EU exchange programmes
- 15. THANK YOU! How can we help? Michal.chantkowski@icos.org.uk Daniel.krzyszczak@icos.org.uk www.icos.org.uk / www.necs.org.uk 0044 792 698 4180