A large group of highly qualified managers, with considerable experience not only in Polish companies, but also in international firms and consulting groups, has appeared in the last 15 years. Their qualifications are confirmed by the fact that they are being appointed to executive positions in other countries.

All this makes Polish entrepreneurs at ease in contact with their foreign counterparts. Fluent command of English is a norm, as well as adhering to the international code of business conduct. Other foreign languages are also widely spoken. Among people over 30, command of Russian language, at least on a basic level, is widespread.

Basing on the impressions of foreign businessmen from contacts with Polish managers, there are several characteristic common features, however - as it is with all generalisation - these cannot be treated as universal guidelines:

• Poles are open in direct contact, easy to make closer aquaintance,
• they believe that official business meetings are to solve problems - therefore they are used to directness, they do not avoid difficult issues, which is sometimes perceived as lack of politeness, while it results from pragmatic approach to management;
• Timeliness and punctuality are very important for Polish managers, but they are not overly sensitive about it;
• Answering mobile phones during a meeting is perceived as impolite (although much depends on the situational context).

A general politeness of men towards women in everyday situations, like opening doors for them or serving them at the table, is sometimes a positive surprise for foreign partners. Outside business situations, Poles can relax, they like social gatherings and partying.

The practical guidelines should be finished with the presentation of the system of values of the Poles, as reflected in the recent sociological research www.diagnoza.com

Table 5.1
System of values:

Source: Diagnoza Społeczna - a research, 2005