Communication Styles - Republic of Poland

Introduction

Communication styles and business norms vary from country to country. When a company tries to globalize their business and break into a foreign market, the firm must take many precautions in order to adhere to the country's many social and cultural rules. In order to succeed in any foreign industry, extensive research is required, possibly in the form of an ethnographic study. Biznes (Business) Consulting will give a presentation to the board of a Canadian construction company who is considering expansion into the Polish market. The report is designed to give the Canadian construction company a detailed assessment of the differing communication styles and business norms in Poland compared to those in the Canadian market.

To begin this assessment of the Polish communication styles and examination of working norms, Biznes Consulting group will analyze how to conduct a business meeting in Poland. This will include the basic "do's and don'ts", business etiquette, time frames and dress or attire. Next a complete external and internal analysis will be presented. A STEEP analysis will be studied and human resource management for Poland will be discussed in detail. Following the external and internal analyses, an interpretation of the cultural norms in Canada vs Poland will be examined in the form of a cultural comparison. The cultural comparison is significant in determining family closeness, trust issues, motivation behind employees, issues related to leadership, motivation, group work, organizational culture, communication preferences, and negotiation style. Moreover, the management styles in both Poland and Canada will be contrasted. With the given information, Biznes Consulting is positive that the Canadian construction company will have all the communicational tools required to enter the Polish market.

How to conduct a business meeting in Poland

Social norms in the business world have similarities, although, when conducting a meeting, different cultures use diverse criteria to determine how to dress appropriately, what is considered a proper time frame and other methods of etiquette. The following sections are and analysis of ways to conduct oneself in a business meeting but more in depth on the norms that one must follow in a Polish business setting.

Attire must be appropriate in a Polish business setting; these norms vary slightly in different industries but follow the same basis rules. Note to dress casually and conservatively, by maintain a modest, but still put-together look. Clothing should be "cleaned, well pressed and in good condition" (Poland, 2006) while refraining from pretentious showings of wealth. In larger corporations, it is normal to wear a tie to work, yet this should be in a conservative color. Women should follow similar rules, wearing traditional outfits in colors like black, brown, navy, gray or beige (Poland, 2006). When choosing jewellery, be sure not to wear flashy or expensive necklaces. In Poland, modesty and class are greatly valued and respected.

North American's time frames are linear, they are geared toward scheduling; time is money, completing tasks sequentially, within a certain time-frame, maintain rigid appointments, and everything goes to a schedule. The Polish follow a flexible time frame; "quality over quantity", the amount of time it takes to complete a task is less important. Flexible time focuses on the present, while linear focuses on the future. Understanding these time frames will avoid disrespecting Polish business norms.

Another mode of communication is through gift giving. There are etiquette rules for giving gifts in the workplace for holidays such as name days (birth date of a saint that ones are named after), birthdays and Christmas. These rules range from what types and number of flowers are acceptable, to refraining from giving expensive gifts as the recipient may get embarrassed (Poland, 2007).

The way that Polish people communicate, verbally and, nonverbally, through eye contact and gestures, is a demonstration of their assumed principles (Poland, 2007). When greeting someone in Poland, it is custom to use direct eye contact, a good handshake and smile while giving notice to the time of day, for example, by saying, "good morning". When arriving and leaving, always shake hands to be polite. Professional or academic titles should be used as they are prestigious. "Address people by their honorific title, "Pan" for a man and "Pani" for a woman, and their surname" (Poland, 2007); it is rude to address someone by their first name until invited to. In the event that you introduce some coworkers to a friend, college or client, the proper etiquette would be to begin with the women and follow with introducing the men in the group. Furthermore, communications styles could include the fact that Poles get to know others in order to form a judgement about what kind of business person he or she is. Trust is seen as the corner stone of any business relationship; therefore, one must always be honest. Poles feel that the more direct someone can be with a person determines the strength of the relationship (Poland, 2007).

A typical business meeting in Poland would begin with the most senior Pole addressing the group, giving an agenda and setting the "ground work for what is to be discussed" (Poland, 2007). It is normal for the first few meetings to simply be a discussion off topic of business. This could mean that the Poles have not made up their mind and are judging your verbal and nonverbal communication; therefore, it is a good opportunity to attempt to salvage or form the relationship. Meetings can be very relaxing and casual once a good relationship has been recognized. When business decisions are made, "comprehensive actions steps" are formed, documented and then followed to the letter (Poland, 2007).

Cultural Comparison

Poland is a collective culture, family ties are very important. In Canada it is common to see the nuclear family living together. However in Poland the extended family is very important and it is quite common to see the extended family living with the nuclear family to provide support in the form of resources and general help. The church also unites people and families in Poland and through Roman Catholicism people find strength in themselves and their families, P. Kossowski (Personal Communication, November 29, 2009). Polish families are reliant on building and maintaining close personal relationships, outsiders must earn the trust of their acquaintances. This is different than Canada because it is more common to see people alienate