Business Etiquette
Letters of introduction are tremendously useful for establishing contact with businesses in Poland. Presentations should be meticulously prepared and, at a minimum, the executive summary should be translated into Polish. Decisions are often by committee, so negotiations may be prolonged and a deal cannot be confirmed until all parties have signed.
Until familiarity has been established, a person’s title and surname should be used when addressing them. Handshaking is customary and business cards (preferably translated) should be exchanged with all members at a meeting. The dress code is, on the whole, sober and conservative. Breakfast meetings are rare, despite the fact that the business day begins early, though business lunches and dinners are popular.
Government offices are open 0830hrs-1630hrs. Traditionally, offices in major industries were open 0700hrs-1500hrs; however, many have adopted Western business hours (0830-1700). Some businesses may open on Saturday morning. |
