Lakesha Stewart

Professor Susan McClaren

BA 205

26 July 2013

Poland: Social Customs

Greetings

Greetings are generally reserved yet courteous. When greeting someone a good handshake, direct eye contact, a smile and the appropriate greeting for that time of day will suffice. Good morning/afternoon is "dzien dobry" and good evening is "dobry wieczor". Do not use first names until invited to. Moving from the use of formal to the informal names is such an important step that there is a ritual to acknowledge the changed status and your inclusion in their ‘inner circle’. When at parties or other social gatherings, your hosts will introduce you, usually starting with the women and then moving on to the men. Humor plays a big role in communicating. Sarcasm is generally used and understood. (“Countries and their cultures”)
Just as in any culture there are some taboos. Giving someone the ‘middle finger’ is a rude gesture. Standing close to somebody that hasn’t finished their meal in restaurants considered rude. Standing with your hands in your pockets during conversation is looked down upon. Burping while eating; jaywalking; drinking in the street or public places; and smoking in non-designated areas, are all usually considered rude. (“Culture Crossing”)
Business etiquette
Polish businesspeople take a formal approach to business. This may come across as quite distanced but is not the intention. You may also notice differences in style between government officials who maintain formality and entrepreneurs who willingly dispense with formality. It is best to let your colleagues determine the level of formality used. General tips include: * Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. * Handshakes are quite firm and eye contact is valued. * Wait for a woman to extend her hand. * Some older businessmen may kiss a woman's hand upon meeting. Do not imitate this behaviour as it may be seen as you poking fun. * Titles are considered prestigious. Academic or professional titles are used with the honorific titles with or without the surname. * Wait to be invited before moving to first names. You may do business with people for years and not be on a first name basis. * Business cards are exchanged without formal rituals. * Try and have one side of your card translated into Polish. * Include advanced university degrees and titles on your business card; qualifications are impressive.
Attire
Business attire for men consists of darker colors. A conservative yet stylish suit is acceptable. Black shoes and belt, no tie pin, and accessories should be limited to a watch and or wedding ring. For women stylish yet classic business suits or dresses/pants and blouses in corporate settings. Avoid wearing overly expensive and or elaborate accessories. Closed toe shoes are most appropriate. (Culture Crossing)
Time Management&Gift Giving
Being on time is very important in most situations. It’s considered rude to not be on time. ‘To be on time’ means if you arrange meeting at 4.00 pm you will arrive exactly at this time, especially if it’s a business meeting, lecture, appointment etc. Punctuality is valued and most people tend to covet their time.
The usual times for present giving are birthdays, name days (birth date of the saint after whom they are named), and Christmas. Some general gift giving guidelines “(Global Etiquette”) * Do not give gifts that are overly expensive; this may embarrass the recipient. * Employees bring cake and champagne to the office to celebrate their name day. * At Christmas, it is common to give small gifts to service workers such as postal workers, refuse collectors, etc. * If invited to a Pole's home for dinner, bring wine, flowers, pastries or sweets for the hostess. * Give an odd numbers of flowers. * Do not give yellow chrysanthemums as they are used for funerals. Do not give red or white flowers, especially carnations and