This term paper explores the effect of culture on international business. In order to do so, it first evaluates the influence of national culture and then the influence of corporate culture on international management. In the end it presents and analyzes a new framework which argues that these two types of culture interrelate and that both shape international management practices.
In 2010 Wal-Mart Inc. has been the world’s top retailer with revenues of US$ mil 405,046. However, they have never managed to establish Wal-Mart Germany since they have entered the market in late 1997. They left the market with huge losses in 2006.
“In Germany, analysts say, Wal-Mart never got traction in a market characterized by unrelenting price competition, well-established discounters and the cultural resistance of German shoppers to hypermarkets, which sell fresh vegetables a few aisles away from lawn mowers.”
Table of Contents
Poland – a brief insight
Review of bilateral relations
Historical relations
Political relations
Economical relations
Cultural and educational relations
Analysis of the current situation
Poland’s economy
Bilateral trade
Trade Agreements and Organizations
Outlook – a SWOT analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper provides an analytical overview of the historical, political, and economic development of German-Polish relations, aiming to evaluate the current status of their trade partnership and identify future perspectives through a SWOT analysis.
- Historical context of bilateral relations and political integration
- Comprehensive analysis of Poland's economic development and trade structure
- Assessment of institutional frameworks and trade agreements
- SWOT analysis regarding the future of German-Polish cooperation
- Evaluation of the impact of European Union membership on economic ties
Excerpt from the Book
Historical relations
Poland is located in Central Europe and borders Germany in the east. Today the Polish - German border is 467 km long. However there have been several border wars until this border was finally settled. Poland’s history is marked by invasions and suppressions caused by its neighbors Germany and Russia. A brief look at their more recent history gives an insight into Poland’s struggle.
In the beginning of the 20th century parts of Poland were suppressed by Russia and then conquered by Germany in 1916. At the end of WWI Poland regained independence for a short period due to Germany’s defeat. In 1939 Nazi Germany, who formed a secret agreement with the Soviet Union to divide Poland between them, invaded Poland again from the west. Only a little later the Soviet Union also invaded Poland from the east. At the end of WWII Germany was defeated and some German territories were assigned to Poland. However, the Polish communist government was then controlled by Stalin who was the dictator of the Soviet Union. From 1945 until 1969 only East Germany had good relations to communist Poland probably due to the government’s similar political beliefs. In 1970 to 1989 Willy Brandt made efforts to improve relations between West Germany and the East through his famous “Ostpolitik” which included the acknowledgement of the Oder-Neiße line and his bid for apology. In 1989 Poland experienced the fall of communism and changed towards a parliamentary democracy. Since then the relations between Germany and Poland have steadily improved (Wikipedia, Germany-Poland relations and Lambert 2012)
Summary of Chapters
Poland – a brief insight: This introductory chapter provides geographic, demographic, and political facts about Poland, including its system of government and administrative structure.
Review of bilateral relations: This chapter traces the historical development from 20th-century conflicts to the post-communist era, alongside a discussion of political and cultural cooperation.
Analysis of the current situation: This section details Poland's economic transformation, the importance of its industry and service sectors, and its role in bilateral trade with Germany.
Outlook – a SWOT analysis: This chapter summarizes the internal and external factors influencing the relationship, categorizing them into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Keywords
German-Polish Relations, Bilateral Trade, Poland, European Union, Economy, History, Political Relations, SWOT Analysis, GDP, Industrial Sector, Foreign Direct Investment, Eurozone, Trade Agreements, Economic Growth, Economic Cooperation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the historical, political, and economic dimensions of the bilateral relationship between Germany and Poland, specifically focusing on trade integration.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work covers historical interactions, political dialogue, economic growth in Poland, bilateral trade volume, and the impact of EU membership.
What is the main objective of the analysis?
The goal is to provide a current assessment of German-Polish relations and use a SWOT analysis to project future opportunities and challenges in their partnership.
Which scientific method is applied?
The paper utilizes descriptive analysis based on statistical data and a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to evaluate the international relations.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body treats Poland’s economic structural changes, its foreign trade relations, the role of international organizations like the EU and WTO, and a strategic outlook.
How would you characterize the keywords of this study?
The keywords emphasize economic cooperation, geopolitical history, international trade, and integration within European structures.
Why is the industrial sector considered a strength for Poland?
The industrial sector, including areas like car manufacturing and chemical production, is seen as a key engine of growth that helped Poland avoid a recession during the 2008 financial crisis.
What role does Germany play in Poland's foreign trade?
Germany has been Poland’s most important trading partner for two decades, accounting for a significant share of both imports and exports.
What obstacles does Poland face regarding the Eurozone?
Poland currently struggles to meet all the convergence criteria required for Euro adoption, and there is also a lack of strong public support for transitioning from the Zloty to the Euro.
- Citation du texte
- Eva Schruff (Auteur), 2013, German-Polish Relations. Analysis of the Past, Current and Future Trade Relations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/300255