FROM THE EDITOR

DAMIAN A. ZACZEK

Every nation, every society has developed distinguishing traits – both positive and negative – through the years. On that foundation in the eyes of others, images of Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany and England were formed, images called stereotypes. Frequently, they do not present an objective picture and can be rather falsified.

Stereotypical thinking arises quickly, particularly when supported by negative traits. Around the world, we, the Poles, are said to be hospitable, polite, honorable, helpful, fighters for freedom – both ours and others’, proud and God-fearing – and those are the positive traits. Among our flaws are sloppiness, laziness, alcoholism, a penchant for stealing, individualism and the inability to work in teams.

This complicated image is no longer valid. The turning point was 1989 – the creation of the first noncommunist government, followed by 1997 with Poland’s entry into NATO and 2004 – accession to the EU.

Poland still does not have significant export products in influential sectors and technologies, but the fundamental changes were implemented in Polish mentality. We know what democracy means. Step by step we are building a citizen society. Alongside these mental changes the growth of industry is taking place, mainly thanks to foreign investors. For some time in Germany low production quality hasn’t been called “Polnische wirtschaft” and the Polish worker is widely regarded as a good, solid and even cheap employee.

We are still hospitable, open to the world, and our cities are becoming more modern, clean and safe. Of course – every rule has its exceptions.

This overly long introduction is intended to explain the idea behind the publication of DECISION MAKER. On the pages of our magazine, we, Poles, want to present ourselves, just the way we are, to Europe and the world – without embellishment and propaganda. We want to show our advantages and flaws. We will try to define our place in Europe – in the EU and in relations with Russia and Ukraine.

We also want to introduce foreigners living and working in Poland, whose activities and accomplishments go beyond the borders of our country.

For this presentation we will use the means and methods of expression available to lobbying, public affairs and public relations.

Polish science has the most to offer Europe and the world, followed by culture and the economy, whose products in some sectors are made with a quality to rival recognized European brands.

So we will create our image, our trademark – the trademark of companies, products and people. In this way, painstakingly and permanently, we intend to build Poland’s trademark in Europe and worldwide.

The authors published on the pages of DECISION MAKER are not subject to any intellectual limitations.

Our publication is a privately run, independent magazine, which does not mean that its pages do not contain appearances by decision-makers from circles of power who have something interesting to say.

International distribution of DECISION MAKER in Europe, the United States and around the world is free. The readers of DECISION MAKER are decision-makers themselves, who want access to important and accurate information about Poles. And to understand is to become familiar with virtues and flaws. When you know someone, it is one short step to liking them.

As you have no doubt noticed, we also publish DECYDENT. The Polish version of the magazine has been read by decision-makers in Warsaw and throughout Poland since 1999: in the halls of legislature as well as national and local government. Our pages represent the political and economic interests of states and foreign companies that are already present in Poland and on the Polish market as well as those who intend to invest. DECYDENT promotes effective lobbying in Poland as well as effective image and brand marketing.

I welcome you to learn, comment and express concerns.