Stereotypes in the perception of cross-border business partners (on the example of Podlasie entrepreneurs)

The aim of the study was to determine whether the Podlasie entrepreneurs think about neighboring nations (Belarusian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Russian) in a stereotypical way (ascribing to them certain negative characteristic) and, if that affects in any way the decision about cooperation. The theoretical part of the article concerns the concept of stereotype, its features and functions. In the empirical part the results of research are presented. It was carried out on a group of Polish entrepreneurs (in Podlasie) in order to identify their attitudes and opinions on some neighboring nations (Russians, Belarusians, Lithuanians and Ukrainians). The research was a pilot study. The sample included two hundred entrepreneurs. Authors’ questionnaire was used. In the light of the study negative national stereotypes seem to have a great importance in creating cross-border networking.