The impact of negative national stereotypes on the future of cross-border networks

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the results of research on whether the Polish entrepreneurs (in Podlasie) are exposed to the stereotypical perception of potential partners when starting cross-border cooperation. The theoretical part of the article concerns the concept of stereotype, its features and functions. In the empirical part the results of tests are presented. They were 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, the authors’ questionnaire was used. In the light of the study negative national stereotypes seem to have a great importance in creating cross-border networking.