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Central European Management Journal

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Year 12/2021 
Volume 29 
Issue 4

Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence from Poland

Krzysztof Fonfara
Poznań University of Economics and Business

Aleksandra Hauke-Lopes
Poznań University of Economics and Business

Marcin Soniewicki
Poznań University of Economics and Business

12/2021 29 (4) Central European Management Journal

DOI 10.7206/cemj.2658-0845.59

Article contents

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the article is to fill a research gap regarding the impact of psychic distance on the initiation of relationships by managers from Poland-based firms and to analyze the psychic distance’s influence on firm performance.

Research methodology: The article is based on quantitative research conducted among managers from 201 Poland-based companies operating in foreign markets. The study used a structured questionnaire consisting mainly of closed questions. The dataset contained companies representing all sizes, industries, and ownership status from all over Poland.

Findings: Two types of companies were identified following managers’ (un)willingness to initiate relationships with actors located in psychically distant markets. The study conclusions reveal that psychic distance matters for Polish managers and that business activities conducted in psychically distant markets are often perceived as more complex than in close markets. These activities involve additional risk, but they bring companies better performance.

Limitations: The limitation of the study is that the measurements are based on the subjective perceptions of psychic distance. The research was conducted in Poland only.

Originality: The article is a pioneer work on the psychic distance paradox among Polish managers from a diversified group of companies (from small to multinational). The article seeks to identify to what extent Polish managers perceive psychic distance as an important factor in the decision-making process concerning the initiation of relationships with foreign partners.

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APA style

Fonfara, Krzysztof & Hauke-Lopes, Aleksandra & Soniewicki, Marcin (2021). Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence from Poland. (2021). Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence from Poland. Central European Management Journal, 29(4), 32–56. https://doi.org/10.7206/cemj.2658-0845.59 (Original work published 12/2021AD)

MLA style

Fonfara, Krzysztof and Hauke-Lopes, Aleksandra and Soniewicki, Marcin. “Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence From Poland”. 12/2021AD. Central European Management Journal, vol. 29, no. 4, 2021, pp. 32–56.

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Fonfara, Krzysztof and Hauke-Lopes, Aleksandra and Soniewicki, Marcin. “Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence From Poland”. Central European Management Journal, Central European Management Journal, 29, no. 4 (2021): 32–56. doi:10.7206/cemj.2658-0845.59.

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