Analysis of Entrepreneurial Attitudes in Poland

Abstract

It is increasingly apparent that widespread entrepreneurial activity is central to economic growth and to any market economy. A high level of this activity depends upon the willingness of individuals to start new firms, to work for new firms, and to encourage those who do both. This study compares the attitudes of citizens in three very different countries- the U.S., Poland, and Ukraine- towards entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial activity. Questions ask about a range of attitudes related to these themes and responses are compared across the three countries. In this comparison, Polish citizens closely resemble U.S. respondents in their willingness to undertake entrepreneurial activity and to provide support and encouragement for entrepreneurs. Ukrainians provide the least support for these activities. The second half of the paper reports the results of statistical analyses relating attitudes towards individual and local economic characteristics. Differences in attitudes are rooted in local economic and cultural differences, such as the structure of the regional economy, as well as to individual differences, such as age and education. The paper concludes with some thoughts about how these attitudinal differences relate to the degree of success in each country in coping with the need for economic transitions.