Question

3. Choose three relevant cultural dimensions (underlying sets of norms and values) and explain how they impact business etiquette in the country of Italy.

Answer 1

It is common to have business partners outside the country for most of the big business organizations. In order to get a partnership from another country, it is necessary that one should know about the cultures prevalent in that country. This is because, some of the acts or gestures may be liked and some may be disliked in some cultures.

When a business in Italy in considered, it is necessary to understand the cultures that are prevalent in the country, which may influence their business decisions. Some of these cultures are as follows.

1. Business mentality: In order to have favorable business decisions from an Italian partner, it is necessary to have close relations with them. It will be ideal if there is a middle person whom the Italian partner trusts. Italians are very open and they express their agreements and disagreement openly. They will never take business decisions in the first meeting. They respect age and power and dislike any sort of pressure on taking decision. They attach a lot of value to the outside appearance which include the dressing of the people and also any hand outs offered to them.

2. Art of conversation: The first thing to be mentioned here is the greetings. Italians like to greet by saying good morning, good evening etc., and give handshakes individually to all the people in the meeting in standing position. They expect to be called by their last name preceded by suitable title such as Mr. or Mrs. One should also understand the communication style of Italians. They usually interrupt or speak along with others, which is considered as a bad manner in some other culture. The body language also is important. The Italians prefer eye contact while talking and they usually stand much closer compared to people in other countries

3. Business meetings and meals: Italians are known for their hospitality and therefore one should never refuse any invitation for a meal. In the meeting it is always necessary to wear branded and fashionable dresses to please them. The Italians expect others to be punctual, but they usually do not show punctuality and one should not be offended by this act. Business cards are to be exchanged with all the matters written in Italian on one side. They do not like to accept any business gift, unless they give the first gift.

Thus it can be seen that, in Italy, the culture of the people is a little bit different compared to other European countries and if one aspire for a business partner in Italy, it is necessary to understand some of their cultures, so that the expected results can be obtained in a business meeting.