In Poland, how you communicate trumps what you communicate – in social as well as economic life – which means that harmonious social relations have top priority. In order to establish the personal relations that are essential for success with Polish business partners, you should make sure that you inquire about their family, make small […]
Every country belonging to the Arabic cultural world is based on a social system marked by a sense of community and tradition. In the center is the family. All of the values that play an important role in the family and hence in social life, are decisive in the Gulf Arab business world as well. […]
Danes don’t beat about the bush and get to the point quickly. Communication is goal-oriented and direct, the language style clear and distinct. People in Denmark tend to use low-context communication: you don’t have to read between the lines, things are spelled out. Well-structured statements with figures and data to support what has been said is […]
Although very small in terms of surface area, Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa and is home to an amazing variety of landscapes. In 1994, the country experienced one of the most terrible genocides in the world through the escalation of ethnic-social differences in society. To this day, political, economic […]
The Italian expression “la bella figura” translates to “cut a good figure” and refers to a person’s personal presence, fashionable clothes, a well-groomed appearance, good manners, and overall positive self-expression. The desire to cut a good figure in Italy is not only reserved for rich, successful and famous personalities. Regardless of social class, age, income […]
Meetings are very popular in Poland, because they offer a chance for personal contact. However, the objectives of the meeting are often achieved only shortly before closing, under time pressure, because there is no strict structure. Instead, you jump from topic to topic and not all decisions are recorded in writing. Many internal meetings will also take […]
Tradition and a societal system – these are the corner stones that mark the community spirit of the countries belonging to the Arabian cultural milieu. The center is the Islamic family – values that are important in family-life and society apply just as well in business-life. Therefore generosity, mutual care and respect are virtues that […]
Danes are keen on reaching an agreement once negotiations are underway. This is why your Danish partners enter the negotiations with realistic ideas, not with high demands that would have to be renegotiated. They listen in a friendly manner and are willing to cooperate with you as a future contractual partner. It is clear to […]
Business lunches, which usually take place in restaurants, are instrumental in the creation of a good partnership atmosphere in Polish business culture. It should be borne in mind especially that ›It’s not what you say, but how you say it.‹ Among the first topics of discussion will be subjects which allow you to get to […]
Let’s take a look at the human resources department of a traditional German company that attaches great importance to good dealings with its personnel at all levels and lives up to this. One sunny morning, a young French engineer, graduate of a so-called French “elite university”, two representatives of the technical department and the HR […]
The Russian communication style is relationship-oriented. Personal feelings always take precedence over factual information. This is why many Russians tend to communicate in a more diplomatic manner. Not everything is stated clearly and unambiguously. Don’t expect plain speaking. Any direct, rational and fact-oriented communication seems confrontational and even hurtful or arrogant to Russians.. Is it […]
In East African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Malawi, it is essential to allow sufficient time to get projects off the ground. In order to establish a certain basis of trust, it is not unusual to talk extensively about personal matters with potential business partners. Family is very important in East […]
