The most important rule when dealing with Czech business partners is to be aware of the state of the personal relationship at all times. In the Czech Republic, the relationship level is the most important level. A good personal relationship with a business partner always counts for much more than a joint project. In order […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Brazil is a multicultural and very open-minded country. Foreign business people are generally greeted warmly and with great interest. Brazilians are, however, not easily impressed. Their strong self-confidence breeds their attitude, ‘We are who we are’. For good bi-national contacts, you should thus bear in mind that you should always show your Brazilian partners the […]
People in Scandinavia are generally relaxed with each other. In many places people address each other by their first names (with the exception of the Norwegians), and even the dress code tends to be more casual in everyday business than in many other countries. At the same time, however, a polite distance is usually expected. […]
In daily dealings with Lithuanian business partners, you will frequently notice their strong emotional ties to both Poland and Russia. In addition, the Catholic Church is important in Lithuanian life; this not only increases the distance to their Baltic neighbors, but also defines their fundamental values. For successful business negotiations in Lithuania, the basic prerequisite […]
In today’s democratic South Africa, multi-culturalism has become a way of life with a lot of open-mindedness and global thinking. In the Rainbow Nation you will meet about 70 percent black Africans, but also many different ethnic groups. 16 percent of the population is white. The Boers are the descendants of the Dutch colonial power. […]
