Doing Business in Italy
Posted in Networking Etiquette
This is what business professionals should have in mind when doing business overseas. In order to be more successful in doing business in a country such as Italy, it is very important to learn a bit about the culture of the country and their own business etiquette and practice.
The way business is being done in Italy can be quite different from those being followed in the US or even the UK. Business people may have a distinct advantage over their competitors if they try to follow the Italian way of doing business. Italian history and culture have stamped their marks even on the procedures and manner in doing business. Here is a list of some of the accepted business practices in Italy that foreign business people should take note of.
Good manners and courtesy are important facets in the Italian way of doing business. Respect over older or senior business people are always placed in high regard. If you are familiar with the Italian language, it is suggested that the polite "lei" form (for "you") should be used during first introductions. The more informal "tu" form can be used when a relationship has already been established. The polite way of addressing people would be using "Signor" (for males) and "Signora" (for females) followed by their family name.
Meeting and departing with business colleagues in Italy are always done with handshakes. Whether meeting as individuals or in groups, giving handshakes are usually the first order of business. As business relationships are built, expect the handshakes to include embraces which to the Italians indicate a higher level of closeness.
Business professionals should also expect that Italians are a tactile group and are used with having physical contact with someone that they are talking with. You might get somewhat intimidated by this unusual lack of personal space even when business matters are being conducted, but this should be expected as normal in Italy. Any act of moving away or keeping some distance would be interpreted by most Italians as an unfriendly gesture.
Another thing that foreign business people should consider when doing business in Italy is their more relaxed issues when it comes to time. Punctuality may not be such a serious matter for most Italians. Being late is considered acceptable and normal at times, as long as there is good reason for doing so. But still, going to appointments on time would be most welcome since this can also be seen as a good trait, especially for foreign business people visiting Italy.
Such are the considerations that foreign business people should know about when trying to do business in Italy. And there is more that needs to be learned. It would be wise for the visitors to first get some first hand knowledge on how business is done Italian style in order to become more successful with their business dealings. This knowledge may just be the advantage that foreign companies look for to help seal that important business deal in Italy.
