Italy

GROUP 1:
SAMYUKTHA R B
SOMYA KAKRA
SURBHI SANVI
UTSAV YOGYA
 Society and Culture
Italian culture is the amalgamation of thousands of years of heritage and
tradition, tracing its roots back to the Ancient Roman Empire and beyond.
Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food.
It was also a major centre of the Renaissance and the birthplace of
fascism under Benito Mussolini.
Culture on the Italian peninsula has flourished for
centuries.
Italy is home to approximately 59.6 million individuals as of 1 January 2020.
About 96 per cent of the population of Italy are ethnic Italians.
The official language of the country is Italian. About 93 per cent of the
Italian population speaks Italian as a native language
Family is an extremely important value within the Italian culture
Their family solidarity is focused on extended family rather than the West's
idea of "the nuclear family,"
Italians have frequent family gatherings and enjoy spending time with those
in their family.
The major religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism. This is not surprising, as
Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, is the hub of Roman
Catholicism and where the Pope resides. Roman Catholics and other
Christians make up 80 percent of the population, though only one-third
of those are practising Catholics.
Italy has given rise to a number of architectural styles, including classical
Roman, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Italy is home to some of
the most famous structures in the world, including the Colosseum and
the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Italy has a "centuries-long operatic tradition,"
Opera has its roots in Italy
Italian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world and is viewed
as a form of art by many. Wine, cheese and pasta are important parts
of Italian meals
For Italians, food isn't just nourishment, it is life. "Family gatherings are
frequent and often centred around food and the extended networks of
families
Wine is also a big part of Italian culture, and the country is home to some
of the world's most famous vineyards
Italy is home to a number of world-renowned fashion houses, including
Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada and is a nation that takes
dress very seriously. "In Sicily, they say 'Eat and drink according to your
taste, dress according to other people’s tastes
Italy's official currency is the euro.
Italians are known for their family-centric culture, and there are a
number of small and mid-sized businesses.
Many of the larger companies such as Fiat and Benetton are still
primarily controlled by single families.
Hofstede cultural dimensions
50

30 70

61 70

75
 Power distance Individualism Masculinity

Acceptance of power "Me" or "Group- Highly success and

distributed unequally centered" achievement driven
Equality Friend in business- Early learning to
Decentralisation of someone useful for children
ppwer and decision- introducing you to Success displayed
making powerful people through status symbol -
Aversion towards Happiness is through car, house, traveling
control and formal personal fulfillment Strong competition &
supervision (more Less-warm approach in careeer-making
common on younger relationships
generation)
Uncertainity avoidance Long-term orientation Restraint

Feel of threatened by Maintain link with its own Extent to which people
ambiguous situation past try to control their
Uncomfortable Pragmatic culture desires and impulses
Risk avoiders Encourage thrift in Tendency to cynicism
Large amount of modern education and pessimism
detailed planning Strong propensity to Less emphasis on leisure
Life is difficult and save and invest time and control desires
stressful Highly perseverant Actions are restrained by
social norms
Trompenaars
 Tips for Business

Language- If you are approaching a new potential business partner, it is

preferable to write in Italian.
Introduction- Upon meeting someone for the first time, always introduce
yourself by your full name.
A third-party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform
from which to work.
Greetings -In introductions and departures, shake hands individually with
everyone in a group.
You will always be introduced to older people and women first and it’s a good
idea to do the same when introducing yourself.
 Business Mentality The Art of Conversation

Building close relationships are very

Italian culture is a popular theme of

important in Italian business culture. It
conversation.
would be good to find a well-connected
Do not be surprised if during
person who can establish the right
business meetings your Italian
introductions on your behalf.
colleagues speak simultaneously or
Ensure that your Italian counterparts like
interrupt one another.
and trust you.
Appearance is frequently considered more
important than what is inside.
Large businesses usually work from 8.30
/9.00 am until 6.00/6.30pm Monday to
Friday with an hour or two for lunch.
 Gift Giving Etiquette

Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.

Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than
quantity, is important.
Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning color.
Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
Gifts are usually opened when received.
 Business meetings and meals

The dress code is a priority amongst Italians.

Exchanging business cards is common and you should have yours translated into
Italian on the reverse.
Do not give a business gift until you receive one first; gifts showcasing your
company’s logo should be avoided.
Hospitality plays a key role in Italian business culture.
Try not to organize any meetings in August, on Catholic festivities, and on other
national days off.
 Business Culture and Etiquette in Italy

Italians prefer to do business with people they know and trust.

Italians much prefer face-to-face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy
developing the relationship.
Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person
before conducting business with you.
Demeanour is important as Italians judge people on appearances and the first
impression you make will be a lasting one.