Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CULTURE
Presented By
Rajat Jain
Ashish Soin
Surya Pratap Singh
NEW FEATURES
Gone are the times when you could be screwed up at
any corner, nowadays businesses strive for long-
term reputation and loyal customers.
NOT TO BE MISTAKEN - TO BE ATTENTIVE IN
ANY COUNTRY
Egalitarianism
Dusha (soul)
Working in Russia
Working practices in Russia - stereotype
The Russians attitude to time means that a few
minutes delay on their part is of little importance.
However, they will expect you to be punctual.
Faxes and emails are the best way to communicate in
Russia, as the post can often be unreliable. It is
customary before making a trip to Russia to inform the
prospective company of your intended business
proposals and objectives.
Paperwork and putting pen to paper is an essential
part of all working practices in Russia. In general, they
have little faith in unsigned documents.
Making appointments:
Persistence and patience are essential. Once your
appointment is scheduled, do everything you can to
avoid cancellation.
Don't schedule your trip to Russia near the end of
July or during the month of August- this is the time of
year many people take their vacations.
The Russian day begins early, but it can be difficult to
foresee when all other daily activities will begin and
end. Schedules are constantly subject to change, often
at the last minute.
Allow plenty of time for each appointment.
Business day is usually 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday
through Friday and some Saturday mornings.
BUSINESS DRESS CODE
Old Russian proverb--“one meet you depending
on how you're dressed and say good bye
depending on how wise you seem to be”
Russian businesspeople pay a lot of attention to
how they are dressed. Russian people in general
probably spend more money from their family
budget on clothing then any other nation in the
world.
Conversation
Visitors should try to speak in a calm, moderate, tone of
voice at all times.
Your Russian colleagues will be delighted if you make
the effort to speak even a few sentences of their
language.
Russians are sometimes very careful about what they
say, speaking metaphorically, symbolically, and perhaps
even cryptically.
Bringing up the subject of Russian culture and history is
appreciated.
Compliments - with caution, they may cause a feeling of
misplaced obligation. (admiring a decorative object,
your hosts may insist that you take it).
Structure and hierarchy in
Russian companies
The hierarchical structure in Russian
business practices means that the
decision makers higher up have
authority over their subordinates.
However, the nature of the collective
good often encourages a flexible and
democratic work ethos.
Showing respect for seniority and
recognizing the hierarchical structure
is vital for establishing and
maintaining strong business
relationships.
Working relationships in Russia
Personal and informal contact is a
central part in doing business in
Russia.
Physical contact during business
meetings (a simple hand on the arm
or even embracing) is a positive sign.
The notion of social space is close in
Russia.
In situations of conflict - to avoid
taking an official stance and
remember that Russians are 'people
orientated' and will respond to a
more personal approach.
First Name or Title?