RUSSIAN BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

By Allen CrottyProf: Dr. Hemby

TR 1 p.m.

5 Words to Remember

IZVIENEETYE “I’m sorry.”

OCHIN PREEYATNA “Very pleasant”

SPASIBA and PUZHALSTA “Thank you” “Here you are” or “Not at all”

5 Words to Remember

Vodka CHOOT-CHOOT

“Just a little please” ZA VAS

“To you” The instant toast

Addressing With Respect

Never use first names Only for close friends and relatives

Learn the titles of those you are to encounter

Gaspodin or Gaspzhah Equivalent Mr. or Mrs./Miss With surname

Dressing Appropriately

Russian Proverb: “They meet you on how your dressed and

they say goodbye to you on how wise you seem”

Large portion of budget to clothing Brand names or very well made

Light blue, brown or grey are best colors

If visiting in winter bring very warm clothes Hat and gloves Well insulated boots

Men Suit and tie All meetings

Women Long sleeved blouse and long skirt Hat or scarf when visiting Russian Orthodox

Church

Appointments

Schedule far in advance Confirm several times

Try not to schedule near end of July or during August

Russian day begins early Schedules are constantly subject to

change

Appointments

Always be punctual Open ended meetings May be late to meeting

Them not you Business hours range from 9:00 a.m. to

5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. are most common

working times

Welcome Conversations

Enthusiastic conversationalists Changes in living in Russia

Russians are extremely well educated Can and will start talking about history of their

country Personal topics are best avoided

Approach compliments with caution

Conversations

Culturally great affection for children Showing pictures of you own can build trust

and goodwill Can be very careful about what they say

and sometimes speak metaphorically Great reliance on nonverbal communication

Can sometimes be very frank, depends on the situation

Conversations

Welcome topics include: Changes taking place in Russia, current

events, WWII, economic difficulties, books, and films

Topics to avoid: Complaints about Russia, the Holocaust, the

Czars and the monarchy, ethnic minorities, and religion

Business Gifts

Russians take pleasure in giving and receiving gifts Try to bring an assortment

Try to avoid giving: Pencils, pens, lighters, cheap wine, or vodka

If invited to a home try to take gifts: Chocolates, dessert items, good wine, or

alcohol(not vodka)

Gifts

Wrap more expensive gifts Acknowledge children with a small gift

A toy or candy Do not give thank you cads or notes

No practical use Flowers are best given exclusively to

women Choose pink, cream, orange, or blue flowers in

odd numbers Even numbers are for funerals.

What to Know Before Negotiations

Take a healthy supply of business cards. Make them 2 sided and hand them the

side written in Russian facing them Delays are to be expected when dealing

with officials Get to know your Russian counterpart, it

is essential for success

Before Negotiating

When entering a room knock and wait for admittance before opening a closed office door.

They may have greater expectations if you are from the west

Sometimes will make promises they do not have the authority to make

Before Negotiation

Presentations should be simple and easy to understand

Making good impressions important Company must present a united front Russian Negotiators will make minor

concessions and expect large ones

Before Negotiating

Do not expect them to work after hours, weekends, or vacationing

Praising anyone in public is viewed very suspiciously

Contract must be clear and concise Expect Russians to try to get around the terms

of the contract Express distrust in bureaucracy and

authority whenever possible

Acceptable Public Behavior

Handshakes are common Keep eye contact during introduction Thumbs up is a “good job” sign Call servers with an outstretched index

finger

Public Behavior

Do not summon someone with a forefinger

Wearing winter coats and boots in theatres is frowned upon

Do not sit with legs apart or with one ankle on the knee

Many western gestures such as “OK” or the shaking of the fist is considered very rude

Russia

Russians have a very unique culture The business environment is moving

more from the communistic control to a more western style of business This can lead to misunderstandings and may

require you to explain certain concepts Be patient and understanding to your partners

from the world abroad.