Be patient! Punctuality is expected in Italy, so always try to be on time. Allow social conversation to pass before mentioning business and be aware that the length of socialising is usually longer with Southern Italians. Verbal agreements are generally adhered to on the basis of trust – breaking them can jeopardise business relationships. Italy jointly with Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg founded the European Economic Community. – Building close relationships is very important in Italian business culture. They are generally not clear violations of rules, but are rather matters in the bureaucratic grey areas where a shortcut seems to be – in an Italian's eyes – good judgement. Italian culture, steeped in the arts, architecture, music and food, has flourished for centuries. Exchange business cards after a formal introduction, making sure to take a recognisable moment to examine the content of the card you are given before putting it away. Religion. In Italian, there’s a formal “you” (Lei) and an informal “you” (Tu). and north African countries as well as from Oriental countries (Chinese, Indian, Philippine communities are growing in many large Italian cities). Here is a brief overview of Italian customs and traditions. Business culture italie. If you plan to host a meal, ask the most senior Italian contact who you should invite. Third-party introductions  can be helpful as Italians prefer to work with those whom they know and trust. Italian business etiquette requires that professional titles be used, whether in casual conversation or formal writing. The number of people taking advanced secondary school and University courses is slightly below the OECD average but is constantly increasing. Culture Traditions and a sense of history play powerfully on Italian minds and both of these have heavily influenced the Italian approach to business. Also, Italians are usually uncomfortable if their acquaintances start telling graphic jokes. Women. In the Early Modern period, it was annexed to the Spanish Kingdom, the Austrians and also to Napoleon’s empire. … In order to avoid distraction from your proposal, sit directly next to the person you are interested in doing business with and make your proposition directly to him or her. In order to deepen a relationship, try to be as talkative and transparent with them as possible. Two of the most popular signs you may  see are: http://theitalywiki.com/index.php/Sense_of_Humour. are currently the subject of an extensive political debate. Invitations to lunch and dinner are to be expected when doing business there. Keeping this in mind, make sure to present yourself neatly, stylishly and professionally in a conservative suit. You can find a direct link to all these sources under the ‘References’ You can download this cultural profile in an easy-to-read PDF Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore . “L’abito non farebbe il monaco” (The habit doesn’t make the priest), according to an Italian proverb – but this is incorrect, according to Presutti. On the contrary, movies, sport, arts, travel, fashion etc. Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room. A recent education reform has been implemented from the 1st of September 2010 regarding the organisation of the High Schools (two categories: Licei and Technical and Professional Institutes) and the University system (the presence of an ethics code, amendments to academic professors and researchers evaluation methodologies and recruitment procedures, reduction of disciplines, etc). Business meetings and meals – Although Brazilian culture tends to be relatively informal, Brazilians are quite fashion conscious. Greetings. J.-C. le nom « Italia » désigne à l'origine seulement une partie de ce qu'est maintenant l'Italie du Sud. The Italian Peninsula is divided into 20 Regions; each divided into Provinces which in turn are divided into Municipalities. Keep in mind, that if you argue with them and point out the boundaries, you can potentially lose their trust. Join over 300 organisations already creating a better workplace. The Southern Regions, on the contrary, are much less prosperous and there is a clear economic gap between north and south, where the economy is based on small enterprises mainly agricultural and manufacturing, and the tourism sector (the south of Italy is incredibly beautiful). The Prime Minister (“Primo Ministro”) is the head of the government, being president of the Council of the Ministers (“Consiglio dei Ministri”). Italians often loop back to discuss previously settled points or jump ahead to details not yet touched on. – Three-piece suits indicate an executive-level status. Personal relationships play a large role in Italian business culture. Italians are deeply proud of their cuisine. At the end of this period, the Italian Wars of Independence began. The presence of women in technical and business positions is increasing, although it is still relatively unusual to find them in the highest position of an organisation. Use the right you. The law is applied quite extensively in public places and in most offices. It is also favoured that people meet face-to-face as often as possible as this deepens the personal relationship between partners. Universities are  divided into different faculties and provide a degree (“Laurea”). Please provide your email to receive your eBook download and receipt. Gestures. Department of Home Affairs’ Community Information Summaries. Sense of humour. Business Culture: Ranked 14th in the Business Culture Complexity Index ... For those needing a more detailed and comprehensive overview of Italy we have published an expert Report on Italian Society, Culture & Business. Italy is officially a secular state. Generally a formal dress code is a must, especially for the first meetings in order to give a serious yet positive impression. In the biggest cities, most business people speak English, but it would make a great impression on the Italians if, at the first meeting, you show at least some basic knowledge of Italian. Italians are generally not easily offended  and you can criticize them and joke with them  indeed, your sense of humour may well be appreciated by Italians. unless otherwise stated. Near many of Milan's famous monuments and ensconced in the bustling financial, commercial, and industrial center … The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore is located in the heart of the city in a 16th-Century monastery designed by Renaissance architect, Bramante. Culture and ManageMent in italy: traditiOn, MOderniZatiOn, neW ChallengeS Giovanni Masino1 Abstract. Milan. Cross cultural awareness should improve the potential of having business relations in Italy. Italian is the official language of the country, but many people tend to speak regional dialects as their first language. In September 2009, the Minister of Work, Health and Social Policies jointly with the Minister of Education, Universities and Research, presented project “Italy 2020”: a plan of action to support youth employment by integrating learning and working”. the right to vote for non-residents, annual limitation of migratory flows, etc.) its most recent national census. In Italy, smoking in restaurants, bars, offices, factories and  any public place without special non-smoking areas, is illegal. can be good topics for discussion. For example, if you have a great offer for them, but they don’t like your attitude, they may pass on the offer. Italy is home to Milan fashion, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Armani, after all. It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Vibrant sectors in Italy include tourism, raw mineral extraction and processing, textiles, car production and of course fashion. In fact, the use of mobile phones can be rather intrusive in Italy:  conversations can be loud even in public places (restaurants, public transport, etc. The agendas of business meetings serve as guidelines as to how the meeting should go but are not adhered to closely. It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Generally, there are no major prejudices even if subtle forms of racism can be perceived and the role and rights of immigrants in Italian society (i.e. This was retrieved from the In Italy, a person’s honour is defined by the impression they leave on others – their ‘ la bella figura’ (which literally means ‘good image’). Building close relationships is key to doing business in Italy. Those with university degrees are usually given the title of Dottore or Dottoressa. Ils préfèrent d’habitude d’établir des relations directes, même superficielles, avant de passer aux affaires. Italian business culture prioritizes personal relationships, so showing that you’re dedicated to the business relationship is essential to successful negotiations. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Verbal agreements are generally adhered to on the basis of trust – breaking them can … However, if these statistics Doing business in Italy has proved highly successful for scores of global companies – and will continue to do … C'est une très bonne idée, félicitations ! Italian Business Cultur, Italian Business Cultur Suppliers Directory - Find variety Italian Business Cultur Suppliers, Manufacturers, Companies from around the World at culture media ,tissue culture flask ,orchids tissue culture, Yogurt Naming. Share your European work/study experiences. The former system provided a university degree after four or five years, eventually followed by a PhD. Recently, however, Italian society has been facing racial issues precipitated by the growth of large immigrant communities, some illegal, from nearby areas in the Balkans (Albania, etc.) In Italian business culture, gift giving is not particularly common; only after a tried and trusted familiar relationship has been established, might it appear natural to give a small and not obviously expensive gift as a sign of friendship. Indeed, the epicentre and government of the Catholic Church (the Vatican) and its leader (the Pope) are located in Rome. Personal relationships play a large role in Italian business culture. pointing the index and little fingers downwards to shape two “horns” is a sign to protect against bad luck, whereas the “horns” pointed upwards are a sign of offence. Italians have a great respect for authority, professional title and academic achievement. During business meetings in Italy it is common to express open disagreement and constructive conflict. Italy is a peninsula covering 301,401 km2, and surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. It is also favoured that people meet face-to-face as often as possible as this deepens the personal relationship between partners. Department of Home Affairs’ Community Information Summaries. Italian Culture. Italian business attire is formal and conservative – so don’t worry about accessories – but focused on high-quality, name-brand pieces that can get somewhat expensive. Since Italy is considered to be one of the fashion capitals of Europe, you need to try and find the right balance between an elegant and conservative style. Many Italian students join mobility projects within EU countries, often to complete their academic studies or to carry out research projects in other European Universities. In general, Italians try to reconcile work with private life, reserving enough time for family and private interests. Dress like you mean business. tab at the bottom of the page, as well as the date this profile was published Watch this video animation to find out some interesting facts: Business Culture in Italy is characterised by: business communication, business etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance and social media guide in Italy. Each attendee will have a particular interest in your visit. Sign language is rich in  “expressions”. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cover your mouth when yawning or … Building close, steady and balanced relationships is the key to doing business in Italy. Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Though many Italians openly complain about their country or lament about how it is being ‘ruined’ by current politicians, remember that they are still very proud of their homeland (patria) and its cultural contributions to the world. Networking can be an almost full-time occupation in Italy. Etiquette. the most recent global estimates cited in the CIA World Factbook. Therefore, the last two years from 14 to 16 years of age, can be completed either in upper secondary schools or within the three-year vocational education and training courses (falling under the competence of the Regions). grouping all fingers’ tips together against the thumb and waving the hand back and forth is to say “what do you want?” or “what is it?”. Au V e siècle av. A new regulation (1999) has introduced three levels of university degrees: a basic three year degree; a specialist two year degree; and a PhD degree. Business Etiquette. Core Concepts. The dos The importance of relationships In Italy, as with the majority of southern European countries, business is based on relationships and human interaction. Location. Higher education is completed by a large number of private and public postgraduate courses, generically called “Master”. Common Men’s Business Attire Dark or neutral suits However, its religious and social landscape is deeply influenced by the Roman Catholic tradition. Italy has a bicameral Parliament (“Parlamento”) consisting of the Senate (“Senato della Repubblica”) and the Chamber of Deputies (“Camera dei Deputati”). Despite this, Italy gave up Catholicism as a state religion in 1984 to maintain … Australians may be uncomfortable with this, but some Italians can consider it to be more efficient and even common sense. Retrouvez Teaching Business Culture in the Italian Context: Global and Intercultural Challenges et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. You will be redirected to our payment portal. are out-dated, unavailable, unreliable, or the country’s Business Culture. A small gift may also be appropriate as a token of appreciation for Italian hospitality. Dress to impress. First … Nonetheless, the Italians are generally not inhibited when working together with the opposite sex and foreign women can do business in Italy without great difficulty. In Central Regions the climate is milder and in the South and in the islands winters are never particularly harsh, and Spring and Autumn temperatures are approximately equal to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy. Some of them make Northern people appear  more reserved and Southern people more open and relationship oriented. Apprendre l’Italien grâce à la Culture Italienne ! politics, the mafia, private family issues, private income. Italian Culture. Ultimately, the impression you leave on an Italian can have a huge impact on the decisions they make and may even override business objectives. Ranging from Pietro Aretino’s merciless lampoons of the scandalous lives of the princes of the church in Renaissance Rome to the mysticism and Christocentric piety embraced by the intellectual circle surrounding the Spanish humanist Juan de Valdés in Naples, Italian culture in … and Population Census. Peu importe si l'on pense que le rêve est mort et enterré, en Italie, il se lèvera et marchera à nouveau - Elisabeth Spencer Vous avez décidé d'apprendre l'italien ? IT and foreign language competencies are generally lacking among the older generations but this situation is improving with the younger generations as IT and foreign language courses have been compulsorily introduced at all levels, starting with primary schools. statistical department does not formally gather information Italy is a Democratic Republic based on a system of civil law. In fact, they usually expect you to ask the same of them. Italy is in the time zone of UTC+1, but during the period from March to October the clock changes  to UTC+2. This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture.. Business culture in Italy. In the companies, team members often take lunch together and … It is common for people to bend rules and put different interpretations on regulations in order to get around business constraints. Finally, even when your host is being explicitly negative about some aspects of the Italian situation, avoid expressing additional criticism of your own. Italians can appear overly expressive to Australians. The actions are tailored towards re-launching technical-vocational education, to enhance apprentice contracts and focus on the need to reform the university offer, by reducing mismatches between demand and offers of work. Avoid criticising the Italian culture, people or nation. The Chief of State (“Presidente della Repubblica”) represents national unity and has an important role in the political arena as a mediator and guarantor. Host University. Initial meetings are often informal … Sometimes, these can come across as too direct and overly personal, but it is generally not intended that way. Italians can conduct very animated business meetings, so expect many interruptions and tangents to unrelated topics as they often conduct multiple conversations at once when talking in a group. and incoming mobile calls can be given precedence over a face-to-face conversation. The relationship between culture and management in Italy is quite complex. The main sectors are: food, textiles, machinery, iron and steel, clothing, footwear and ceramics. 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