Communication Etiquette:
• Initial greetings are formal
– Very firm handshake
– Direct eye contact
– Appropriate greeting for the day
– With women it is less firm
– Female friends may kiss on the cheek three times starting with the left
– Close men will hug and pat each other on the back
• Russian names consist of a first, middle name:
– Boys – adding “-vich or –ovich”
– Girls – adding “-avna or –ovna”
– Last name which is the family name
– Formal situations they will use all three names
– Close family will use only the first name
Business Etiquette:
• Russians do not need to develop long term relationships in order to conduct business
– It is convenient to have a network of people who know you and trust you
– Patience is key
– Most Russians will not trust someone who is “all business”
– If you are asked a favor this is an indication that you have developed this long-term relationship
• Appointments are necessary and to be made in advance as far as possible
– It is confirm in email or writing
– It will take roughly 6 weeks to meet a government official
– Meetings can be canceled on short notice
– Long periods of socializing to get to know one another will take place
– Meetings are frequently interrupted
• Negotiations are very slow
– Russians do not like to be rushed
– Hierarchy is important
– They will respect rank and position among your company
– Nothing is final until the contract is signed
– Do not use high sales tactics
• Business dress is conservative and formal
– Men – conservative business suits
– Women – Skirts that cover the knees or business suits
– Shoes are highly polished
• Business cards are exchanged upon initial greetings
– Have one side translated into Russian in Cyrillic text
Contributions (1)
[email protected] says...
Very helpful information.
Posted on Tuesday, September 3rd 2013 at 1:17 pm