Business the Russian Way

By: Noya Achiasaf, Tristan Bravo, Eun Ji Kwon, Mireya Rizo, and Elizabeth Rodriguez

English 205Professor Jackson

History and Background● Largest country in the world● Located in the Northern Asia

and Eastern Europe ● Russia has a long history of

hierarchy● After the Russian Revolution,

Russia became as socialist country, called the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic)

● In 1991, the USSR dissolved and Russia became a semi-presidential republic.

Context

America

● Low Context● Individualism● Diffused

Authority● Pluralism● Private Free

Market● Western Europe

Russia

● High Context● Collectivism● Centralized

Authority● Consensus ● Government

Centered Economy● Europe and Asia

Formality● Men should not loosen their ties or

remove their jackets.● Never stand with your hands in your

pockets.● Business and personal lives almost

always mix● Take flowers (odd numbers), or a large

box of chocolates. Even numbers of flowers are traditionally reserved for the dead.

● Keep up contact even after meetings

Attire● Dress for success● Men: well-pressed, dark

business suits● Women: dark business

suit with a skirt rather than a pair of slacks

● Very similar to America

Time OrientationRussia● Be punctual● Common for your

Russian counterpart to be late.

● Test your patience● The later they arrive,

the less important the meeting is to them

America● Be Punctual● Everyone is on time● Like to get meetings

started quickly

Decision MakingRussia● Meetings will be held

until a decision is made● Direct communication● Customary to want a

bribe● Do not like to

negotiated ● Stay firm to your

beliefs and decisions, they respect it

● Hierarchy

America ● Direct

Communication● Never bribe ● Negotiation is

encouraged

IndividualismRussia

● Peer group collective ● Encourage groups● Know your position● Relationships are importantAmerica● Celebrate the individual ● “I”● Self- Reliant

Communication Style● Firm handshake with eye

contact● Limited body language● Embrace silence for

thinking● The spoken word has lots

of value● Sensitive towards outside

criticisms ● Direct

Meals and DrinksMeals ● Lavish, Long lasting ● Hands should be visible● Eldest get served first● Do not turn down offers,

especially alcohol● They never sit at corners● May be for business or for

fun● Zakuski (snacks)

Drinks● Common to drink during dinner● Vodka is preferred● Red wine is also highly preferred ● Set drink down for refill

● Pace yourself● Drink when seen● Eat butter before

drinking● Eat bread while

drinking ● Throw up before

alcohol hits your system

● Be prepared to make toasts

Tips

Examplehttp://www.euronews.com/2014/09/12/doing-business-in-russia-despite-the-economic-sanctions/

Conclusion Video

https://youtu.be/LXN4zdk8knM?t=30s

Works Cited“Business etiquette.” Cities Guide Oct. 2007. General OneFile. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

“Business Meeting Protocol and Etiquette in Russia.” Business Culture. 13 Jul. 2014 Web. 3 May 2015.

“Etiquette.” Cities Guide Oct. 2007. General OneFile. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

Fawe, Bertrand. “Doing Business in Russia!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 10 Mar. 2014. Web. 3 May 2015.

Heinze, Aleksej. “Business Meeting Protocol and Etiquette in Russia.” Business Culture. 13 Jul. 2014 Web. 3 May 2015. Hosking,

Hosking, Geoffrey. "The Collective and the Individual in Russia: A Study of Practices." The Slavonic and East European Review,

79.2 (2001): 365-367.

Jane Lasky Business, Travel R. "Dress for Success, and be Punctual, Patient in Russia." Daily Herald: 11. Oct 29 2006. ProQuest.

Web. 5 May 2015 .

"Russian / American Cultural Contrasts." Russian / American Cultural Contrasts. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 May 2015.

“Russia Communication Styles.” World Business Culture. 2013 Web. 3 May 2015.