When doing international business, cultural characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes are quintessential with regards to the success of the business interaction and relationship. Like all countries, Russia has a unique set of cultural, social, political, and economic traits that determine the way business and other interactions are viewed and carried out. Due to the nature of Russia’s autocratic and Communist history, Russia is now seen as a country of cultural contradictions. After the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s, a cultural gap has emerged between the older generations, who have a conservative and group mentality, and the younger generations that are characterized as more dynamic, progressive, and individualistic. In general,
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When it comes to dress code, there is a Russian proverb, which describes the situation perfectly: “one meets you depending on how you’re dressed and says goodbye depending on how wise you seem to be.” Russians usually dress accordingly to their socio-economic status but businessmen are usually found in dark suits and are considered well dressed. Similarly, if you’re a foreign investor you should dress formally and eloquently without wearing expensive accessories, such as watches or chains. In reference to dialogue and communication, individuals are expected to speak with respect in a calm and moderate tone. Russians are not very expressive at first but they will appreciate if the foreign individual speaks a bit of Russian or is culturally and historically educated about Russia since they have a culture heavily reliant on their historical backgrounds. Also, individuals need to be aware that Russians usually speak in a metaphorical, symbolical, and even cryptic manner, which should not be taken literal but analyzed and understood instead. Consequently, Russians also have very particular customs, such as with contracts, business cards, and even food. For example, when it comes to contracts, Russians stand weary of them until there is an actual physical signature on it due to the mistrust that has generated historically against the state. Similarly, physical or over the phone communication is preferred to mail as a result of the unreliable nature of the postal service in Russia. Businessmen in Russia are also big proponents of physical demonstrations like power points, visuals, and business cards. It is highly recommended if these types of props are used, they should be of high visual quality as individuals can be judged accordingly. Another unique cultural trait of Russians regarding is their food and beverage. It is seen as extremely honorable if individuals are invited to a Russian
When it comes to dress code, there is a Russian proverb, which describes the situation perfectly: “one meets you depending on how you’re dressed and says goodbye depending on how wise you seem to be.” Russians usually dress accordingly to their socio-economic status but businessmen are usually found in dark suits and are considered well dressed. Similarly, if you’re a foreign investor you should dress formally and eloquently without wearing expensive accessories, such as watches or chains. In reference to dialogue and communication, individuals are expected to speak with respect in a calm and moderate tone. Russians are not very expressive at first but they will appreciate if the foreign individual speaks a bit of Russian or is culturally and historically educated about Russia since they have a culture heavily reliant on their historical backgrounds. Also, individuals need to be aware that Russians usually speak in a metaphorical, symbolical, and even cryptic manner, which should not be taken literal but analyzed and understood instead. Consequently, Russians also have very particular customs, such as with contracts, business cards, and even food. For example, when it comes to contracts, Russians stand weary of them until there is an actual physical signature on it due to the mistrust that has generated historically against the state. Similarly, physical or over the phone communication is preferred to mail as a result of the unreliable nature of the postal service in Russia. Businessmen in Russia are also big proponents of physical demonstrations like power points, visuals, and business cards. It is highly recommended if these types of props are used, they should be of high visual quality as individuals can be judged accordingly. Another unique cultural trait of Russians regarding is their food and beverage. It is seen as extremely honorable if individuals are invited to a Russian