GREECE - COMMUNICATION

Corporate Culture

  • Punctuality is not particularly important in Greece, but foreigners are expected to be on time for business meetings, even though his/her Greek counterpart may be late.
  • Greeks want to get to know you before they will do business with you. Business meetings will usually begin with general conversation before business is discussed.
  • Trust is a major ingredient for acceptance and is much more important than qualifications, expertise or performance. Greeks and may be slow to trust foreigners.
  • Greeks distrust written communications. Put everything down on paper and get the appropriate signatures. Letters/memos are often stiff and formal.
  • Avoid telephoning unless it is impossible to meet. Personal, face-to-face contact in all matters is vital to communications.
  • There is one boss, and he/she takes complete responsibility. The boss is the owner or the owner’s most trusted employee.
  • Meetings are often forums for expressing personal opinions (usually contrary) or to inform the group about what is taking place; they seldom have a formal agenda.
  • Consensus is important and meetings may last or be reconvened until unanimity is reached.
  • The official work day starts early, ends at lunch and may start again at 5:00 p.m. Expect Greeks to ask personal questions, such as "Are you married?" or "Do you have children?" This is not considered rude, but an attempt to get to know you personally. Foreign women will find Greece a good place to do business.
  • Women’s opportunities in business depend on their connections, the same as for men.
  • It could be a problem for a foreign woman to invite a Greek man to lunch or dinner. Invite others along as well or, if for dinner, invite his wife.
  • A Greek man will always try to pay, but if you make arrangements beforehand and are insistent, he will probably give in.

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Organizational structure

Greek business structures tend to be strictly hierarchical. Most organizations in Greece have been government-run or family-owned businesses and therefore, this tendency can be considered hardly surprising. It is to be expected that the organisations will most likely have an extremely centralised decision making approach, where all important decisions are being decided by a group of key individuals at the top of the company. For that reason, it is very important to spend time to study and understand the organisational hierarchy of the organisation that is being dealt with so that time is not wasted negotiating with the wrong person. Even when cooperating with the subsidiary of a multi-national company in Greece, local employee’s mindset could still veer towards a traditional hierarchical structure that might not even exist on paper.

Management style

Management styles that are usually being employed in Greece are highly directive and paternalistic in their nature. This perceived "paternalism" clearly fits into the strong sense of family and ethnic ties which binds all Greeks together. In the same way as the father is perceived being responsible for his family well-being, Greek bosses’ responsibilities are seen as paramount. Because of that, it is gravely important to give clear instructions that could be followed without any problems or hesitation. Pro-activity should not be expected as it isn’t one of the fortes of these paternalistic business cultures. Therefore, any vague instructions or requests directed to the employees will only make them feel perplexed hence should be avoided. As relationship bonds run deep in Greek culture, the manager expects loyalty. In return for this loyalty the boss will look after the interests of subordinates. The manager-subordinate relationship is viewed as reciprocal.

Meetings

Foreign cultures often see Greek meetings as noisy, rambunctious or clamorous. That is especially being true for those, who come from cultures accustomed to more reserved, calm approach where every sits and politely awaits for their turn to speak. Greek meetings support lively airing of views where strong personal opinions, passionately and emotionally expressed are, in fact, appreciated. Such open debate is perceived as stimulating and essential to reach correct decisions. Formal meetings with prescheduled agendas are arranged only for the matters of key importance; common meetings are much more likely to be spontaneous, free of set agendas.

Teamwork

Being a member of any kind of team brings with it specific requirements. First off, one is obliged to bring to the group a notable contribution that is clearly ones’ own. Secondly, the boss should be always recognized as the leading force of the group. Greek team working can therefore be characterized as a group of individuals working on specific tasks with responsibilities to a central figure.

Communication styles

Even though the popularity of English has increased significantly, it would be unwise to expect that all business partners will be fluent in it. It is suggested to check on the language levels before meetings or conference calls because they might vary widely. Greek put much more emphasis on spoken, rather than written word. If one has a specific issue and intends it to be given a serious consideration, it is recommended to speak to people about it – not just rely on electronic or paper written word communication. Face-to-face meetings are considered the best.

Because Greeks do not really suppress their emotions in business situations, discussions might appear quite ferocious, especially to observer from culture that is not so outgoing. In Greece though, it is clearly seen as positive because it stresses engagement and involvement. On the contrary, when Greeks are quiet, it shows that something is heading wrong direction. Greeks also usually stand much closer to each other and have significantly stronger eye contact than most other cultures. It is important not to be intimidated by these cultural traits. Lack of eye contact or keeping a distance could be interpreted as untrustworthiness. In social situations, one might be asked quite personal question, which is again perceived as correct and unobtrusive.