LITHUANIA - COMMUNICATION

  • Lithuanians prefer face-to-face meetings, as they need to build relationships of mutual understanding.
  • They prefer to turn business relationships into friendships.
  • Accept offers of hospitality and reciprocate, as this is the sign of a true friend.
  • Once a friendship has developed, Lithuanians are willing to discuss business.
  • It is important to make your initial contact with a high-ranking person who is in a position to make a decision.
  • In many ways this is still a hierarchical culture, so showing respect and deference to people of authority is recommended.
  • Although they are industrious and hard working, most Lithuanians are very modest. Those people who boast and brag, are deemed arrogant.
  • At the same time, Lithuanians are impressed by titles of authority and advanced university degrees, so it is a good idea to let them know your status within your company.
  • Lithuanians speak softly.
  • They are not particularly emotive speakers.
  • They do not touch others while speaking and can appear standoffish and reserved upon the initial meeting.
  • It is important that you do not display anger, even if frustrated by the excessive bureaucracy.
  • They do not interrupt others while they are speaking, and patiently wait for their turn.
  • Many Lithuanian companies adhere to a hierarchical structure. In such cases, senior-level businessmen only speak with people of their same rank.
  • More junior members of a team should not address a senior-ranking Lithuanian businessperson directly, as it is seen as a breach of etiquette.
  • Appointments are necessary and should be scheduled 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
    Send a list of people who will be attending and their titles, so that Lithuanians can assemble a team of people at similar level.
  • Confirm any meeting when you arrive, and again, a day before a meeting. Meetings are sometimes cancelled on short notice.
  • Punctuality is important, so arrive on time.
  • Meetings are formal.
  • There will be a period of small-talk while your colleagues get to know you and decide if you are the type of person with whom they wish to enter into a business relationship.
  • Business moves slowly due to the bureaucratic nature of society.
  • Be prepared to meet with several lower levels of people before getting to the actual decision maker.
  • Lithuanians often use time as a tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure or they will delay even more.
  • Lithuanians will not be rushed into making a deal. They must think it is in their best interest before agreeing.
  • Meetings often conclude with a summary of the discussion and a toast to future dealings.
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