Communication

The Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the rest of Europe, especially in the south. But when Spaniards work, they work hard. They have adapted to the weather, that’s why they have three hours siestas for a lunch and relax. It is quite common for life to begin when the sun goes down, especially in the summer.

Spaniards are very opened, friendly and kind. They have no problem to cooperate with foreigners. Spaniards have their own mind. They are unpunctual. People never should push them to work.

• Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
• Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
• Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person’s name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
• If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made.

ETIQUETTE

Maltese culture defines correct behaviour and comportment in a variety of ways depending on status, familiarity, age, and social connections. They range from reserved and courtly to warm and expressive.

Men play brilli, a form of bowling often called ninepins, on a narrow street in Gozo,Malta.

HOSPITABILITY of CYPRIOTS

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.

• Bulgaria is a fairly formal society - initial greetings are therefore formal and reserved.
• Greetings consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
• Address people with their titles (if you know them) or with Mr "Gospodin" / Mrs "Gospozha" followed by the surname.
• Only friends and family address each other with first names and possibly a hug or kiss.
• One should always wait for their Bulgarian counterparts to determine when it is appropriate to become this informal.

How do the Romanians live? How do they behave? What do they like or dislike?

Generally Romanians are formal and reserved with a strong need for privacy. Most do not trust strangers readily. They are taking them as outsiders. But once you get their trust you are becoming insider. If you want to know more information about this topic go onto this sites. You will find there information about family, privacy, dining Etiquette, business etiquette and protocol (what you should know about Romanian before you start business there), and many others important things.

In general Hungary has embraced modern living (the same as in Czech Republic), although the older generation still preserves their traditions and culture, particularly in small villages. When meeting a Hungarian, handshaking is customary and both their Christian name and surname should be used. Normal courtesies should be observed. At a meal, toasts are usually made and should be returned. A useful word is egészségünkre (pronounced ay-gash-ay-gun-gre), meaning ’your health’. A knowledge of German can prove useful.

Slovaks maintain a typically Western distance (about three feet) when conversing. Greetings are expected, and consist of "good morning," "good day," and "good evening." "Good night" is reserved for the last leave taking of the evening. Both men and women shake right hands with acquaintances and newly introduced strangers, and men and women may kiss close friends and relatives on both cheeks during greeting and leave taking.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AUSTRIANS

PUNCTUALITY

You are expected to be on time in Austria. When your appointment or invitation is at 10.30, then it is at 10.30, don’t keep people waiting without a very important reason. If you cannot keep an appointment, it is very important to inform the other person immediately. If you missed an appointment it is a must to apologize and/or explain.