Appearance
-Fashions and fashion
design are trademarks of Italy. Therefore,
in the business world, good clothes
are a signature of success.-Men should wear fashionable, high quality suits.
-Shirts may be colored or pin-striped, and they should be paired with an Italian designer tie.
-Women dress in quiet, expensive elegance.
-Slacks are generally not worn by either sex.
-Quality accessories such as shoes and leather goods will make a good impression with the Italians.
Behavior
-Italian history has played a crucial role in the modern business
world.- "Time is money" is not a common phrase in Italy.
- Foreign businessmen/women should be punctual for business appointments, although the Italian executive may not be.
- Handshakes are common for both sexes, and may include grasping the arm with the other hand.
- Do not expect quick decisions or actions to take place, as the Italian bureaucracy and legal systems are rather slow.
- Italian companies often have a rigid hierarchy, with little visible association between the ranks.
- It is common for everyone to speak simultaneously at Italian gatherings. This applies to business meetings as well as social events.
- Do not exchange business cards at social occasions; but it is the norm at business functions and meetings.
- Italians often have two different business cards, one with business credentials for formal relationships, and another with personal information for less formal relationships.
- Italian cards are often plain white with black print.
- When entering a business function, the most senior or eldest person present should always be given special treatment.
Communications
-Italian is the
official language, although there are many diverse dialects.-English is spoken by many businesspeople.
-Avoid talking about religion, politics, and World War II.
-At social gatherings, it is considered insulting to ask someone you have just met about their profession.
-Good conversational topics include Italian culture, art, food, wine, family, and films.
