tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351778691752546690.post7618757676280164552..comments2023-09-26T12:09:58.509+03:00Comments on English Language Etiquette for Russians: In business communication, culture is at least as important as languageIan Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05199914038770927077noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351778691752546690.post-32926657485460812712014-04-03T13:36:12.380+04:002014-04-03T13:36:12.380+04:00There is an interesting book on this subject by Ly...There is an interesting book on this subject by Lynn Visson "Where Russians Go Wrong in Spoken English". As for the Russian negotiating styles here some useful tips form our Dutch partners:<br />Doing Business with the Russians<br />Tip 1 With the country in a state of total flux, Russian attitudes to business can vary widely from sector to sector<br />Tip 2 Law-breaking and rule avoidance have been promoted to an art-form <br />Tip 3 The strength of the relationships upon which the business is based are key. <br />Tip 4 Contracts are only as valid as a combination of your ability to enforce the law and the importance placed upon the relationship. Trying to enforce an unpopular clause in a contract could prove virtually impossible. <br />Tip 5 Russian companies are often driven and directed by one strong, central character. Without the approval of this individual, very few decisions will be taken and any that are would probably prove invalid. <br />Tip 6 Go straight to the top if possible. <br />Tip 7 Companies tend to take a short-term view of any given business opportunity. <br />Tip 8 Managers are expected to manage and this means giving precise and detailed instructions to subordinates. Inclusive, 'caring' management styles might be viewed as weak. <br />Tip 9 Meetings tend to be used to disseminate information or to give direct instruction<br />Tip 10 Smaller, more informal meetings often occur behind closed doors where senior management might canvas opinion or seek other opinions. <br /><br /><br />Doing Business with the Dutch<br />Tip 1 The Dutch appreciate plain speaking above all else. <br />Tip 2 Everybody has a point to make and deserves to be heard. <br />Tip 3 The manager is not necessarily the boss, but the first amongst equals. <br />Tip 4 Despite their reputation for liberalism, the Netherlands is a conservative society and change is only accepted and embraced after much deliberation. <br />Tip 5 The Dutch have a long tradition of internationalism. Culturally sensitive. <br />Tip 6 Decisions are reached through a lengthy process of debate and consensus building buy-in. <br />Tip 7 Historical events (floods, invasions etc.) have made the Dutch cautious and deeply thoughtful in their approach to issues. <br />Tip 8 It is important to be seen as unpretentious in your dealings with other people. Eccentric behaviour is seen as suspect. (To act normal is crazy enough!) <br />Tip 9 Humour is used and appreciated but not in very tense business situations where it could be seen as frivolous. <br />Tip 10 There is a relatively strong separation made between work and private. Colleagues tend not to socialise very much immediately after work. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02582848132871014232noreply@blogger.com