RUSSIAN BUSINESS CULTURE

Presented By: Faculty: Mrs. Lavina Bhaskar Naman Srivastava, Saurabh Suman, Tushar Khurana

WORKING IN RUSSIA
Working practices in Russia the stereotype

The Russians attitude to time means that a few minutes delay on their part is of little importance. Faxes and emails are the best way to communicate in Russia, as the post can often be unreliable. Paperwork and putting pen to paper is an essential part of all working practices in Russia.

MAKING APPOINTMENTS

Persistence and patience cancellation of appointments.

are

essential.

Avoid

Don't schedule your trip to Russia near the end of July or during the month of August.

The Russian day begins early. Schedules are constantly subject to change, often at the last minute.
Allow plenty of time for each appointment. Business day is usually 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and some Saturday mornings.

BUSINESS DRESS CODE

Old Russian proverb -one meet you depending on how you're dressed and

say good bye depending on how wise you seem to be

Russian businesspeople pay a lot of attention to how they are dressed. Men would tend to wear either a dark suit or jacket and trousers with a tie. Women mainly wear business suits or blouses and skirts

CONVERSATION

Use calm, moderate, tone of voice at all times. Make effort to speak a few sentences of their language. Use Compliments cautiously as they may cause a feeling of misplaced obligation. Russians are careful about what they speak, speaking metaphorically, symbolically, and even cryptically. Bring up the subject of Russian culture and history.

STRUCTURE AND HIERARCHY IN RUSSIAN COMPANIES

Decision makers have authority over their subordinates. Nature of the collective good often encourages a flexible and democratic work ethos. Show respect for seniority.

Recognize the hierarchical structure.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS IN RUSSIA

Personal and informal contacts are preferable in doing business in Russia.

Physical contact during meetings is a positive sign.

business

In situations of conflict - remember that Russians are 'people orientated. Try a more personal approach.

FIRST NAME OR TITLE?

Very intimate friends or relations - refer to one another by the first name. Learn the titles of everyone you plan to meet.

Russians have three names: the first name is a given name, the last name is the family name, the middle name is father's first name.

GIFTS

Russians take pleasure in giving and receiving gifts.

Gifts for children are usually opened in private, gifts for adults are generally opened in the presence of others. Gifts are expected for social events. Bring in a bouquet of flowers for women.

BUSINESS PRACTICES IN RUSSIA

Business cards are essential.

Although many principal concerns are discussed in an informal environment final negotiations will be conducted in the office. Head of the organization begins the meetings and discussions. Introductions are made in order of importance.

GENDER ASPECTS
Women usually do not hold high positions in the Russian Business culture. There are more women in business education than in business. Foreign businesswomen sometimes face adversity from the male-dominated Russian business culture.

BUSINESS DINNER MEETINGS

Business dining, fairly lavish and lengthy affair, is taken at the time for sealing a deal.

The center seats are reserved for the most senior officials.
A good deal of strong alcohol is consumed during Toasting. Favourite drinks are vodka and Russian champagne Customary to leave an additional tip of around 10%.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTES

The handshake is common.

Eye contact is very important, must be maintained as long as the individual is addressing you.
Smoking in public places is still a common occurrence, although some restrictions are slowly imposed. Wearing your coat and/or winter boots in public places is considered unacceptable.

BUSINESS NEGOTIATING

Russians see negotiations as win-lose. They do not believe in win-win scenarios. Russians view compromise as weakness. They will continue negotiating until you offer concessions. Russians may lose their temper, walk out of the meeting, or threaten to terminate the relationship.

Russians often use time as a tactic.

Nothing is final until the contract is signed. Even then, Russians will modify a contract to suit their purposes.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS FOREIGN PARTNERS

The first meeting is usually just a formality - a time to assess the credibility of you and your company.

Russian business people are open-minded to new ideas.

Russian negotiators could make minor concessions and ask for major ones in return.

Russian business etiquettes (Do's and Don'ts)

DOs

DO shake hands firmly when greeting and leaving your partners and make direct eye contact. DO make a gift that symbolizes the stature of your company. Supply beverages and snacks during business meetings Go out and have a drink with your counterparts, it is a good way to break the ice. Bring small gifts for the children of a home you visit

DONTs

DON'T be afraid to show some emotion. DON'T 'hurry to reply', but 'hurry to listen'. DON'T keep a formal attitude. Most Russians do not trust people who are 'all business'. Wear lavish clothing or jewelry.

Use a restaurant as a place for doing business -- it's for celebration.

DOING BUSINESS IN RUSSIA? NEITHER SIMPLE, NOR EASY

Fierce competition to gain control over rich resources Selection of the Russian partner (especially in the region) Normally long-term projects worthy of development Building trust with Russian staff is critical Special marketing strategy