Business in Romania

© Zsolt Márton

Why learn about this?

Elements of business culture

Do and Don’t

What you will hear today:

Why should you know this

?

Romania is a big market in the EU

Fast growing economy

pre-crisis: 2% NL vs. 7% RO

Different business culture

22 million

Main elements of the business culture

:

Hierarchy

High PDI

Hierarchy is very important

Senior members with most authority

Hierarchy

Power is concentrated at the top

Cut out the middleman

Superiors and subordinates don’t socialize

Management style

Autocratic style

Technical competence, leadership and economic studies

Only the end result is important

Meetings

Be punctual

The entering party offers to shake hands

Politeness is very important

Meetings

Small talk is expected

Eye contact

Conservative clothing

Alcohol may be served

Communication

Be diplomatic at first

Being direct: only if you know each other well

Use family name and title

Communication

Reserve is valued

Courtesy towards women

Don’t interrupt others

Business lunch

Invitation

High-level: by senior executive

Seats by hierarchy and language

Business lunch

Traditional & location specific food

Never smoke while somebody else is eating

Gifts

Country-specific gifts

Quality alcoholic beverages

Cigars

For women: perfumes vs. cigars/alcohol

Do and Don’t

!

Shake hands!

Be very polite!

Cut out the middleman!

Be punctual!

Respect the hierarchy!

DON’T be loud/intrusive!

DON’T confuse Hungarians and Romanians!

DON’T be too direct at first!

DON’T interrupt!

Thank you

!