Florence

Italy

The Italian Republic 301k sq.

miles (slightly

larger than Arizona)

Rome

Pop´n: 58 m

Italian (German, French, Slovene)

The Italian Republic

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim

Life Expectancy Males: 76 years old, Females: 82 years old

1 US dollar 2,186.64 Italian Lira 1 US dollar 1.13 EURO

Labour Force (23.4 m): 67% Services 30% Industry 2.5% Agriculture

The Italian Republic – Economic Factors

GDP/capita U$ 21,400 (1999) U$ 22,100 (2000)

Key Industries - tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, clothing and footwear Exports – engineering products,

textiles and clothing Imports – energy products, chemicals,

food, beverages and tobacco

The Italian Republic – Government

President (Representative, no

Executive power)

Prime Minister (Executive power)

Volatile Political Environment

Present – June 2001

Bureaucracy

Role of contacts to speed up processes

The Italian Republic – The Mafia

Influential throughout the entire country Especially the South – control the

entertainment industry, used for money laundering

Protection fees must be paid“A conference organised by the country´s leading trade association in Milan said the Mafia controlled about 20% of all businesses and 15% of the country's gross national product..” BBC 2000.

“From ancient to modern times,

Italy has played a central role in

world culture. Italians have

contributed some of the world's

most admired

"Italy," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2002

sculpture, architecture, painting,

literature, and music, particularly opera.”

Italian Culture

Italian Culture High-Context

Value relationships – Family Multiple methods of communication

Hand gestures and facial expressions Loud voice volume

Hofstede’s Dimensions Strong uncertainty avoidance Masculine culture High power distance Individualist

Preparation Stage

Obtain Visa Climate & Clothing Medical insurance Banking Electrical adaptor Information to leave at home or the

office: banking, identification, health, travel,

contact

Landing in Italy

“Permesso di soggiorno” – 8 days

Health – water

Crime Violent crimes – low

Petty crimes – high

Cost of Living – around U$200/day

Working in Italy - Leadership Style

Centralization

International Contingency Model of

Leadership

Directive - rules

Supportive – consideration for needs

Participative - consulting

Not Achievement oriented - goals

Working in Italy – Communication

“Italian communication styles tend to be eloquent, wordy, demonstrative, and emotional.”

executiveplanet.com

Kinesic communication – hand gestures

Usually do NOT raise voice Speak loud Lots of interruptions Frantic pace

Working in Italy - How to Motivate Italians

Fringe benefits, due to: Taxes

Culture

Importance of family High Context Relationship

Family businesses

Working in Italy - Common Benefits in Italy

Company car

Apartments

Special interest for financing

Children expenses (based on # of children)

Lunch (subsidise cafeterias)

Working in Italy – Structure, Groups and Organizational Culture

Centralization: Decision making is with select few.

“Cordata” (chain of command): Respect for power and age.

Family Business: Italian businesses are mainly family oriented.

Women Manager: Strong barriers. Change in trend Future growth expected.

Working in Italy – Negotiating in Italy

Language

Business Cards

Behaviour

Initial meeting

Presentations

Decision-making

Do’s and Don’t’s - Appointments

Time is not a priority Best times: Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00

a.m., and after 3:00 p.m.

Summer vacation: Most firms are closed in August

Business Hours: North - usually 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 3:00

p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Central and southern - in the evening though its

4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.

Do’s and Don’t’s – Business Dress

Dress well

Men: Expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark

suits

Cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches

Women: Dress simply and with elegance

Accessorizing and makeup is widely practiced

Social gathering, “informal” means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes including a jacket and tie for men.

Do’s and Don’t’s– Public Behaviour

Prefer third-party introductions

Shake hands with everyone individually in a group; no "group wave"

Placing the hand on the stomach signifies dislike

Italians may walk arm in arm or hold hands in public

Pointing with the index and little finger is a gesture used only when wishing someone bad luck

Do’s and Don’t’s – Conversation

Welcome Topics of Conversation Italian architecture

Italian art and films

sports, especially soccer

Italian food and wine

the Italian landscape

opera

praising the hospitality you're receiving

current events

Do’s and Don’t’s – Conversation

Topics of Conversation to avoid Religion/the Vatican and its policies Politics, Taxes The Mafia World War II Criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian

counterparts are doing so, and other Italian stereotypes Inquiring about the profession or income of someone

you've just met Questions about private family concerns Negative comments about the local soccer team

Do’s and Don’t’s – Gift-Giving

Gifts to someone’s home (more common in the north than in the south)

Opened at time they are given and received A prestigious brand name, yet small and not

obviously expensive Alcohol or crafts from your own country Secretaries generally appreciate a gift of

flowers or chocolates Ensure that the bouquet is in odd numbers, in

accordance with the old European tradition

Do’s and Don’t’s – Gifts to Avoid

Showcasing your company's logo

Brooches and handkerchiefs (associated with funerals)

Chrysanthemums are acceptable only for funerals

Colour of wrapping Black and gold paper - mourning

Purple -- bad luck

Knives or any other type of sharp object- may be interpreted as a severing of a friendship or other close bond

Ciao