European Business Etiquette: GREECE

Selling via the Internet means you may have clients, or potential clients, whose cultures you don’t understand very well. This group of articles on European Business Etiquette will give you some idea what to expect when conducting business with our European neighbours.

This article was compiled following a survey of European partners through the EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme ‘Virtual Incubator for the Creative Industries’ (VIC) project, and reference to web sites such as www.executiveplanet.com where national executives explain their own cultures, and another EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme project called ‘Passport to Trade BETA’ at www.businessculture.org


The information refers to business in general. Entrepreneurs in the creative industries might find some aspects (for example, dress code, and where business discussions take place) a little more relaxed in their sectors!

Introductions

How formal must first introductions be?	Very formal at first
How long before we use first names?	Colleagues use first names
Does everyone shake hands?	Yes
How many kisses should I expect?	2

Additional Comments

Don’t use first names until you’re invited to do so, which will be after two or three meetings. The boss is usually addressed as Mr or Mrs. Colleagues might use Mr or Mrs with your first name as a sign of respect.

Meetings

Do meetings start on time?	No, but visitors should be
If not, how much leeway can there be?	Even an hour would not raise eyebrows
Will the meeting have a formal chair person?	The senior person will be in charge
Will there be a strict agenda (topics and time)?	No
Will official minutes be taken and circulated?	Yes, but not between colleagues

Additional Comments

Meetings tend to start and run late. It’s OK to drop by on the off-chance of seeing your business contact.

Business Communication

Are official business letters acceptable by fax?	Yes
Are official business letters acceptable by email?	Yes
How formal is the language used?	Very formal
Should I expect many phone calls?	Yes
Should I expect video-conferences?	Yes, if they have the technology

Additional Comments

Dress Code

Do people wear formal dress (suits, jackets, ties) for meetings?	Yes
Can I remove my jacket during the meeting?	Yes
Will dress be formal for business dinners?	More casual, but still dressy

Additional Comments

Greeks are fashion conscious. Smart casual wear is fine, due to the heat.

Most Greek women wear make-up, and tend away from trousers in business situations.

Negotiating

Are the most important decisions made in a meeting?	Yes
Do negotiations take place during lunch?	Yes
Do negotiations take place during dinner?	Yes
Will there be small talk before negotiations?	Yes
Are negotiations held back until a social rapport is established?	Yes

Additional Comments

Agreements can happen over coffee. Verbal agreement is often enough –the paperwork will follow. Greeks are meandering and skilful negotiators-take notes!

Make your presentation to the senior executive, who will have decision-making authority.

Expect changes to initial decisions, and delays happen often. Even though seemingly under time pressure, Greeks will fulfil their contractual obligations.

Gifts

Are gifts expected on the first meeting?	No, but appreciated
If so, what type?	Your regional speciality food, coffee table book, pens
Are gifts expected at dinner?	Only if at home
Is there any gift that would be inappropriate?	Anything very personal

Additional Comments

Fresh flowers are welcome, as is quality wine or imported liqueurs. Sweets or chocolate should be gift-wrapped.

Greeks are very generous, and will usually offer you gifts which reflect their culture.

Food and Drinks

Is hospitality generally offered?	Yes
Does refusal cause offence?	Yes
If so, in a restaurant or at home?	Restaurant
Does it generally involve a lot of alcohol?	Yes
What’s the word for "Cheers”	Yamas!

Additional Comments

Meals play a vital part in building business relationships. Expect lunch around 2.200pm and dinner any time after 10.00pm

Meals often involve ‘mezedes’ hich are a huge selection of plates, which you share, using a fork . They’ll be thrilled if you compliment their cuisine.

If they dance (which is a strong possibility!) join in to show good will.

Social Etiquette

Do people leave plenty of personal space, or stand close together?	Close
Would a casual touch to the arm be offensive?	Not at all, it’s expected

Social Taboos (What topics or activities should be avoided?)

Young professional like to discuss and debate, and are generally well -informed about world issues. Once you know someone, there’s little taboo. Expect personal questions early.

Avoid the subjects of Cyprus and Turkey. Acknowledge Greek contributions to world development.

Gestures (What are they and what do they mean?)

Greeks are very expressive, and their conversational is likely to sound emotional and be accompanied by energetic hand and arm gestures.

A quick jerk of chin upwards mean ‘no’.

To the un-tuned ear, even basic Greek can cause some confusion. ‘Oki’ is the word for ‘no’, but sounds like yes; ‘nai’ means ‘yes’ but sounds like’ no’!

Rubbing a thumb nail means in a minute

Manners (What would cause offence?)

Loud, drunken behaviour; being unsociable.

Do not refuse an invitation to the family home. Such invitations are usually only extended to friends, so you’d loose your deal.

The ‘OK’ sign making a circle with forefinger and thumb is an insult.

Never put your open palm towards someone.