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Saturday, February 26, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti

Capital: Santo Domingo

Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Population: 8,833,634 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73%

Religions: Roman Catholic 95%

Government: representative democracy

Language in the Dominican Republic

Spanish is the official language of the country and which street signs and restaurant menus are written in. Even though the people linked to the tourist trade generally speak English, knowing some Spanish is a great advantage.

It is important to point out that "Dominicanese" (the local way of speaking Spanish, interspersed with Dominican elements) is the everyday life experience of the peasant's soul and wisdom, expressed with a rustic accent and with inland flavor. As in all countries, each region has its charm and accentuates its expressions in a peculiar way, identifying the speaker from the first words uttered in his conversation.

Dominican Society & Culture

Dominican Family ValuesMap of the Dominican Republic

. The family forms the basis of stability.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the extended family, which generally encompasses three generations.
. When possible, the extended family lives together or within the same vicinity.
. Loyalty to the family comes before any other social relationship, even business.
. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies employing people one knows and trusts, which is of primary importance.
. The oldest male in the extended family makes decisions affecting the balance of the family. 

Dominican Hospitality

. Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality.
. When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable
. Houseguests are treated royally and Dominicans attempt to cater to their every desire.

Appearances Matter

. In Dominican society appearance is very important.
. People are extremely fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success.
. They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford.
. Designer labels, particularly those from the USA, are looked upon favourably.

Class in the Dominican Republic

. Racial and economic issues determine social stratification in the Dominican Republic.
. The upper class are descended from the European settlers and have lighter skin than the lower class who are darker skinned and descended from African slaves or Haitians.
. The middle class is comprised of mulattoes who are of mixed African and European ancestry and form the majority of the population.
. Social class determines access to power and position, although in the large cities, the lines of demarcation often blur slightly.
. Status is defined more by family background than by absolute wealth.
. There is little social mobility.

Religion in The Dominican Republic

. The Dominican constitution guarantees freedom of religion.
. Over 90% of the population is nominally Roman Catholic.
. For most people religious practice is limited and formalistic.
. Popular religious practices are far removed from Roman Catholic orthodoxy.
. People respect the advice of their local priest, or their bishop, with regard to religious matters; however, they often reject the advice of clergy on other matters on the assumption that priests had little understanding of secular affairs.

Etiquette & Customs in the Dominican Republic

Meeting Etiquette

. A handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile is standard.
. Maintaining eye contact is crucial as it indicates interest.
. When shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day - "buenos dias", "buenas noches", or "buenas tardes".

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to dinner at a Dominican's home bring a gift such as chocolates or pastries.
. Avoid gifts that are black or purple. They are considered mourning colours.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Dominican's house:

. Dress well - Dominicans take pride in their appearance and judge others on their clothing.
. Although punctuality is considered a good thing, guests are not expected to arrive on time for social occasions. Arriving between 15 and 30 minutes later than the stipulated time is considered on time.
. Often several generations live in the same house. Show deference to the family elders.

Watch your table manners!

. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Meals are generally served family style or buffet style.
. Guests are served first.
. The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
. You may leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. Networking is important part of business since it broadens your base of contacts, and therefore, people who can smooth the way for you.
. This is a country where knowing the right person is often more important than what you know.
. Doing favours and collecting favours owed is a highly developed art form.
. Name-dropping is commonplace and nepotism does not have the negative connotation it has in many other countries.
. Trust is crucial to developing relationships.
. It is important that you treat business colleagues with respect and not do anything to cause them loss of face.
. Appearances matter. Dress conservatively but well.
. Senior positions in business are predominately held by the upper class; therefore, it is important that you pay attention to the hierarchy and show appropriate deference and respect to those in positions of authority.
. Dominicans can be direct communicators and are not afraid to say what they feel.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance by telephone, email or fax.
. Arrive on time for meetings. Dominicans strive for punctuality, but they do not always achieve their goal.
. The first meeting is often quite formal.
. Small talk helps establish a rapport. Do not immediately begin discussing business.
. Have all written material available in both English and Spanish.
. Meetings are often interrupted and several people may speak at the same time.
. Be careful with facial expression and bodily movements - gestures are context sensitive and do not always translate well between countries.
. Patience is important.

Business Negotiation Etiquette

. Expect small talk before getting down to business since Dominicans want to get to know people before doing business.
. It will take several meetings to come to an agreement. Negotiation and time for consultation are important.
. Relationships are viewed as more important than business documents.
. Negotiations and decisions take a long time.
. Hierarchy is important, although not always apparent. Defer to the person with the most authority, as they are most likely the decision maker.
. There are often long bureaucratic delays in reaching decisions. Be patient. If you try to rush the process, you will be thought both rude and aggressive.
. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
. Dominicans are skilled negotiators and drive hard bargains.

Dress Etiquette

. Appropriate business attire is expected.
. Men should wear good quality, conservative, dark coloured business suits.
. Women should wear stylish suits or dresses. They should dress elegantly, including make-up and jewellery.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged during introductions without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.
. Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
. Treat business cards with respect. When you receive a card, place it in a business card case to show that you will treat the person with respect.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras

Capital: San Salvador

Climate: tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands

Population: 7,066,403 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: mestizo 90%, white 9%, Amerindian 1%

Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)

Government: republic

Language in El Salvador

Spanish is the main and official language of El Salvador. The local Spanish vernacular is called Caliche. Nahuat is the indigenous language that has survived, though it is only used by small communities of elderly Salvadorans in western El Salvador.

Society and Culture

The People

Many Spanish who settled the country intermarried with the native Indian population and thus the main group are the ‘mestizos’ (mixed European and Indian blood). Only 9% are pure European and usually belong to the wealthiest families; and the remaining 1% are native Indian. The largest native Indian group is the PipĂ­l. They continue to believe in the traditional gods.

Machismo

Machismo survives in a culture where traditional gender roles remain. The man is the breadwinner and the wife looks after the home. From birth, children are raised to understand that they will have different roles and expectations in life.

Attitudes have begun to change although machismo is still deeply rooted. More middle- and upper-class females now go to work, although they are still generally relegated to clerical or support positions. However, women are increasingly becoming doctors, dentists, or teachers. When this will carry over into the business world remains to be seen.

Etiquette and Customs in El Salvador

Meeting and Greeting

  • Salvadoran women often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.
  • Close friends may hug and kiss on the right cheek.
  • Men shake hands with other men and with women, although they wait for the woman to extend her hand.
  • While shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias"(good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening).
  • In many ways El Salvador is a formal culture where only close friends and family use first names.
  • Refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Senor or Senora) and their surname until invited to move to a first name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • Salvadorians give gifts for birthdays, Christmas or New Year, as well as religious events in a person’s life.
  • A young girl’s 15th birthday is considered a special date and is much celebrated.
  • If invited to an Ecuadorian home, bring flowers, good quality spirits, pastries, imported sweets for the hosts.
  • A bouquet of roses is always well received.
  • Do not give lilies or marigolds as they are used at funerals.
  • Do not give scissors or knives as they indicate you want to sever the relationship.
  • If you know the person well, perfume is an excellent gift.
  • Gifts are generally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

  • Salvadorans enjoy socializing and are extremely hospitable.
  • It is rude to leave immediately after eating; you are expected to stay for at least an hour after dinner to converse with your hosts and the other guests.
  • Never arrive on time when invited to a home. Although it may sound strange you should arrive a little later than invited, i.e. 30 -45 minutes late.
  • Dress well as this affords the host respect.
  • Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.
  • It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.
  • Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
  • Guests are served first.
  • The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.
  • Food is always eaten with utensils. Even fruit is eaten with a knife and fork.
  • It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
  • Meals are social occasions and can be quite lengthy.
  • Expect lively conversation during the meal.
  • Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
  • The host makes the first toast. The most common toast is "Salud!"
  • When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted.
  • If you do not want to drink more, leave your glass one-quarter full.

Business Protocol and Etiquette

Meeting Etiquette

  • Salvadorians are relatively formal in their business dealings.
  • Shake hands when meeting someone and also when leaving.
  • Handshakes are generally not very firm.
  • A man extends his hand to a woman.
  • Maintain eye contact when greeting people.
  • Professional or academic titles with the surname are used in business. Common titles are "Doctor" (medical doctor or Ph.D.), "Ingeniero" (engineer), "Arquitecto" (architect), and "Abogado" (lawyer).
  • If someone does not have a title, the honorific Senor or Senora is used with the surname.
  • Always wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.
  • Business cards are exchanged during the initial introductions.
  • Try to have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.

Communication Style

Like most relationship orientated cultures, Salvadorans have a strong sense of personal pride, honour and dignity. They can be very sensitive to comments or action that can jeopardize their standing among others. It is therefore important to watch what is being said, how it is being said and who is being said within earshot of. If you think you may have offended someone it is best to apologise immediately and assure them that no slight was intended. If you feel something you have said may have been misinterpreted, clearly re-state the position using different formula of words.

Due to the need to protect face Salvadorans are indirect communicators. If you are from a direct culture you may wish to moderate your communication style to avoid coming across as rude or abrasive. For example, disagreements and criticism should be handled in private, away from others.

As a result of being indirect Salvadorans may avoid telling the absolute truth if doing so might upset the person. For example, a simple “yes” may not mean ‘yes’ but indicate that the listener agrees or is merely acknowledging a point. It is important to learn to ask questions in several ways to ensure that you understand the response.

Business Meetings

At a first meeting, introduce senior people first and according to rank. Use titles for both your own personnel and your Salvadorian counterparts.

Meetings are structured. They generally start on time and run according to an agenda. Initial meetings will be spent indulging in conversation unrelated to business. It is important to invest this time in building a rapport and firming up the relationship. It is not uncommon for business discussions to be continued over a meal. If you are invited to share a meal you must accept as this is a sign the relationship is going places.

Decisions are generally made by the most senior person. Whether or not decisions are reached after consultation with key stakeholders is a matter of personal preference rather than a cultural nuance. Salvadorans place greater emphasis on their ‘gut-feeling’ rather than on facts and figures.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

Capital: Abuja

Population: 135,031,164

Ethnic Groups: over 250 ethnic groups including Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba 21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Language in Nigeria

The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages.

The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas.

Nigerian Society and Culture

Religion

Many religions are followed in Nigeria. The constitution guarantees religious freedom. Christians predominantly live in the south of the country, whereas Muslims live predominantly in the north. Native religions in which people believe in deities, spirits and ancestor worship, are spread throughout the country. Many Muslims and Christians may also intertwine their beliefs with more unorthodox indigenous ones.

The major Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are recognized as national holidays. Muslims observe Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and the two Eids. Working hours in the north often vary from those in the south so that Muslims do not work on their holy day, which is Friday.

National Pride

Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country. It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society. They are fond of the expression, "When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold."

The Family

Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.

Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families. Similarly a family's honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member. Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members.

Hierarchy

Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.

Etiquette and Customs in Nigeria

Map of Nigeria

Meeting People

  • The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile.
  • Men may place their left hand on the other person’s shoulder while shaking hands. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important.
  • As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process.
  • You must take the time to ask about the person’s health, the health of their family, or other social niceties.
  • Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting.
  • A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand.
  • Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
  • Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname.
  • Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname.
  • Always wait until invited before using someone’s first name.
  • When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • If invited to dinner at someone’s home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host.
  • A gift for the children is always a nice touch.
  • Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Never use the left hand only.
  • At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit.
  • Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the man’s mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself.
  • Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour.
  • Gifts are not always opened when received.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting and Greeting

  • Handshakes are the most common greeting.
  • Wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
  • Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings.
  • To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other person’s general well-being.
  • It is a good idea to lower your eyes when meeting someone who is older or more senior.
  • Titles are important. Use the honorific title plus any academic or professional title and the surname.
  • Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35.
  • Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
  • Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left.
  • It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card.
  • Make certain that your title is prominently displayed.
  • Never write on your business card. If the information has changed, have new cards printed.
  • Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder.

Nigerian Communication Style

Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, people’s communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten.

Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious.

Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Such social niceties go a long way since. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerian’s inner circle of family and close friends.

Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. Many use gestures when communicating. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship.

At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate.

In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Their logic is often contextual. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed.

Business Meetings

Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success.

Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality. Try to avoid using hyperbole or making exaggerated claims when presenting a business case as Nigerians are naturally suspicious of a deal that sounds too good to be true.

Team members should present a united front at meetings. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously.

If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. Nigerians will generally follow the agenda point by point and may want to consult with key stakeholders who will not be present prior to the meeting.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Central Europe, bordering Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km, Slovakia 215 km

Capital: Prague

Population: 10,246,178 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Czech 81.2%, Moravian 13.2%, Slovak 3.1%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%, Silesian 0.4%, Roma 0.3%, Hungarian 0.2%, other 0.5% (1991)

Religions: Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%, other 13.4%, atheist 39.8%

The Czech Language

95% of the population speak Czech. 3% of the population speak Slovak, which is closely related to Czech. 2% of the population speak Czech but are also mother tongue speakers of German, Hungarian, Romani and Polish.

Czech Society & Culturemap of czech republic

The Family

. The family is the centre of the social structure.
. Obligation to the family is a person's first priority.

Practicality

. Czechs prize forward thinking, logical, practical, and efficient.
. Careful planning, in both one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security.
. Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and to plan their life accordingly.

Privacy

. Czechs are private people until they get to know you.
. They are formal and reserved.
. Once you develop a personal relationship Czechs open up a bit, but they are never overly emotional.
. Although always polite, they seldom move to a first-name basis with people outside their extended family or very close friends.
. Czechs tend not to acknowledge people whom they do not know as they walk along the street or ride the train. Czech Etiquette and Customs

Meeting and Greeting

. Initial greetings are formal and reserved.
. Most greetings include a handshake, direct eye contact, and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name or an informal greeting, as these are all signs of friendship.
. The offer to move to the informal is generally offered by the woman, the older person, or the person of higher status.
. Moving to the informal without an invitation insults the person and may be viewed as an attempt to humiliate them.

Giving and Accepting Gifts

. If you are invited to dinner, bring a box of good quality chocolates, or flowers to the hostess or a bottle of wine or good brandy to the host.
. In general, you should be cautious about giving flowers, since people over the age of 35 often see flowers as having a romantic connotation.
. If you give flowers, give an odd number, but not 13, which is considered unlucky.
. Do not give calla lilies as they are used at funerals.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are visiting a Czech's house:

. Arrive on time.
. Remove your shoes..
. Expect to be treated with great honour and respect.
. Dress modestly and well.
. Do not discuss business. Czechs separate their business and personal lives.
. Table manners are rather formal in Czech Republic.
. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
. Unless the meal is formal, the napkin remains folded next to the plate. At formal meals, the napkin is unfolded and put on your lap.
. The oldest woman or honoured guest is generally served first.
. Always refuse second helpings the first time they are offered. Wait for the hostess to insist.
. Compliment the meal while you are eating. This allows the hostess to discuss the food and the preparation.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

etiquette in czech republic

Business Meetings

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in advance.
. Letters should be addressed to the company rather than a specific person. This prevents a letter from being held up if the person it is addressed to is away from the office.
. Do not try to schedule meetings on Friday afternoon as many Czechs leave for their country cottages after lunch.
. Many businesses close during August.
. Punctuality for meetings is taken extremely seriously.
. Initial meetings are scheduled to get to know each other and to see if your Czech associates believe that you are trustworthy. The first meeting may be with a gatekeeper rather than the actual decision maker.
. Expect some small talk and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed.
. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
. Do not remove your suit jacket unless the highest-ranking Czech does so.
. Presentations should be accurate, detailed and thorough.
. Have charts and figures to back up your claims.

Communication

. Czechs are both formal and somewhat indirect in their communication.
. They try not to purposely offend and will often go out of their way to protect someone's feelings.
. Czechs are non-confrontational and often take an indirect approach to business dealings.
. If they lower their eyes and become silent they are uncomfortable with something you have said.

Negotiating

. It will take several meetings for your Czech business associates to become familiar with you and appear comfortable and friendly. . Politeness prevents many Czechs from giving an absolute 'no'. However, statements such as 'It is difficult' or 'We will see' are often negatives.
. Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol.
. Business is hierarchical. Decision-making power is held at the top of the company. Decisions are reached slowly.
. It may take several visits to reach a decision.
. Avoid high-pressure tactics.
. Czechs generally offer what they expect to get and do not often give counter-offers.

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