ETR:3 Do And Don’t in ITALY

Do's and Dont's

Career Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad. Do's and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries, find them all here.


ITALY

GREETINGS
• Use "Signore" (Mr.) and "Signora" (Mrs.), plus the family name, when introduced to strangers
• Do not use first names until you are invited to do so
• Between executives and subordinates, first names are not used in Italian business culture
• A male university graduate is given the title of "Dottore", while the female equivalent is "Dottoressa." Even if you're only assuming a person is a graduate, it's usually appreciated if you use this title, as it confers respect
• Italian business etiquette requires that personal and professional titles be used constantly, whether in casual conversation or formal writing
• If you have to summon a server or clerk, you may use the phrase "senta", which means, generally, "please come here.”

PUNCTUALITY ALERTS!
• Familiarity is important in Italian business culture, ensure that you find a well-connected contact that can establish the right introductions on your behalf
• Italians are not very punctual. However, as a visitor, you must arrive on time. Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes before your Italian counterpart appears.
• Northern business hours are usually 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, a lot of businesses are open Saturday mornings
• In central and southern Italy, business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. then 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday. The southern business pace is usually less intense
• In many cities, such as Rome, there is a long break lasting as long as two hours, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Business is often discussed during this break, over lunch
• Generally, the best times to plan appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and after 3:00 p.m
• Summer vacation periods are between August and September, avoid any appointments during this period. If you write for an appointment in mid-July, you may not receive a satisfactory reply until September

CONVERSATION WITH ITALIANS
Talk about:
- 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

Don’t talk about:
- Religion/the Vatican and its policies
- Politics
- Taxes
- The Mafia
- World War II
- Criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so
- Questions about private family concerns
- Italian stereotypes

ITALIAN DRESSING
• Dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations
• Men wear sophisticated ties with well-cut dark suits
• Their accessories include cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches
• Choose only quality fabrics, such as lightweight wools and silks
• Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance
• Darker, subdued shades are preferred
• Shorts are unacceptable in public

BUSINESS ATTITUDE
• Italians generally prefer to do business with only the most important people in any organization
• The use of business cards is common and you should have your card translated into Italian on the reverse side
• Ensure that any advanced educational degrees and your full title or position are featured on both sides of your business card
• Present a warm, dignified demeanour during the meeting
• Bring a carefully planned, logically organized proposal to the meeting
• All presentation materials and packaging should be aesthetically pleasing
• Hierarchy is key, especially in larger traditional Italian businesses
• There is tremendous respect for power, as well as age
• In Italian business culture, most decisions are made in “closed quarters” by various people, not just the highest figure in authority.

BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT
• Don't refuse an invitation to dining in a restaurant because Italian hospitality plays an important role in business life
• Don't drink too much since Italians consider wine as a food to be sipped
• Ask your Italian client's secretary to suggest a favourite restaurant
• When dining, keep both hands above the table, not one resting on the lap. · Use your knife to pick up cheese, and don't eat any fruit except grapes or cherries with your hand
• The most common toast is "salute" (to your health), or, more informally, "cin-cin.”
• White wine (bianco) is typically served with appetizers or fish, while red wine (Rosa) usually accompanies appetizers and meats. A sweeter wine may be served with dessert
• The most honoured position is at the middle of each side of the table, with the individual of the greatest importance seated to the immediate right of the host

GESTURES
• A sign of defiance and/or derision is stroking your fingertips under your chin and thrusting them forward
• Holding your hand palm down with the index and little fingers straight out, and the others curved inward, symbolized the devil's horns, and the message is to ward off evil. If the same gesture is done with the fingers pointing upward, it is an obscene message

GIFT-GIVING
• Business gifts are sometimes given at a senior managerial level
• Gifts like liquors or delicacies, or crafts from the visitor's country are appropriate. Don't give gifts that are obviously a vehicle for your company's logo
• If you are invited to someone's home, bring gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries or flowers
• Never give an even number of flowers. Don't give chrysanthemums since they are used for funerals. Don't give a brooch, handkerchiefs, or knives since they connote sadness.