Contemporary Greek culture and traditions are very rich and diverse, great levels of prosperity that resulted in an unprecedented cultural boom, lifestyle, the Greek perspective on the world, Greek music, food, customs and.
Table of contents
- List of traditions and superstisions
- Greece Guide
- Greece culture
- Culture in Greece and society today - leondumoulin.nl
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If you absolutely have to refuse for one reason or another, try to explain why and the host will understand. Asking for another serving will delight the hosts, as it is considered a compliment to their cooking skills. However, portions are usually big and there are often several side dishes on the table at any one time.
Guests are considered a part of the family as far as meal time is concerned, which means that they can and should eat or at least try whatever is on the table. Offering to help with setting the table or cleaning the dishes will be appreciated, but your help will not be accepted so do not insist too much. Though Greeks maintain a professional attitude during business meetings, it is important to know the cultural points that dictate such affairs.
First and foremost, personal relationships are the foundation on which any business dealings are built. Greeks vastly prefer face-to-face meetings rather than communicating over the phone or by email, as this helps to establish a personal connection with a potential business partner. The dress code is European standard. It may take quite some time to develop such relationships. First impressions are of paramount importance. Under no circumstances should you appear dishonest or discourteous.
List of traditions and superstisions
Whilst they are getting to know you, Greek businessmen will almost surely invite you to have lunch, dinner, or coffee. All three are important social interactions in Greece so you should always accept these invitations wherever possible.
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During a business lunch, you should once again expect a lot of discussions, which may not necessarily be focused on business. Alcoholic drinks will often be offered, particularly traditional Greek ones, such as ouzo, or wine. Do not try to push an agenda or steer discussions towards business. Instead, allow them to introduce the topic of their own accord and show an interest in any topics that they might bring up. Respect for hierarchy is crucial and identifying the decision-makers is an important step.
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During business negotiations and management, being patient will go a long way towards earning the respect of Greek businessmen. Presenting your material, including business cards, in both Greek and English will be greatly appreciated. Even though most businessmen will be able to communicate in Greek, having a liaison or interpreter is recommended in some cases.
Several areas of Greece are hubs of multi-culturalism, owing both to large waves of immigration and a heavy focus on tourism. The economic crisis has strongly affected Greece due to decades of overspending, poor planning, and high levels of corruption. Today, the economic landscape is sub par when compared to the rest of Europe. Unemployment rates are very high compared to other European countries and finding a job without being familiar with the Greek language will be a very difficult task for most.
Greece Guide
Those who already have an offer from a business located in a major city will find that the standard of living is still very high despite the economic difficulties of the region. Cultural and social events still form the basis of social interaction in Greece and hindrances in the economic sector have limited but not severed such elements.
In tourist destinations, it is very common for foreigners to be employed on a temporary, seasonal basis in the various restaurants, bars, and cafeterias. Importantly, familiarity with the Greek language is not required in the vast majority of such positions. Tourist destinations attract a considerable number of visitors from countries all over the world and so English and possibly a second language are often the only desired qualifications.
Aside from the workplace, learning some Greek will be very beneficial to expats in everyday social interactions. Outside of tourist areas, shops often employ Greek people who may or may not speak English, and so basic communication skills in Greek are usually required for transactions.
Furthermore, the Greek people are very appreciative of foreigners who make an effort to learn the Greek language, as they understand it is a particularly difficult one. The relaxed attitude of the Greeks applies to every area of life.
Bureaucracy in Greece can be particularly frustrating, especially since most items are written in Greek and workers might not be able to communicate in any other language. We have a team of expert Greek translators who will help with any business translation needs or any other language translation services.
Contact us for more information and quotes. Describe request your message here Please be patient when uploading files - the page will automatically refresh once complete. About 78 percent of the estimated population lives within urban zones. Around 93 percent of the population is Greek. Minority groups include Turks, Albanians, Bulgarians, Armenians, and others. Table manners 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.
Greece culture
The oldest person is generally served first. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating. Accepting a second helping compliments the host. Expect a great deal of discussion. Meals are a time for socializing. It is considered polite to soak up gravy or sauce with a piece of bread.
People often share food from their plate. Finish everything on your plate. Put your napkin next to your plate when you have finished eating. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right. The host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. They maintain an intricate web of family and friends to call upon for business assistance since they can be confident of their trustworthiness.
Nepotism is not viewed negatively and it is very common for relatives to work for the same company. Greeks prefer face-to-face meetings rather than doing business by telephone or in writing, which are seen as too impersonal. It takes time to develop relationships: Never say or do anything that can be construed as challenging the honour or integrity of a business colleague. Under no circumstances should you publicly question someone's statements. Greeks do not like people who are pretentious or standoffish.
Although business is relaxed, it is also serious. Acting informal before a relationship has developed is considered discourteous. If your Greek business colleagues become quiet and withdrawn, you may have said or done something to upset them. Business Meeting Etiquette Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, although it is often possible to schedule them on short notice. Confirm meetings one day in advance by telephone. Many businesspeople eat lunch between 1 and 3 p. Quite often it is not until the third meeting that business is actually conducted.
During the first meeting your Greek business colleagues will want to get to know something about you as a person.
Culture in Greece and society today - leondumoulin.nl
The second meeting is used to develop trust and mutual respect. By the third meeting, business may begin. Have printed material available in both English and Greek. Meetings are often interrupted. Several people may speak at the same time. Greeks will deviate from agendas. They view agendas as starting points for discussions and will then follow the discussion to the next logical place.
Although some business people speak English, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter. Business Negotiation Forming a personal relationship is critical to developing a successful business relationship. Greeks respect age and position. Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled. Demonstrate how your product or service enhances your colleague's reputation.
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Do not lose your temper or appear irritated during business discussions. Greeks are skilled negotiators. They quite enjoy haggling.