Rvo, Monday, 2 October 2017
Each country has certain rules of conduct that you must take into account when doing business.
Below you will find some rules of conduct that belong to Slovakia's business culture.
First encounter
Give a firm handshake.
Older Slovakian business partners are initially aloof and distant. This is usually less the case for younger Slovak businesspeople.
Greeting
When you meet a woman, wait for her to extend her hand.
Do not use the first name of your business partner. A Slovakian indicates when you can call each other by your first name.
Communication Style
Slovaks communicate reasonably directly, but how directly depends on the importance of the person they have in front of them.
Communicate formally to new business relations. Once trust has arisen, the relationship becomes a little less formal and detached.
Meeting culture
A meeting is usually chaired and organized by the senior employee.
The meeting usually revolves around the review of decisions taken. Brainstorming and discussions are almost non-existent.
Meetings often do not have a fixed agenda.
A meeting can last indefinitely long and end when there is nothing left to discuss. The duration plays a minor role.
It is wise not to talk about political or Slovak-Hungarian issues during a meeting. You can only do this if you are aware of the political views
of your relationship.
Business cards
Exchanging business cards takes place in an informal atmosphere.
Slovaks appreciate business cards printed on one side in the Slovak language.
This article of
is based on
. Translated from the Dutch language by Jos Deuling.