Religions: predominately Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a
growing Muslim immigrant community
Government: republic
The Italian Language
Italian is the official language of Italy. Around 50% of population speak a regional slang.
Italian Society & Culture
Italian Family Values
. The family is the centre of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members.
. In the north, generally only the nuclear family lives together; while in the south, the extended family often resides together in one house.
. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.
Italian Style
. The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians.
. They are extremely fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance.
.Catholicism
. The primary religion in Italy is Roman Catholic.
. There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country.
. Although church attendance is relatively low, the influence of the church is still high.
. Many office buildings will have a cross or a religious statue in the lobby.
. Each day of the year has at least one patron saint associated with it.
. Children are named for a particular saint and celebrate their saint's day as if it were their own birthday.
. Each trade and profession has a patron saint.
. The church promulgates hierarchy, which can be seen in all Italian relationships.
. They respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who come from well-connected families
Etiquette & Customs in Italy
. Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
. The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
. Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
. Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
. Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
. Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
. If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
. Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
. If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.
. Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
. Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If invited to an Italian house:
. If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
. Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
. If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
. If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.
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.
. Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. Women may offer a toast.
. Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.
. Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
. Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
. If you do not want more wine, leave your wineglass nearly full.
Business Etiquette and Protocol in Italy
. Italians prefer to do business with people they know and trust.
. A third party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform from which to work.
. Italians much prefer face-to-face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy developing the relationship.
. Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you.
. Demeanour is important as Italians judge people on appearances and the first impression you make will be a lasting one.
. Italians are intuitive. Therefore, make an effort to ensure that your Italians colleagues like and trust you.
. Networking can be an almost full-time occupation in Italy. Personal contacts allow people to get ahead.
. Take the time to ask questions about your business colleagues family and personal interests, as this helps build the relationship
. Italians are extremely expressive communicators. They tend to be wordy, eloquent, emotional, and demonstrative, often using facial and hand gestures to prove their point.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in writing (in Italian) 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Reconfirm the meeting by telephone or fax (again in Italian).
. Many companies are closed in August, and if they are open many Italians take vacations at this time, so it is best not to try to schedule meetings then.
. In the north, punctuality is viewed as a virtue and your business associates will most likely be on time.
. The goal of the initial meeting is to develop a sense of respect and trust with your Italian business colleagues.
. Have all your printed material available in both English and Italian.
. Hire an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
. It is common to be interrupted while speaking or for several people to speak at once.
. People often raise their voice to be heard over other speakers, not because they are angry.
. Although written agendas are frequently provided, they may not be followed. They serve as a jumping off point for further discussions.
. Decisions are not reached in meetings. Meetings are meant for a free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their say.
Business Negotiation
. In the north, people are direct, see time as money, and get down to business after only a brief period of social talk.
. In the south, people take a more leisurely approach to life and want to get to know the people with whom they do business.
. Allow your Italian business colleagues to set the pace for your negotiations. Follow their lead as to when it is appropriate to move from social to business discussions.
. Italians prefer to do business with high-ranking people.
. Hierarchy is the cornerstone of Italian business. Italians respect power and age.
. Negotiations are often protracted.
. Never use high-pressure sales tactics.
. Always adhere to your verbal agreements. Failing to follow through on a commitment will destroy a business relationship.
. Heated debates and arguments often erupt in meetings. This is simply a function of the free-flow of ideas.
. Haggling over price and delivery date is common.
. Decisions are often based more on how you are viewed by the other party than on concrete business objectives.
Dress Etiquette
. Dressing well is a priority in Italy.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Elegant accessories are equally important for men and women.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged after the formal introduction.
. To demonstrate proper respect for the other person, look closely at their business card before putting it in your card holder.
. It is a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Italian.
. If you have a graduate degree, include it on your business card.
. Make sure your title is on your card. Italians like knowing how you fit within your organization.
