Italy Customs of the Country Amanda Mains TWC 347

About O Language: Italian O Ethnicities: Italian, German, French, Slovene, Albanian and Greek Italians. O Religion: Majority Roman Catholic, some Protestant and Jewish members. O Government: Republican

Social Customs O No calls during 2-4pm due to napping. O Italians are more formal than imagined O Being well dressed is a priority.  Dark colored suits for men.  Business suits or a modest dress for women.  Accessories for both. O Formal greetings:  “Good day” (Buongiorno)  Single pump hand shake  Pleased to meet you” (Molto lieto)

Business Customs O Always shake hands when meeting and departing. O Be punctual however, Italians are relaxed about tardiness with a good reason. O Appearances and Dress are a big deal for Italians. Their impressions are through their clothes. How you dress speaks what kind of person you are. O Cross culture skills strengthen business potential. O Business cards should be exchanged. O Italians like to know something personal about you before doing business. O Ask about their personal lives, business etc. to build relationships. O Appointments should be written in Italian and scheduled about 2-3 weeks in advance.

Holidays O Business is usually low from August till about mid January due to Holidays. O Italians celebrate Saint’s holidays as birthdays. O Italians celebrate Italian holidays, history, religious and festivals.  April 25-Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day). O Some of these holidays reflect those celebrated in other countries.  New years=Capodanno

Body Language O Italians use their personal space to interpret a friendly or hostile interaction.  Arms crossed for example O Once on a more intimate level air kisses on both cheeks or kisses on the hand for women. Men usually receive a pat on the back. O No elbows on the table during a meal, but no hands on lap either.

Dining O Hospitality O Invitations to a meal are expected for business meetings. O Most honored guest sits at the right of the host or at middle of the table. O Dishes are passed to the left O Host always pays O No electronic devices O If wine is involved, don’t drink until host has made a toast. O If a second drink isn’t offered the meal is over.