taly Introduction
Officially called the Republic of Italy, Italy is located in southern Europe, and has a population of roughly 58.2 million. Italy has much to offer its citizens and visitors. Surrounded by the four seas of the Mediterranean, Italy is famous for its coastline activities. Italy also has a mountain range with elevations over 13,500 feet for the skiing and hiking enthusiast. Italy has no official religion, though the majority of Italy's citizens are Roman Catholic.
Italy Fun Fact
Italy is currently the home of three active volcanoes; Stromboli, Vesuvius, and Etna.
The Vatican City, the home of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, is located within the city of Rome and is considered a separate state completely. The Vatican has its own currency, flag, and stamps, although the Euro can be used.
Italy Appearance
International Business Dress and Appearance Fashions and fashion design are trademarks of Italy. Therefore, in the business world, good clothes are a signature of success.
International Business Dress and Appearance Men should wear fashionable, high quality suits.
International Business Dress and Appearance Shirts may be colored or pin-striped, and they should be paired with an Italian designer tie.
International Business Dress and Appearance Women dress in quiet, expensive elegance.
International Business Dress and Appearance Slacks are generally not worn by either sex.
International Business Dress and Appearance Quality accessories such as shoes and leather goods will make a good impression with the Italians.
Italy Behavior
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Italian history has played a crucial role in the modern business world.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Some of their contributions include banking, insurance, and double-entry bookkeeping.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture "Time is money" is not a common phrase in Italy.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Foreign businessmen/women should be punctual for business appointments, although the Italian executive may not be.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Handshakes are common for both sexes, and may include grasping the arm with the other hand.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Do not expect quick decisions or actions to take place, as the Italian bureaucracy and legal systems are rather slow.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Italian companies often have a rigid hierarchy, with little visible association between the ranks.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture It is common for everyone to speak simultaneously at Italian gatherings. This applies to business meetings as well as social events.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Do not exchange business cards at social occasions; but it is the norm at business functions and meetings.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Italians often have two different business cards, one with business credentials for formal relationships, and another with personal information for less formal relationships.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Italian cards are often plain white with black print.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture When entering a business function, the most senior or eldest person present should always be given special treatment.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture When invited to someone's home, bring gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries, or flowers. Flowers must be given in even numbers, except for a dozen (12) or half-dozen (6), especially if roses.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture If you bring wine as a gift, make sure that it is of excellent vintage, as many Italians are wine connoisseurs.
International business behavior, introductions, gift giving, protocol, culture Avoid giving anything in a quantity of 17, as 17 is considered to be bad luck, or a doomed number.
Italy Communications
International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Italian is the official language, although there are many diverse dialects.
International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions English is spoken by many businesspeople.
International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Avoid talking about religion, politics, and World War II.
International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions At social gatherings, it is considered insulting to ask someone you have just met about their profession.
International Business Communication, handshaking, introductions Good conversational topics include Italian culture, art, food, wine, family, and films.