The savvy business person knows it's best to research Russian business etiquette before making the trip to Russia.
Russians are known for being generous and welcoming to foreigners visiting their country. For the business traveler who is visiting Russia to secure a deal, visit a satellite office, or is going to Russia for work, there are just a few things regarding business etiquette in Russia to keep in mind.
Business Etiquette in Russia: Business Meetings
- For introductions, Russian business etiquette is the same as the American custom of giving a firm handshake and making direct eye contact upon first meeting.
- Russians always shake hands after passing through the threshold of the door frame. People should never attempt to shake hands through the threshold, as this is considered both bad manners and bad luck.
- Business travelers must learn and memorize the full names of the Russians with whom they will be communicating. Russians have three names: First name, patronymic and last name. In a business situation, visitors should address their Russian colleagues by all three names unless they say differently.
- Visitors should always be punctual for their business appointments, but should not be too angry if their Russian counterparts are late. This is common.
- Russian business etiquette dictates that all people attending business meetings must be dressed conservatively and nicely. Dressing in expensive (or expensive-looking) suits is sure to impress. This goes for women and men, both. Shoes absolutely must be polished to a gleaming shine.
Business Etiquette in Russia: Dinner Meetings
- Visitors should never refuse food or alcohol unless they have a serious health problem that prevents them from eating or drinking certain things.
- Russian business etiquette dictates that people should not begin eating until the host does.
- Vodka is properly drunk in one gulp, between courses, and at the direction of the dinner host.
- When invited to a Russian’s house for business purposes or other, visitors should always bring an edible gift. Alcohol, fruit, nuts, chocolate and jams are good gifts to the host.
- If a visitor is invited to a Russian’s house, the visitor will be fed until he or she is stuffed. It’s polite leave some food on the plate, to indicate that the host has provided more than enough food.
- It's common practice for all people who enter a private home to remove their shoes. Visitors should plan ahead and wear clean socks.
Business Etiquette in Russia: Negotiating
- Russians are not big on compromising, as this is seen as a sign of weakness. Patience is the key in negotiating in Russian.
- The small talk in Western meetings that precedes actual business negotiations is also practiced in Russian business etiquette rules.
- Visitors should insist that all documents are in English and Russian. Westerners should also make the effort of having their business cards and all other business materials translated, as well.
The Russians are very forgiving to their Western colleagues who don't know Russian culture, and will overlook many faux pas. But they will greatly appreciate the foreigner who comes to their country and knows a bit about Russian business etiquette. And this may help the business traveler in many ways.
Learn more about Russian Culture and Etiquette and don't forget to check out 12 Etiquette Tips for People Visiting Russia.
The copyright of the article Business Etiquette in Russia in Russia Travel is owned by Eve Lopez. Permission to republish Business Etiquette in Russia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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