Student Leadership

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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