Introduction
The business and trade environment is known for being extremely diverse, a tendency that has persisted since the very beginning of when international trading relations started to form. Today, due to rapid development in the fields of communications and transportation, as well as the process of globalization, the business environment has become highly multicultural. Companies and organizations seeking to grow internationally need to master the skills of multicultural communication to succeed in negotiating business deals with representatives of other cultures and countries. It is, needless to say, just as with general etiquette and behavioral manners, business communications differ a great deal when it comes to the interactions between various cultures. In this paper, a review of the specific features of Russian business culture and communication will be presented along with an exploration of such aspects as ethical behaviors and norms, diversity, dress code in a business setting, and communication patterns.
Russian Business Culture
To provide an in-depth and accurate description of Russian business culture, it is critical to explore Russian psychology and identity that are tightly connected to the state’s background and history. As pointed out by Dyker, as one of the countries with a long history, Russia has a typical tendency of developing and maintaining a form of self-image that emphasizes the country’s and the nation’s unique status within world history (15). Besides, being the largest Christian Orthodox nation, Russians also like to think of their country as the leader of the Christian Orthodox world and the guardians of the sacred values of this religion. Naturally, these aspects of Russian mentality, alongside others, are present in Russian professionals’ relations to business affairs.
Russians are typically distrustful of foreigners and this can complicate business negotiations for an unprepared business person. Also, Russians treat their business affairs very seriously, and thus attempting to start informal communications or jokes at a business meeting could significantly damage a business person’s image from the perspective of their Russian counterparts (Crescente).
Moreover, in mentality, Russians are generally more transactional. As a result, business meetings with them are likely to be very straightforward and to the point, without establishing personal relations. Despite this though, connections are critical when doing business in Russia; in fact, a business person without credible connections will not be able to go far with their plans (“Guide to Russia”). Initiating business in Russia can be quite challenging for a Western individual who must remember that Western business standards and attitudes have only recently been integrated into Russia’s business environment (after the collapse of the Soviet Union). As such, their current corporate culture is very different from what is habitual in the West and represents a mixture of Russian traditions, views, and perceptions along with those of the West.
Diversity
Traveling to the Russian Federation, a business person needs to keep in mind that this is one of the largest and most geographically stretched countries in the world. As a result, it is rather diverse in terms of ethnic composition, time zone coverage, climate, and geographical landscape. Due to its history filled with conflicts and instability, the Russian business environment has been impacted by multiple different factors over the last century in particular. Therefore, today, it represents a mixture of the older authoritative leadership styles as well as more modern dynamic and innovative attitudes; a negotiator should always be prepared to meet with different types of business people from Russia – from a new-style visionary to an old-fashioned bureaucrat from the Soviet era (“Doing Business in Russia”).
The generation gap is very noticeable in this country as the groups of people who grew up before and after the collapse of the USSR have two very different kinds of worldviews. At the same time, a general homogeneity in Russian mentality can still be detected – a pattern of perceived isolation from the rest of the world and identity of a nation surrounded by hostile neighbors (probably, the lingering traits of the Soviet way of thinking) (Heinze). This mentality has penetrated the Russian business environment making people rather narrow and suspicious when dealing with foreign partners. It is entirely possible that during business negotiations and meetings, Russians could test the endurance of their foreign counterparts by being deliberately late; this is done because patience is seen as a key virtue in Russian culture (“Business Culture in Moscow”). Additionally, delays may occur due to the bureaucracy that slows down many processes and interactions. As a result, one must be prepared for any business meeting to take much more time than initially planned.
Moreover, persistence, integrity, and dedication are appreciated in Russian culture; therefore, negotiations may be lengthy and could turn beneficial after much time has been spent on discussing deals. Also, regardless of the apparent cold exterior, most Russians are warm-hearted, and value openness and honesty, seeing these as trust-winning characteristics (“Business Culture in Moscow”).
Ethical Behaviors and Norms
Another helpful way of winning the trust of Russian business negotiators is by paying respect to their titles and achievements. These are usually points of pride for their owners because they have been gained through a great deal of hard work (Crescente). Moreover, in most cases, Russian businesspeople communicate straightforwardly and prefer personal meetings to telephone calls and emails. However, when impersonal communication does take place, Russians usually speak in a brief, clear, and open style without any small talk or long introductions. Also, they do not linger on the telephone and hang up right after the main dissuasion is over (Crescente). Most Russians will not turn off their cell phones and answer their calls right in the middle of meetings or other professional or personal matters. Naturally, whenever a Russian partner is calling he or she will expect the person on the other end to pick up the phone; not answering the phone is seen as an act of disrespect (Crescente).
In Russia, flexibility is an expected trait. There is a high chance that things may not go according to a plan for many reasons. Russian counterparts will immediately adjust their schedules (very often they simply avoid making fixed long-term plans) and offer a new course of action; in turn, a foreign negotiator should be able to respond quickly and adapt to the new situation right away.
When making a presentation, one should approach the topic thoroughly; Russians usually expect a historical overview with the most prominent precedents mentioned before discussing the present reason for a meeting. Also, any printed materials and documents must be presented in two languages – English and Russian (“Russia Guide”).
Respect for titles, positions, and age is important in Russia; meetings often happen with people of similar ranks. Compromise is seen as a loss; in the Russian mentality, a win-win scenario does not exist, and negotiations will be treated as a win-lose activity (“Russia Guide”).
Dress Code in Business Organizations
There is a popular Russian saying that emphasizes the importance of the first impression made by one’s appearance; differently put, Russians will judge a book by its cover (“Russia Business Etiquette and Culture”). In that way, putting extra effort into one’s appearance will be appreciated. Men usually wear dark business suits, and women prefer dresses of conservative style without any bright colors. The quality and class of one’s outfit will also be taken as demonstrative of a person’s social status and rank.
Communication Patterns
When it comes to greetings, men will meet one another with a very firm handshake (a weak one will be judged and seen as a sign of disrespect), during which it is important to maintain direct eye contact (“Russia Guide”). Men usually do not shake hands with ladies because it is seen as an improper greeting for a woman. However, such greetings are not forbidden, and should a woman initiate this kind of gesture, a man will respond with a handshake that is less firm than he would give another man (“Russia Guide”).
Conclusion
Russian culture is very different from that of the West. Traveling to Russia to conduct business, one must be prepared to face all the peculiarities of this country. Sometimes it can be challenging to fit in with the demanding and competitive Russian business environments. However, with the right approach and a good deal of persistence, a foreign business person can quickly succeed in becoming accustomed to new situations and be able to manage their business negotiations with confidence.
Works Cited
“Business culture in Moscow.” Expatica, 2017. Web.
Crescente, Joe. “12 Business Etiquette Tips You Need to Know to Succeed in Russia.” Russia Direct, 2014. Web.
“Doing Business in Russia.” Today Translations, 2017. Web.
Dyker, David A. Economic Policy Making and Business Culture: Why Is Russia So Different? World Scientific, 2012.
Heinze, Aleksej. “Business Meeting Protocol and Etiquette in Russia”. Business Culture, 2014. Web.
“Russia Business Etiquette and Culture.” Cyborlink, 2012. Web.
“Russia Guide.” Comisceo Global, 2017. Web.