Etiquette tips and Values

Many Italian businesspeople place great value on first impressions. In the world of Italian business relations, practicing proper business etiquette is essential.

Here are some helpful tips for Italian business etiquette.

• Expect Italian colleagues to be demonstrative, talkative, and descriptive.
• Italians value personal relationships.
• Wear a few elegant accessories, this display of wealth translates to power in the business arena.
• Hire an Italian interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian, this will show respect for your Italian colleagues.
• Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
• Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
• The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
• When meeting Italians for the first time, it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect. Italians are guided by first impressions.

Many rules of Italian business etiquette are shaped by the values that they hold in high respect. Values that Italians honor include:

• Respect for authority
• Formality
• Certainty
• Loyalty
• Individuality
• Compassion