Info4Migrants
CROATIA Country profile
Project number: UK/13/LLP-LdV/TOI-615 56,594 km2
POPULATION 4,284 mln
GDP per capita $18,314 CURRENCY Croatian kuna (HRK)
Language CROATIAN COUNTRY BACKGROUND
HUNGARY SLOVENIA Zagreb CROATIA
BOSNIA - HERZEGOVINA
Geographical position: Croatia extends from the foothills of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian Plain in the east, over the Dinara mountain range in its central region, to the Adriatic coast in the south. There are 1,185 islands, the largest ones are Krk and Cres. 67 islands are inhabited.
National Flag Capital: Zagreb with 779,145 inhabitants
Climate in Croatia: Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate.
Population of Croatia: 89% Croats. National minorities include Serbs, Muslims, Slovenes, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and others.
Official language: Croatian 96%, other 4% (Serbian, Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) Coat of arms Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 1.3%, other and unspecified 0.9%, none 5.2% (2001 census)
3 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CROATIA FACTS
Religion Most Croatians are Roman Catholic, and religion is a unifying factor of Croatian culture. Though religion is not discussed in the workplace, Catholicism has a great impact on everyday life and many businesses close for Roman Catholic holidays. Each town and city has a patron saint and celebrates the saint’s feast day with ceremonies and festivals. Catholic reli- gion has also played a large part in the historical and cultural development of Croatia, and continues to be seen in every- day Croatian life.
National Pride Croatians are very proud of their country and heritage and can take criticism personally. Because of this, Croatians may come off as being haughty and pretentious and can seem slightly arrogant to foreigners. Croatians feel a strong sense of nationalism after years of foreign control, and often refer to their country as ‘Our Beautiful Homeland’.
Currency Croatia’s currency, Kuna, was named after Kuna, a small rodent, whose fur was used for payment in the region many centuries ago. The animal is called ‘Marten’ in English. Kuna is subdivided into 100 lipa. The word lipa means “linden (lime) tree”.
Tie During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, the traditional small, knotted neckerchiefs worn by Croa- tian mercenaries aroused the interest of Parisians who for some reason immediately took to the new fashion accessory. The term for this new trend, cravat, derives from the Croatian word.
4 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CROATIA FACTS
Famous inventions Croatian Slavoljub Penkala invented a mechanical pencil in 1906. The patent was registered in 35 countries and his company TOZ–Penkala is still in operation today in Zagreb.
The world’s first torpedo was built Constructed by Ivan Lu- pis Vukic in Rijeka Istria in the 19th century. was the worlds first torpedo.
Ivan Vucetic, criminologist and anthropologist, was born on the island of Hvar (later emigrated in to Argentina, and was known as Juan). He became was the pioneer of scientific dactiloscopy (identification by fingerprints), and his meth- ods of identification are used worldwide.
Economic situation Croatia has successfully established macroeconomic stabilisation. Though the state still has a large presence in the economy, GDP is rising and the Croatian market is experiencing moderate expansion. Croatia spent the first five years of its independence fighting the presence of the Serbian military, and has only recently begun to improve living standards and to make critical economic changes. Tourism and an increase in consumer spending have also refined Croatia’s economic climate. A member of NATO and the UN, Croatia also joined the EU in July 2013.
Humour Croatians enjoy irony and dark humour and will often laugh at difficult situations and personal flaws. Croatians find humour in sarcasm and do not typically change their tone of voice or facial expression when telling a joke. For these reasons, it can be difficult for foreigners to understand Croatian humour. Croatians tend to tease others, especially foreigners, but mean no ill intent and expect you to behave the same towards them.
5 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CROATIA FACTS
Nikola Tesla Arguably the greatest genius of the 20th century, Nikola Tesla was born in modern-day Croatia. While he was born of Serbian parents, Tesla is celebrated around the country, from statues to events in his honour. He developed the alternating current method of delivering electricity (AC) as well asand power generation systems by which almost all electrical power is still delivered today. Tesla developed the processes that led to the radio as well as other forms of wireless deliv- ery. Neon and fluorescent lighting, the radar, faxes and other Tesla’s other ideas were yearsfar ahead of his time.
Language Before 18th century, Croats used an alphabet which was called “glagoljica” or Glagolitic. Modern Croatian uses the Latin alphabet and is a standardized variety of the Ser- bo-Croatian language used principally in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian province of Vojvodina and other neighbouring countries.
The Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian languages are all very similar in the spoken form. In fact, they differ even less than American, British, and Australian English do from one another. All three languages share three primary dialects, and differ primarily in terms of vocabulary. As far as the written language, differences exist in that Serbian uses a Cyrillic alphabet while Croatian uses a Latin alphabet. The Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian languages are all very similar in the spoken form. In fact, they differ even less than American, British, and Australian English do from one another. All three languages share three primary dialects, and differ primarily in terms of vocabulary. As far as the written language, differences exist in that Serbian uses a Cyrillic alphabet while Croatian uses a Latin alphabet.
6 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1 January: New Year’s Day Moveable date – 60 days day that God assumed the New Year’s Day is a pub- post Easter, Corpus Christi Virgin Mary into Heaven lic holiday in many places Corpus Christi is a Christian following her death. around the world and Croa- observance that honors the tia is no exception. Holy Eucharist. 8 October: Independence Day 6 January: Epiphany 22 June: It and marks the day in 1991 Epiphany is celebrated to Anti-Fascist Struggle Day when the Croatian parlia- commemorate the visit of It marks the beginning of the ment decided to terminate the Biblical Magi to the Baby uprising of Croatian anti-fas- the constitutional links Jesus. cist Partisans against Ger- between Croatia and Yugo- man and Italian occupying slavia. Moveable Sunday in spring: forces. Easter Sunday 1 November: All Saints’ Day The resurrection of Jesus 25 June: Statehood Day On this day people light can- Christ is celebrated on Easter It is a day to celebrate the dles and visit the graves of Day. country’s 1991 declaration deceased relatives. of independence from Yugo- Moveable Monday in slavia. 25 December: Christmas spring: Easter Monday Christmas is a family holiday Easter Monday is the day 5 August: spent together with family following Easter Day. Victory and Homeland and loved ones. Thanksgiving Day and the 1 May: May Day Day of Croatian defenders 26 December: Many public events are or- It is held as a memorial to St. Stephen’s Day ganized all over the country, the War of Independence This day commemorates and military style bean soup (1991-1995). the life of St. Stephen, a is given out to all people as Christian deacon in Jerusa- a symbol of a real workers’ 15 August: lem who was known for his dish as well as red carna- Assumption of Mary service to the poor and his tions as a symbol of blood of The feast day of the Assump- status as the first Christian fallen workers. tion of Mary celebrates the martyr.
7 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Croatia has become an increasingly popular tourist hotspot over the last few years. In 2012, Croatia had 11.8 million tourist visitors, and in 2013 over 14 million tourists and 73.25 million nights. With its rocky, indented shore and more than a thousand islands, Croatia boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that Europe has to offer. In addition, many of Croatia’s coastal towns and cities have a fascinating history and are filled with the historical remains of Roman and Venetian times.
Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Croatia and the Mediterra- nean. In the Middle Ages, it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice and achieved a remarkable level during the 15th and 16th centuries. Dubrovnik boasts spec- tacular churches, monasteries, fountains and the famous walls that surround the old city.
The Plitvice Lakes are considered to be one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Europe. This system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it are fa- mous for their unique colors and a wide variety of rare animal and bird species.
Hvar town, set in a picturesque natural bay, with the Pakleni island chain protecting it to the south, is a popular port for yachts sailing around the Adriatic, especially in the sum- mer months.
The area around Rovinj city has been described as an “outstanding scenic wonder” be- cause of the pristine beauty of the indented coastline and its forests.
The sixth largest Croatian island, Korcula is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. The ancient Korcula city is among the most beautiful towns on the Croatian coast and is known for the alleged house of birth of Marco Polo.
The amphitheater in Pula is the sixth largest surviving Roman arena and one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Croatia. The Pula Arena was built around the 1st century AD and could seat over 26,000 spectators.
The island of Mljet is one of the larger islands off the coast of Southern Croatia. With 72% of the island covered by forests and the rest dotted by fields, vineyards and small villages, Mljet is a perfect place to relax.
The 6th century Euphrasian Basilica is the top attraction of Poreč, a 2,000 year old town in Istria. It is one of the best examples of early Byzantine architecture in the Mediterranean region and has retained its original shape, though accidents have altered a few details.
8 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CROATIAN FOOD
Croatian cuisine is as diverse as the country’s past. The turbulent history of differ- ent nations’ influences (ancient Greeks and Romans, Italians, Turks, French) left its mark on both culture and food. Croatian cuisine can be divided into coastal and interior, the first being more Mediterranean, and the latter more continental.
1. Pršut is a dry-cured ham, an essential part of every type of celebration in Croatia and every restaurant menu. Traditionally it is cut in thin, long slices and served with cheese and olives as an entree or a healthy snack in between meals.
2. Paški sir is cheese from Pag Island made entirely from milk produced by sheep grazing freely local sparse grass, various herbs and aromatic plants. The result of all this is its special flavor which has been rec- ognized globally and awarded year after year. During its preservation it is coated with olive oil and wrapped in cloth. The most popular varieties of Paški sir are the mature ones due to their strong, distinctive taste. Tradi- tionally it is cut in thick triangle slices and served with pršut, or grated over seafood pasta.
3. Ispod peke is a term describing a meth- od of food preparation. The cook puts ingredients (in most cases it’s lamb, octo- pus or veal, paired with seasoned potatoes) into a stone oven under a heavy metal cover, placing the hot coals on its top. The ingredi- ents are left to cook slowly in their own juices.
4. Pašticada is a traditional meat dish from Dalmatia. Beef is the main ingredient which is marinated for 24 hours in red wine, garlic and various herbs such as rosemary and sage, before cooking it for a few hours. Its taste is enriched with dry plums, carrots, onions, cloves and nutmeg, and therefore the re- sulting sauce is thick, dark and rich in flavors. Traditionally pašticada is served with home- made potato gnocchi.
9 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CROATIAN FOOD
5. Crni rižot is a black seafood risotto with cuttlefish and squid as main ingredients. Its name and black color are a result of squids’ ink which gives this delicacy its distinctive Mediterranean flavor and personality. Traditionally it is sprinkled with grated cheese.
6. Riba na gradele i blitva is traditionally the most common combination in Dalmatia: mixed grilled fish paired with chard boiled with potatoes. Fresh fish prepared on gradele (i.e. grilled on woodfire), seasoned with garlic, parsley and olive oil, is something you’ll see locals preparing all along the coast. It is not the rule, but in most cases people round it with sweet tasting chard, an ideal vegetable for hot summer days. This is one of those Croatian dishes which perfectly embody Dalmatian tradition of simple yet delicious quali- ty food.
7. Brudet is a fish stew traditionally made in Istria and Dalmatia. It ismade of several types of fish, put in layers in a single pot and cooked in tomato sauce. You’re not allowed to stir the ingredients but only shake the pot from time to time. The dish is prepared at low tem-peratures, allowing the fish to cook slowly in its own juices. Traditionally brudet is served with thick, gold polenta.
8. Tartufiare truffles, rare and highly valued mushrooms. They grow underground and only specially trained dogs can locate them. Though small and unsightly, they are of su- perb, distinctive flavor and fragrance. Traditionally in Istria, slivers of white or black truffle garnish the taste and look of omelettes, pastas and venison sauces.
9. Fuži i pljukanci are yet another dish traditional for Istria. It is actually a homemade pasta which comes in various sorts, of which fuži and pljukanci are the most famous ones. They are completely handmade and hand-rolled. In most cases, they are served either with tartufi or some sort of thick game sauce. The most popular traditional combination is with boškarin sauce – a sort of ox native to Istria.
10. Janjetina s ražnja, or lamb on the spit, is the most popular method of preparing lamb in Croatia. The whole lamb is rotated slowly above hot coals, resulting in succulent roast meat no one can resist. Traditionally it is served very simply – with green salad and scal- lions.
10 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA AMAZING FACTS
• Croatoa was founded in the first half of the 7th century on the ruins of the Roman Em- pire.
• Dubrovnik, being an independent state at that time, was the first nation to formally -rec ognize the United States as a nation when it declared independence from Great Britain.
• Hum in Istria, with a varying population of 18 – 23 people, holds the Guinness World Re- cord for being the smallest town in the world.
• Almost 10% of Croatia is made up of 11 nature parks, eight national parks and two na- ture reserves.
• The White House in the USA was built using stones from the Island of Brač (as well as the Parliament building and New Palace in Vienna, Austria, the parliament building in Bu- dapest, Hungary and the Diocletian palace in Split).
• The oldest university of Croatia is the University of Zagreb, established in 1669.
• The Dalmatian dogs got their names from the south coastal region called Dalmatia.
• Croatia is the homeland of the world re- nowned traveler Marco Polo, who was born in the island of Korčula in 1254.
• The first hydro power plant was “Iskrice”, made in Šibenik and built on Krka river in 1895.
• In Croatia, people can start voting at the age of 16 if they have a job, but have to wait until they turn 18 if they are unemployed.
• In the Dinaric Alps in Croatia lives the Olm (Proteus anguinus); it is the only cave-dwelling chordate species found in Europe. This creature can survive ten years without food and lives blind and in the dark.
11 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA IMPORTANT TIPS
Communication Style Working relationships in Croatia • Generally Croatians’ communicate in a Croatians are personable and will want to direct and straightforward manner, but know about your family and where you are there is, however, an emphasis on being re- from. Do not talk about money or person- spectful and diplomatic so as not to offend al problems – Croatians view this as a sign anyone. of weak character, and the discussion will • Many Croatian people speak in a loud leave your colleagues feeling uneasy. voice and have an animated communica- tion style. Softly spoken people may be Personal space is important, but a large dis- seen as lacking in confidence. tance indicates dislike. Eye contact is also • Humour is often used in communication essential and is viewed as a sign of respect. and is not meant to be offensive but a way Croatians are often direct and view of making light of difficult situations or a soft-spoken or shy people as vulnerable and person’s flaws, and it is common to respond weak. in a similar fashion. Business practices in Croatia Non Verbal Communication Meetings are often lengthy and do not • Personal space is usually respected in Cro- tend to follow an agenda. Small talk usu- atian culture. People generally don’t touch ally precedes negotiations at meetings. It each other when communicating until a is important to initially build a relationship familiar relationship is established. before discussing business matters. • Direct eye contact is usually expected and appreciated. Avoiding eye contact can be Personal titles taken as a sign you do not like the person; Most professionals are addressed accord- however, making eye contact with eyes ing to their qualification or their position wide open can suggest that a person does at work. Titles according to education are not agree with what is being said. Bachelor (prvostupnik), Master (magistar struke), Doctor of Science or Doctor of Working practices in Croatia Arts (dr. sc. or dr. art.), Doctor of Medicine Croatians are very fashion-conscious and (doktor medicine). If you are unsure of will always dress according to the latest titles, use “Gospodin” for Mr, “Gospodja” western styles. Croatians dress to reflect for Mrs and “Gospodična” for Miss). Only their level of professionalism. close friends and family members tend to use first names. Never address someone by Deadlines are more flexible than in western their first name without being invited to do business culture, and work is often finished so. at the last minute.
12 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA DOS AND DON’TS
DOS CULTURAL TABOOS Do show respect towards everyone you As Croatians like to know their new ac- meet, including people that you do not quaintances and business partners very know, as Croatians will often acknowledge well there might be some mixing of busi- strangers in passing. ness with pleasure, but try not to over- step the boundaries. Do ask Croatians for their opinions on the subject matter at hand, as they will be It is important to avoid: happy to assist you and this will help you • mixing confidential and intimate discus- earn their trust. sion on personal and business level • personal financial questions Do translate one side of your business • any subject or question that might show card into Croatian. While not a necessity, that you have lost respect for them or that this shows respect and will impress your may cause them to lose respect for you. Croatian business partners. • discussions concerning the political and military history of Yugoslavia, collapse of DON’TS communism, the war in Bosnia-Herzegov- Don’t discuss religion, war, and other for- ina (1992-1995), and anything related to mer Yugoslavian ethnicities. These sub- war crimes. jects are taboo in Croatian culture. • raising the thumb, index, and middle finger at once, because it is a Serbian Don’t openly criticise your Croatian col- gesture and is connected to Serbian na- leagues. Croatians are very proud and tionalism. easily offended, so make suggestions • discussing comparisons between the rather than complaints and avoid direct nationalities of the former Yugoslavian confrontation. states, as this may also be found offen- sive.
Don’t make plans for your Croa- For many Croatian-born people, religion tian colleagues at the weekend is an important part of their lifestyle with without their consent. Weekends the majority belonging to the Roman Catholic faith. Be mindful of discussing are considered family time and any subjects that may offend those of the Croatians do not tend to let busi- Christian faith, such as divorce, euthana- ness interfere with their personal sia, family planning, and alternative be- plans. liefs.
13 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA PEOPLE IN CROATIA Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group at the crossroads of Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean. Croats mainly live in homeland Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries Serbia and Slovenia. Likewise, Croats are an officially recognized minority in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia.
Croats are noted for their cultural diversity, business, people use formal language for which has been influenced by a number greetings and good-byes. Failure to greet of other neighboring cultures through the someone in a context that requires a greet- ages. The strongest influences came from ing, or an overly familiar greeting, are seri- Central Europe and the Mediterranean ous breaches of etiquette. People who are where, at the same time, Croats have made on friendly terms greet each other more their own contribution. informally and usually kiss on both cheeks. Young people are expected to offer the first Body language greeting to older people, and women to men. People stand close to one another and talk loudly. Strangers stare openly at one an- The formal “you” is used unless people are other. Formality is maintained in language age mates, good friends, or co-workers or and behavior when people do not know have reached a stage where the dominant each other well. Strangers nod their heads person invites the person of lesser status to in passing. In stores, offices, and places of address him or her informally. 14 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE
Meeting and Greeting signals to begin. • Refusing second helpings initially • Greetings at first meetings will tend is polite. After the host insists you should to be formal and reserved. take more. • A handshake, direct eye contact and • Leaving a small amount of food on the appropriate greeting for the time of your plate indicates that you are finished day are standard. eating. • “Dobro jutro” (good morning), “do- bro dan” (good day), and “dobro vecer” Gift Giving Etiquette (good evening). • Address people with their honorific • If invited to someone’s house, bring titles plus surname. If you are unsure of flowers for the hostess. The host may be titles then use “Gospodin” for Mr, “Gos- given a box of chocolates or a bottle of podja” for Mrs and “Gospodice” for Miss). good wine. • Only close friends and family mem- • Do not give chrysanthemums as bers tend to use first names. Never ad- they are used at funerals and for grave- dress someone by their first name with- stones. out being invited to do so. • When giving flowers, make sure • Close friends may greet each oth- there are an odd number of stems. er with an embrace and a kiss on each • Gifts are generally opened when cheek. Again, wait until the Croatian initi- received. ates this form of greeting. • At social gatherings hosts introduce guests, usually starting with the women and then moving on to the men in a rough approximation of age order, oldest to youngest.
Dining Etiquette
• Wait to be shown where to sit. • Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. • At formal meals, the napkin is un- folded and placed on the lap. • Do not begin eating until the host
15 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA SOCIETY
Values social status. People from a city have higher • With more than 90% of Croatian-born status than people from villages, though people belonging to the Roman Catho- many urban dwellers have village family lic church, many of the Croatian cultural connections. High-status individuals are values stem from religious beliefs. These usually Croats. They may be of mixed eth- include family and marriage, morality, de- nicity but are members of a predominantly votion and compassion. Croatian family. Jewish families are likely • Honour is an important principle in Croa- to be of relatively high status. Ethnic Alba- tian culture, and it is closely linked with the nians are usually at the bottom of the social values of family. Making personal sacrifices system, and Gypsies are completely outside to benefit your family is highly regarded. of it. • Children are expected to respect their elders and are generally raised with strict Self-Identity discipline. Croatia was one of the six republics of the • The elderly are traditionally seen as a former Yugoslavia. Croats think of them- source of knowledge and information on selves as more closely linked with Austria culture, traditions and history, and they than with the other territories and cultures are valued both within the family and the of the former Yugoslavia. They do not refer broader community. to themselves as a Balkan country but as a • Good health is also valued in Croatian European one. culture for without it one cannot enjoy their family and faith.
Social Stratification An unofficial class system is based on one’s family name and professional status rather than wealth. Communist Party membership challenged this class system, although it was not uncommon for prominent fami- lies to join the party. In more recent years, Croats increasingly became discontented with the socialist government, particularly people who were well educated, profes- sional, and from prominent families. Most high-status individuals speak English well and are likely to speak one other Europe- an language. Dialect is also an indicator of
16 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA FAMILY IN CROATIA
Family Structure • As many Croatians are Catholic, monogamy is strictly followed and marriage is encouraged. Most Croa- tians marry in their early twenties. Croatian-born people may choose whom they wed; however, they generally marry people of similar nation- ality, religion and social status. Divorce is considered undesirable. • Extended families are valued and nur- tured within Croatian culture. • Traditionally, married couples lived with the husband’s parents and were expected to have more to do with his relatives. Childcare was shared with grandparents, and grandfathers tra- ditionally spent quality time with the grandchildren. • The elderly enjoy higher status than younger members of the family. • Traditionally, Croatia was a patriarchal so- ciety, however women were encouraged to join theworkforce during the Socialist rule and now experience a fairly equal status with men. Rural women often worked alongside their husbands, whilst maintaining the household. • Women are still viewed as responsible for the housework and pri- mary childcare, whilst pursuing higher education or maintaining a career. However, many men share some of the home duties and actively raise their children.
The Relative Status of Women and Men Croatia is portrayed as a patriarchal society, but women have fairly equal status with men. Men enjoy more privileges and have a higher status, and many families prefer sons to daughters. Women are represented in most professions, politics, and the arts and are not likely to take a secondary role in public life. Women are as likely as men to pursue higher education. Status differences are as marked between older and younger people, and -be tween professional or working-class individuals, as they are between the genders. Gender differences are more pronounced among farmers and the working classes than among professionals. 17 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA CORPORATE CULTURE
Professionalism is extremely important in Croatian busi- ness culture. Always main- tain an appropriate rela- tionship with your Croatian colleagues, as respect will decrease if the relationship becomes too personal.
Business dress code ally only one person makes major decisions The dress code is formal in Croatia. Croatian and takes credit for success. business people wear suits to the office and to business meetings. Men wear suits with Business Meetings a jacket and tie, while women tend to have Meeting schedules are not very rigid in Cro- a wider range of options. Women’s busi- atia. There may be an agenda but it serves ness attire is formal and must not be too more as a guideline for the discussion than revealing. In any case, dressing well is a sign anything else. of respect, demonstrating your attitude to • Be prepared for lengthy meetings. People business and attention to detail. may go off on tangents, and time is never a factor in bringing a meeting to a close. Structure and hierarchy • There may be some small-talk at the be- Croatians value authoritative superiors and ginning of meetings. This would become respect the knowledge, education, confi- more important as the relationship devel- dence and experience that come with sta- ops. Never jump straight into business, as tus. this may come across as rude. • At least initially, be sure to temper your Croatia’s collectivist society has significantly communication style if you are used to impacted business culture. Decisions are being quite direct. Building the relationship usually made without consultation, and is more important initially and should be managers do not need to provide explana- focused upon. tions as to why a decision was reached. Usu-
18 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Helpful hints • Greetings should include a firm handshake and direct eye contact, a weak hand shake means that you are weak and no direct eye contact can be taken to mean that you are hiding something. • Remain standing until you are invited to sit down as there might be a seat reserved especially for you. • Always maintain direct eye contact while speaking. • Punctuality is expected and taken extremely seriously. • Expect some small talk and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is dis- cussed • Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol • Companies tend to have a hierarchical structure, with decision-making power held at the top of the company. • Do not try to schedule meetings on Friday afternoons, as many Croatians leave for their country cottages after lunch. • Many businesses are closed in August. • Letters should be addressed to the company rather than to a specific person. This prevents a letter from being held up if the person it is addressed to is away from the office.
Punctuality In Croatian culture, it is very important to pay particular attention to your time-keep- ing skills. It is considered good manners, whether attending a business meeting or social lunch, to be punctual. A 15-minute grace period is normal in social settings, but might well be frowned upon in a formal business environment where punctuality is appreciated.
Gift giving Small presents like a book or a souvenir representing the country you are visiting from would be acceptable. Expensive presents are not recommended, and most companies have a ceiling on the value of the gift that can be accepted. Most business people would not expect gifts to be presented at the first meeting.
Bribery and corruption Bribery is used by both foreign and local businesses in order to acquire contracts or to cut through bureaucratic red tape when they are starting a new business. The main problem in Croatia seems to be the legal system, which has a backlog of over a million cases waiting to be heard.
19 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileCROATIA