Meeting styles Authors: Liana Thijssen, Ralph van Es, Serapio Grovell, Josanne van der Leij Date: 05-04-2012 Slovakia Table of contents 1 Country introduction 2 Meetings Styles 3 Patterns of information sharing 4 Display of emotions 5 The role of authority 6 Reasoning styles 7 Interview summary Bibliography Colofon 2 Slovakia 1. Introduction 3 Slovakia 1.1 Background The Slovak Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe with ports on the Danube River at Bratislava and a place called Komarno. (Culture of Slovakia 2012) The republic covers an area of 18,928 square miles and is bounded by the Czech Republic and Austria in the west, Poland in the north , Ukraine in the east and Hungary in the south. The topography of Slovakia features rugged mountains in the central and northern part of the country, and lowlands in the south. The High Tatras (Tatry) mountains along the Polish border are interspersed between many lakes and deep valleys. The highest peak in the country, Gerlachovsy, is found in the High Tatras with an elevation of 2,655 m (8,711 feet). Bratislava is situated in Slovakia's only substantial region of plains, where the Danube River forms part of the border with Hungary. 1.2 Demography By the end of 2010 the Slovak Republic had a population of 5,435 273, which is 55,818 more than at the time of the last census of population, houses and dwellings in 2003. The majority of the population are Slovaks, who made up 85.7 per cent of the population in 2003. Hungarians are the largest cultural minority at 10.7 per cent and are concentrated in the southern lowlands near the Hungarian border. Other minority groups includes the Roma with 1.7 per cent, Czechs with 1.4 per cent, Russians with 0.3 per cent, Ukrainians with 0.3 per cent, and finally the Germans and Poles with 0.1 per cent of the population. Almost 60 per cent of the population live in 138 towns and cities, while the rest live in 2,883 municipalities. It is also known that more than one per cent of the entire population of Slovakia is now living in Britain and other European countries . 1.3 Languages In Slovakia the official language is Slovak with approximately 5 million speakers but there is a significant proportion who speak Hungarian, German and Czech. (Culture of Slovakia 2012) The Slovak language belongs to the western Slavic group and is written in the Roman alphabet. There are only slight differences between Slovak and Czech, and the two are mutually intelligible. Hungarian is the main minority language taught in Slovakia. The Hungarian language minority is the largest minority language group in Slovakia; it comprises nearly 10 per cent of the population. 4 Slovakia The Slovak language is not easy to learn but if you try they are willingly to help you. Please try because this is a subject you can use and practise anytime. 1.4 Religions The majority of the population is Roman Catholic. Protestant churches comprise the remainder with Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist denominations. (Wikipedia, 2012) There is also a Jewish minority and, in the east of the country, a Greek Orthodox minority. 1.5 Doing Business with Slovaks Slovakia’s’ independency began in 1993 via a split from the Czech republic, an event sometimes called the Velvet Divorce.(Culture of Slovakia 2012) Since the establishment of the nation, Slovakia continues to master the transformation from a centrally planned to a modern market-oriented private economy. Having been under communist rule for most of the late 20th century, Slovaks are forward thinking and eager to develop the country’s foreign business and internal economy. When doing business in Slovakia you need to understand the country’s social and economic history and the way business is done as well as an interest in developing long term relationships with the Slovak people. Next chapters In the next chapters you will find more into depth details of doing business in Slovakia. This will help you understand the Slovak point of view and thereby doing business in Slovakia. 5 Slovakia 2. Meeting styles Meetings in Slovakia are seen as an opportunity to get the job done. Slovakian will appreciate and express their gratitude for efficiently run meetings. 2.1 How to prepare for a meeting Appointments should be arranged in advance and participants of the meeting should be on time, as punctuality is valued very much in the Slovakian business culture. Slovakians takes time very seriously. (Warnstram, 2007) Being on time shows that you´re serious, polite and most of all, respectful. Arriving late for a meeting means that you do not respect the other person. For the Slovakian people a delay of 5-10 minutes is acceptable as long as you apologize and can explain the reason why you are late. Always try to avoid making appointments in the months of July and August. Many businesses are closed during these month for an extended period. The dress code at the office depends on what kind of work you do and your position in the company. Managers and executives are expected to wear business suits. Woman should wear a two piece suit with skirt or dresses. Schedules for business meetings in Slovakia are not very tight regulated. Agendas are usually served as a guideline for the discussion and acts as a link to other related business topics. 2.2. How to open the talks The usual greeting at meetings is a firm and confident handshake with direct eye contact. ( Cultural information-Slovakia 2009 ) Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand first before shaking it. Other physical contact is not normal among Slovakians in the business setting. When talking to another person, Slovaks maintain a shoulder length distance. A little small talk may be necessary at the beginning of the meeting, along with a customary glass of plum brandy and then everyone will be expected to introduce themselves and their company and give the purpose of their visit. When doing business in Slovakia meetings are generally chaired by the most senior person who sets the agenda, the content, and the tempo. This will be strictly adhered to, as will any action points agreed at the meeting. 2.3. During the meeting Slovakian distinguishes between the informal ‘’ ty ’’ and the formal ‘’ vy ‘’ although both words mean “ you “. Traditionally the use of the informal form was limited for relatives, very close friends, children and among colleagues. The younger generation is changing and nowadays interaction is usually less formal when the conversation is in English. Honorific titles and surnames are normally used when people are introduced. Close 6 Slovakia friends may refer to each other using the honorific names. Always wait to be invited before using someone’s first name. In Slovakia a senior person, with little consultation of others, usually makes decisions. Listening and accepting views and opinion that come from lower ranks is still fairly uncommon. Slovaks are not used to speak in front of large audiences. It is also not common to encourage discussions in the Slovakian educational system. During a business meeting or presentation it is not allowed to ask questions by persons who don’t know each other. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. (Warnstram , 2007) This can be at the beginning or the end of a meeting. Your business card may include any advanced university degree and you must have one side of your card translated into the Slovak language. 2.4. At the end of a meeting You don’t have to expect that after having one meeting you will be able to close a perfect deal. This is simply because the Slovaks need some more time to digest the whole process and normally have to discuss with their managers about the deal and information. This is also the reason why they can’t say ‘’no’’ ,but float around the answer. There are a couple of ways to speed up the process. For example, Make sure that you are meeting with the right person who could make decisions about the specific subject. Try to create a tight relationship with your business associates to make them care more about you and the deal. By coming to Slovakia in person they will automatically respect you more. 7 Slovakia 3. Patterns of information sharing Some old habits of information sharing never die. Generation changes Looking at the Republic of Slovakia you could say that this country went through a very big change after the Communism left their country. Another big event in the history of Slovakia is certainly the separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. After the Republic of Slovakia had become an independent state it admitted into the European Union and NATO in the year 2004. (Wikipedia, 2012) During the Communist era, many Slovakian companies did not really had a clear view of information sharing. Managers only shared information on a need- to- know basis. However with the younger generation this is changing. They are well educated and also very enthusiastic and want to be part of a team. There is still a big gap between the leading styles of the older generation and the younger Slovaks. Modern businesses are beginning to close this gap by bringing in new management styles and methods in order to remain competitive. These businesses are willing to have a more open communication with the younger generation by giving them more responsibilities, more attractive salaries and in some cases even more involvement in decision making. Younger Slovaks are increasingly oriented towards the West, and many have the opportunity to travel.