ROMANIAN BUSINESS CULTURE

ROMANIAN FACTS AND FIGURES Romania borders: Hungary, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria.

Population: 20.1 million people.

Romania has an economy predominantly based on services, and is a producer and net exporter of machines and electric energy, featuring companies like Automobile Dacia and OMV Petrom.

Official languages: Romanian, a Romance language.

VALUES AND BELIEFS OF ROMANIAN PEOPLE

THE BUSINESS CULTURE

WORK CULTURERomanian business culture is quite formal and

hierarchical; it places great importance on courtesy and respect for older or more senior people.

Summertime is not good for business as many companies wind down their operations then. Easter and Christmas are also difficult as companies and shops close for an indefinite period.

Normal business hours are 09.00–17.00

BUSINESS MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATIONS

Meeting schedules are not rigid in the country. An agenda may exist; however, it serves as a guideline for discussion and can act as a springboard to other business. Contracts are considered to be statements of intent rather than binding agreements. Note that decisions can be reversed. Nothing is concrete when doing business in Romania.

COMMUNICATIONS A firm handshake with good eye contact is the normal business greeting. However, one should only shake hands with a woman if she initiates the gesture. 

Titles are important in Romania. One should always address people by their professional or academic title with their name, or "domnul" (Mr) or "doamna" (Mrs or Ms), along with their family name. It is unusual to use first names while conducting business in Romania.

Communication styles are direct and frank, but also sensitive and courteous, with care being taken not to offend people

SOCIAL Romanians prefer to conduct business with people who are down to earth and do not brag about their accomplishments or financial achievements. They pride themselves in using proper etiquettes in all situations and expect others to do the same.

Romanians are very friendly; however, business is somewhat reserved and formal initially. The country still places importance on good manners and demeanour.

GIFTS

Gifting is not a normal practice in Romanian business culture. However, one should carry a small bouquet of flowers, or chocolates, or liquor as gift when invited to a Romanian home.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

"WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO"

- act the way that the people around you are acting - be open-minded - keep your habits away and adapt to the new situation

CONCLUSIONS

- studying the culture of your foreign business partners is very important because you can anticipate a lot of situations and also you can make things easier.

- adapt to the other culture because it`s crucial in order to make a deal.

- respect the other culture even if you do not agree with their values and beliefs.