Russian Partner example essay topic

In the times of the communism refined manners associated with outdated bourgeois way of life were contrasted with simplicity and bluntness. Nowadays, some classes of the society (especially in Moscow and Petersburg) are consciously resurrecting the old, pre-revolutionary customs and traditions. The Russians are an extremely ceremonious nation. It can be observed in the way they clothe, greet and bid you farewell.

Guests are expected to be ceremonious in the public. This is especially important at the first meeting with our partners. Attitude towards time It was impossible to exact discipline in work (including punctuality) when the communist government guaranteed employment. Russia is a poli chronic country and time is not valued to such extent as it is in the western countries. Patience is a much more important virtue than haste.

In relationships with foreigners punctuality is rather a sign of ambition than discipline. The Russians expect punctuality from foreigners but in their case it depends. If the Russian partner is late it might be simply be a habit from the previous epoch but it might also be a demonstration of superiority and a desire to check how anxiously the foreign businessmen wishes to meet. Thus, a meeting should be expected to be start at least one hour late, that it will take much longer and that it will be interrupted time after time.

The Russians usually start their working day quite early but they do not plan their time. Schedules change often in the last moment. It is irritating not only because things seem not to go according to the plan but also because it is virtually impossible to acquire information why and how long this delay would last. It is also difficult to predict when the meeting will end. Business meetings and other events seem to be "open-closed". Any visitor should be punctual but at the same time flexible and tolerant.

The higher grade managers consider it normal to lead three or four conversations at a time: one face to face and the rest trough the phone. In the companies in which the foreign firms have shares the situation is quite diffrent because they adopt the western systems of organization and require greater efficiency. On the whole, the foreign businessmen should prepare themselves mentally that their business will not be dealt with an alarming speed. It is of vital importance to have time reserves in ones schedules because in Russia time is an unlimited resource. Greeting Normally men greet women first, as younger must greets elder the first. Usually, if you know a person not good, or he / she elder, you can't say simple Hello, it's better to say Russian greeting Zdrastvuite (C"ad'a^a~n'o^a'o'e'oa), or Good Morning, Good Afternoon etc.

Handshake is an universally acknowledged greeting. The Russian version requires also a strong clasp and several energetic shakes. The women and the elders are first to shake ones' hands. Obviously, between men and women or two women the handshake is rather delicate. Relatives and good friends hug and kiss each other's cheeks. Eye contact is extremely important when one is being introduced but as soon as it is done it should be lowered.

In a group one will probably not introduced to anyone and no one will be introduced to one. Addressing With the fall of the communism fell the custom of addressing everyone as "comrade" or "citizen". Nowadays, the forms used in the pre-revolutionary Russia are returning "gospodin" - Mr and "gaspazha" - Ms. Russian surnames consist of three parts: name, "ochestvo" (deriv ated from the father's name) and family name. For example, Tatyana Ivanovna Tito va (father's name: Ivan). She should be addressed as Tatiana Ivanovna which expresses warmer attitude towards a speaker without showing disrespect in any way.

It also stands in agreement with the Russian tendency, at least seemingly, leave strict and official forms and rules aside for the benefit of those more sincere and unofficial. To the person who is not a family or friend the Russian address in the plural form (you). Addressing in the singular form (you) is only a custom among young people. Those who address each other by name often use various abbreviations which at times may differ greatly from the basic form (for example: Oly a and Olga is the same name).

Titles, such as doctor or professor or the most prestigious academician (which means that the person is one of the 200 members of the Science Academy) are commonly used. In order to officially address one's partner one should say "gospodin" (courtesy title similiar to Mr) or "gosporza" (courtesy title similiar to Ms) with his or her surname. Visiting cards w Because in many regions of Russia phone books are often unavailable the visiting cards are required and commonly used. It is recommended to translate the other side of one's visiting card into Russian (using Cyrillic alphabet). w One should no be surprised if one's partner "has just used all visiting cards" because it happens all the time.

Sauna (B anya) w It has a special role in the economy of Russia. In times of Soviet Union it was a place where the contracts were signed and the most important decisions made. It is a place available to men only. Men trust each other more if they are naked. This was another reason for the discrimination of women. w The actual sitting in the steam usually takes no longer than half an hour after which the Russians sit by the table, eat, drink and discuss some problems. w An invitation to the sauna is a sign suggesting intention to strike up a friendship.

It is recommended not to refuse such an invitation. Restaurants The restaurants still play a major role in establishing contacts. It might be expected that the amount of food and drinks will greatly exceed the natural consumption abilities of the gathered company. Trying to persuade to eat more (even when one is satiated) is a part of the Russian hospitality. The Russians are proud of the fact that after consuming a fair amount of alcohol they can still think relatively clearly.

Quite a lot of them have nothing against continuing subjects of work at this stage. Stronger alcohols may be found on the tables even before noon. It is common that it is the newcomers from the west get drunk. This does not happen because they are not used to vodka but because they simply drink more. When the Russians wish to get drunk they do privately among close friends (not at the official meetings). Fortunately, they are also tolerate human weaknesses and even someone who overdid the alcohol will not be exposed to any unpleasant comments.

In the evening, as the party goes better, one may expect that one will be asked to join with someone for a drink. The ladies in our vicinity will be asked for a dance. This unfortunately must be understood as a part of the Russian hospitality. The one who invites to the restaurant pays the bill (if the woman is inviting then almost always the bill is paid by a man). It is considered polite to make a gesture of taking a bill. It is difficult to wriggle out of drinking with one's partner.

Someone who tries to be sober all the time is treated with distrust because it is truth generally acknowledged that if someone "doesn't want to show his soul", he must be insincere, stiff and is probably hiding something. To restrain oneself from drinking is equally difficult because in many circles it is believed that an open bottle must be drunk (and that the empty bottle is decidedly a bad form). Driving a car or one's health condition is the best excuse. Smoking is still very popular. The smokers are not as restricted as in the other countries. It is imperative that the smoker offers a cigarette to his immediate neighbors (including chance acquaintances such as fellow-traveler in train).

Available topics of conversation General Guidelines o Visitors should try to speak in a calm, moderate, tone of voice at all times. usually, your Russian colleagues will be delighted if you make the effort to speak even a few sentences of their language. Nevertheless, if your Russian party speaks your language, your decision to speak Russian may cause confusion (e.g. -they might think that their English is not good enough). russians are sometimes very careful about what they say, and may revert to speaking metaphorically, symbolically, and perhaps even cryptically. Consequently, there is a great deal of reliance on nonverbal communication. At other times, however, they can be extremely frank; it all depends on the situation. when a Russian touches another person during conversation, it is usually a sign of confidence. you will sometimes find the Russians to be enthusiastic about discussing politics and the challenges of living in Russia.

Participating in this kind of discussion and expressing your views (even if they are opposite) is more welcome than just being an active listener. o Bringing up the subject of Russian culture and history can be an appreciated gesture. Russians are extremely educated -- so don't be surprised if they start to talk about the history (more likely than culture) of your own country. Be prepared. personal questions are best avoided, although you may be subject to these inquiries. Make the effort to answer these questions as best as you are willing to allow, since your Russian companions may press you for details. o Approach compliments with caution, since they may cause Russians to feel a sense of misplaced obligation. For example, if you are visiting a home and begin enthusiastically admiring a decorative object, your hosts may insist that you take it. other is tremendous affection for children in this culture; if you are a parent, showing photographs of your children can be an effective way of building good will. oIn conversation, it can be permissible to discuss your feelings and hopes for the future. Sometimes, your Russian companions will be far more interested in the personal side of your character than your business agenda. o Talking about art can be complicated for you if you don't know at least background information on world famous Russians such as Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Tolstoy, Chekov, Pushkin, Malevich, Baryshnikov or Plesetskaya.

If you become involved in such a conversation, don't be surprised how easily the discussion on Chekov's novels can be changed to Picasso's paintings, Mozart's music or the impact of Yalta Conference in 1943 on the world's history. Russians like to make parallels, find clues and make leads. oIf the conversation becomes Greek to you -- you can save yourself by asking your Russian friend to fill any gaps in your knowledge on various topics (e.g. the Russian-Japanese issue on Kuril islands, the aftereffects of Tatar invasion to Russia in the 13th century etc). Welcome Topics of Conversation othe changes taking place in Russia o current events o economic difficulties o positive contrasts and comparisons between Russia and your country [let your Russian companions bring up this subject first] o books o films One can speak of his feelings or private life. The Russians are often more interested in partner's private life than in his company. Any financial information however is a personal subject. While the foreigners may exchange information about their companies, even before they establish business relations, the Russians wait until the friendship is struck up.

This phenomenon might be explained by the unfriendly tax system, common tax evasion and remains from the previous epoch. Other subjects which should be avoided include: complaints of Russia, conditions of living in Russia, monarchy, ethnic minorities, Chechnya, war, religion, the breaking-up of the Soviet Union, the comparison between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.