Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hungary :: Business Etiquette

Hungarian Society & Culture
Nation of Horsemen
. The Ancient Hungarians lived in the Euro-Asian nomadic pastoral region, where the keeping and use of horses played an important role in their lives. 
. Therefore it is not surprising that the horse and horse riding has a central place in Hungarian History, leading to Hungarians being regarded as the nation of horsemen.
. Invitations to foreigners for horseback riding are not uncommon.
Family in Hungary
. The family is the centre of the social structure. 
. Generations of extended family often live together.
. The grandparents play an important role in helping raise the grandchildren. 
. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.
Get Personal
. Hungarians expect friends to share private and intimate details of their personal lives. 
. If you ever feel you are being asked personal questions, this is simply meant as part of the getting-to-know-you process.
. Hungarians will even enjoy sharing details of their romantic life with you!

Etiquette & Customs in Hungary

Meeting Etiquette
 Both men and women greet by shaking hands, although a man should usually wait for the women to extend her hand.
. The older generation may still bow to woman.
. Close friends kiss one another lightly on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek. 
. In the business context is safest to address people by their titles and surnames.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. When visiting a company it is not necessary to bring gifts.
. If invited to a Hungarian's home for a meal, bring a box of good chocolates, flowers or Western liquor.
. Do not bring wine as the Hungarians are proud of the wines they produce. 
. Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is considered an unlucky number. 
. Do not give lilies, chrysanthemums or red roses. 
. Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If in the rare case you invited to a Hungarian's house:
. Arrive on time if invited for dinner, although a 5-minute grace period is granted. 
. If invited to a party or other large gathering, arrive no more than 30 minutes later than invited. 
. You may be asked to remove your outdoor shoes before entering the house. 
. Do not ask for a tour of the house.

Table manners are formal in Hungary. 
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. 
. The hostess will wish the guests a hearty appetite at the start of each course. 
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. 
. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible at all times. 
. Hospitality is measured by the amount and variety of food served. Try everything. 
. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork across your plate. 
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate. 
. The guest of honour usually proposes the first toast which generally salutes the health of the individuals present. 
. At the end of the meal, someone toasts the hosts in appreciation of their hospitality. 
. An empty glass is immediately refilled so if you do not want more to drink, leave your glass ½ full. 
. Never clink glasses if drinking beer.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Hungary

Relationships & Communication
. Although Hungarians are transactional and do not require long-standing personal relationships in order to conduct business, being introduced by someone they know and trust can often help
. Hungarians pride themselves on using proper etiquette in all situations and expect others to do the same. 
. Socializing is an important part of the relationship building process. 
. Expect many invitations to dinner or cultural events. If you have the time, reciprocate invitations.
. Hungarians prefer face-to-face meetings rather than more impersonal vehicles of communication such as letters. 
. Hungarians are emotive speakers who say what they think and expect you to do the same. 
. They do not like euphemisms or vague statements. 
. Hungarians often use stories, anecdotes, and jokes to prove their points. 
. Hungarians are suspicious of people who are reticent and not willing to share their innermost thoughts. 
. Hungarians view eye contact as indicative of sincerity and believe that people who cannot look them in the eye while speaking have something to hide.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made 2 in advance in writing.
. It is often difficult to schedule meetings on Friday afternoon or from mid July to mid August. Also avoid scheduling meetings from mid December to mid January.
. Punctuality for all social situations is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is considered extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and could ruin your business relationship. 
. Initial meetings are scheduled to get to know each other and for your Hungarian colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy. 
. Expect some small talk and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed. Do not move the conversation to business yourself.
. Do not remove your suit jacket without asking permission. 
. If you have an agenda, it may be used as a springboard to further discussion and not followed item by item.
Business Negotiating Etiquette
. Business is conducted slowly. 
. Deals in Hungary cannot be finalized without a lot of eating, drinking and entertaining.
. Hungarians are very detail-oriented and want to understand everything before reaching an agreement. 
. Contracts should be clear and concise. 
. Contracts function as statements of intent. It is expected that if circumstances change, the contract will accommodate the revised conditions. 
. Hungarians are skilled negotiators. 
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure sales tactics.
Dress Etiquette
. Business dress is formal and conservative. 
. Men should wear dark business suits with a white shirt and tie. 
. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses, complimented with good quality accessories.
. Jeans are standard casual wear. Shorts are uncommon in the city.
. Business wear is appropriate for all formal occasions.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. 
. Have one side of your card translated into Hungarian. 
. The Hungarian side should list your surname before your first name, Hungarian style. 
. Include any advanced university degrees on your business card. 
. Include the founding date of your company on the card.

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