Politics: The male play’s a vital role in the politics of the home and business. Mostly the important decisions are taken by the male counterpart.
Religion: Almost all the inhabitants profess Christianity; more than 90% are adherent of Roman Catholic Church. There is freedom of expression for other Christian denominations and for non-Christians religions, such as Muslims and others.
Associations: Mostly gathering is taken place Roman Catholic Church.
Health: The Italian’s take a really good care of their health and they mostly prefer eating meat food. The biggest meal of the day is in the evening. Some of the regional cuisines are Bologna--food from this region is characteristically rich and substantial--representative dishes include tortellini and proscuitto. Florence and Tuscany--dishes from these regions rely on boar, meats, beans, generous amounts of olive oil, herbs, and garlic. Genoa—gnocchi, pestos, fresh fish stews. Lombardy—osso buco, lamb dishes, polenta. Rome—varieties of pastas, meats, vegetables. Veneto—fried fish from the Adriatic, fresh vegetables. The south and beyond Sicily—pizza, fresh farm vegetables, figs, olive oil, herbs.
Recreation: As in many countries, dancing is an important component of Italian culture.
Once such dance, the , originated in the Middle Ages, and is said to be probably the most recognized song of all the Italian folklore music. It literally means "tarantula" and dancers rotate clockwise in a large circle. When the music in the set changes and it becomes faster, the dancers quickly change the direction to counterclockwise. Frequently seen at authentic Italian weddings, the Tarantella has several variations depending on the region of the country. It is often the theme song of many restaurants and pizzerias throughout the country. Football (known as soccer in the United States) is a passion in Italy - claiming a professional soccer team in every major city! The most popular and skilled players are often national "heros." On Sundays, the stadiums are packed with fans.
Italian fashion, of course, is world-renown. Dressing is a matter of status, and demonstrates mature, sophisticated elegance. The average Italian considers it a matter of personal pride to meet each day looking well-dressed and tailored. Gucci, Valentino, Ungaro, Versace and Armani are just a few of the couture heavyweights whose inspirations fill boutiques from Milan to Rome. Italian leather is highly prized for its quality and shoppers enjoy stocking up on fine designer purses, gloves, belts, jackets and shoes. This enviable sense of style also spills over into the realms of Italian home furnishings and architecture. Whether opulent or minimalist, Italian style is always interesting, original and provocative.
Communicating Cross Culturally
Proper Greetings:
Handshakes are common for both sexes, and may include grasping the arm with the other hand. Upon your arrival, it is considered common courtesy to greet people in the workplace, stores or restaurants with an appropriate daily greeting such as "buon giorno" or "buona sera" and "arrivaderci" upon leaving. Do not exchange business cards at social occasions; but it is the norm at business functions and meetings. Italians often have two different business cards, one with business credentials for formal relationships, and another with personal information for less formal relationships. Italian cards are often plain white with black print.
Gift Giving:
General Guidelines
Refrain from giving a business gift until you receive one first. Gifts are expected for social events, especially to express your thanks after you have been invited to a dinner party at a home. Gifts are usually opened at the time they are given and received.
Appreciated Gifts
Your gift should be a prestigious brand name that is at the same time small and not obviously expensive. Gifts of alcohol or crafts from your own country are often good choices. If you want to give a gift to someone who has been particularly helpful around the office, good choices include fine pens, a framed print/picture, silver key chains, or calculators. Regardless, make sure your gift is a reputable name-brand. Secretaries generally appreciate a gift of flowers or chocolates. If you are invited to a home, bring gift-wrapped chocolates or flowers. Never give an even number of flowers. Do not give chrysanthemums; they are acceptable only for funerals. Moreover, red roses are reserved for romantic occasions. If you decide to bring flowers, ensure that the bouquet is in odd numbers, in accordance with the old European tradition. If you are staying with a family, good gift selections can include coffee table books about your home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country.
Gifts to Avoid
Gifts showcasing your company's logo. Brooches and handkerchiefs---these items are associated with funerals. Gifts wrapped in black and gold paper--traditionally, these are the colors of mourning. Gifts or wrappings in purple--this color is considered a symbol of bad luck. Knives or any other type of sharp object--such items may be interpreted to suggest the severing of a friendship or other close bond.
Making Appointments in Italy:
Given the choice, Italians would prefer to do business with even a superficial acquaintance rather than a complete stranger. Since familiarity is so important in Italian business culture, one has to find a well-connected contact who can establish the right introductions. Italian is a low context culture where feeling and thoughts are expressed in words and information is more readily available. In Italian business culture, punctuality is not as much of a priority. As a visitor, however, it's usually a good policy to arrive on time. One should be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes before the Italian counterpart appears or lets you into his or her office. Northern business hours for small businesses, shops and public offices are usually 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, a lot of businesses are open Saturday mornings. Larger companies usually work from 8.30 /9.00 until 6.00/6.30 with an hour or so for lunch. This lunch break will be significantly longer when eating out at a restaurant with guests. In central and southern Italy, business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. then 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday. The southern business pace is usually less intense. In many cities, such as Rome, there is a long break lasting as long as two hours, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Business is often discussed during this break, over lunch. Generally, the best times to plan appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and after 3:00 p.m. Many Italian public holidays follow those of continental Europe but are usually different from the U.S., U.K. and Canada. It is worth checking while planning a trip that a public holiday does not fall in the middle of it as the company and whole region may close down that day. Italians have a polychronic time systems, meaning they are not time oriented people, so frequent changes in plans make come up.
Business Dress:
Dressing well is a priority here. Your clothing will be perceived as a reflection of your social standing and relative success, as well as your competence as a businessperson.
Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. While you should make every effort to look your best, you'll probably find it difficult to “out style” the Italians, especially the Milanese. Moreover, many consider Milan to be the very center of the fashion and design world. Men should wear expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark suits. Italian men often wear accessories such as cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches. Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance. Accessorizing is also widely practiced here. The most commonly worn colors are darker, subdued shades. Brighter colors should be reserved for accessories. Italian businesswomen usually wear more makeup and jewelry than American women. It is usual for women not to wear stockings in the summer. Perfumes and colognes are frequently used by both men and women. When you receive an invitation stating “informal” dress, don't assume that you'll be welcome arriving in a t-shirt and sweatpants. For a social gathering, informal more often than not means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes including a jacket and tie for men. An invitation stating “formal” dress usually means formal evening wear, which is very dressy by American and northern European standards. Shorts are unacceptable in public [they are reserved only for foreign tourists]. You may not be admitted into a church wearing shorts, a sundress or even a sleeveless top. On the street, jeans and sneakers can be acceptable leisure wear [especially for young people], although this kind of clothing is often reserved for the gym or the beach. This attire is not considered suitable in any business context. Summers can be very hot and humid, while winters are damp and cool in the south and can be very cold in the north. With the exception of the mountain regions, however, there is little snow.
First Name or Title:
Follow Italian business protocol by waiting until you are invited before using first names. People often use titles and surnames even when they have worked together for years. It is usually a sign of respect, though it can also mean that they feel that they do not know each other well enough to move to first names. In most Italian companies, executives and subordinates continue to use titles and surnames only. In many large Italian multinationals, however, the corporate culture of using first names has become the norm. You are expected to use “Signore” [Mr.] and “Signora” [Mrs.], plus the family name, when introduced to strangers. “Signorina” [Miss] is rarely used in Italy today, and is best avoided. It is most commonly used when a woman appears relatively young [late teens /early twenties] and is unmarried. Where a title is known, it is best to use it, as a title relating to a university degree has higher status than "Signore" or "Signora." A male university graduate is given the title of “Dottore”, while the female equivalent is “Dottoressa.” If in doubt whether someone has a degree or not it is best to err on the side of caution. You pay a compliment even if you get it wrong. Italian business etiquette requires that personal and professional titles be used constantly, whether in casual conversation or formal writing. Consequently, ensure that you learn and use the titles of everyone you expect to encounter. If you have to summon a server or clerk, you may use the phrase “senta”, which means, generally, “please come here.”
Conversation:
There is rarely a moment of silence in the course of a conversation in Italy.
Welcome Topics of Conversation
Italian architecture, Italian art and films, sports, especially soccer, Italian food and wine, the Italian landscape, opera, praising the hospitality you're receiving, current events, culture, history and current affairs in your home country.
Topics to Avoid
Religion/the Vatican and its policies, politics, taxes, the Mafia, World War II, criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so, criticizing Italian inefficiencies, especially if your Italian counterparts are doing so, negative Italian stereotypes, inquiring about the profession or income of someone you've just met, questions about private family concerns, negative comments about the local soccer team and making “off-colors” jokes.
Touch Behaviors:
Upon introductions and departures, shake hands with everyone individually in a group; the American "group wave" will not be appreciated. Frequent warm and vigorous handshakes can be common for both business and social occasions. Italians will not hesitate to greet people they know with an embrace. Italians are high-contact culture, where preferring to stand close, touch a great deal, an experience a “close” sensory involvement.
Gestures:
Italians add numerous gestures to their speech because the Italian language is fractured into many different dialects, and the gestures assist comprehension. The regional dialect of Tuscany has been selected as the national dialect and is taught in schools. While passionate gestures are common among Italians, they would not expect someone from another culture to do the same. When you know your Italian colleague well, it would be considered friendly to return a warm embrace. You'll also observe people [i.e. men with women, men with men, and women with women] walking arm in arm or holding hands in public. This often occurs in the evening, during a customary stroll known as "passeggiata." You'll notice that the Italians are often very animated and like to gesture with their hands while talking. In most cases, they gesture good-naturedly to emphasize a point or feeling. Likewise, you may experience some gentle pushing and shoving during line-ups. It is not uncommon to see a person walk right up to the front of a line at a bank, restaurant or store and get served first because of the relationship he or she has with the clerk. Eye contact remains direct and is the way Italians show their interest. Be aware that looking away may be perceived as a sign of boredom or outright rudeness. A romantic interest is usually implied when the eyes of two strangers meet and linger. Contorting the fingers and hand to resemble the devil's horns pointed outward is an obscene gesture. Pointing the fingers inward, however, is a sign to ward off evil. Pointing with the index and little finger is a gesture used only when wishing someone bad luck. Placing the hand on the stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person. Rubbing the chin with the fingertips, and then propelling them forward, is a gesture of contempt.
Taboos:
Using arms in communication with Italian would consider that they are indispensable element in ones communicative weaponry. Portuguese tug their ear lobes to indicate tasty food, though this gesture has sexual connotations in Italy. Slapping one's raised arm above the elbow and thumbing the nose are both considered extremely offensive. Queue- jumping is not the crime in Italy that it is in other countries. Italians are very tolerant of people who take advantage of the lack of strict queueing to get served first. There is even a certain admiration for someone who beats the system. In public, behaviors such as gum chewing, leaning, and slouching are unacceptable. Likewise, it is rare to see Italian businesspeople eating as they walk along a street. Eating an ice-cream is the only and perfectly acceptable exception to this.
Entertaining:
Hospitality plays a key role in Italian business culture, and usually involves dining in a restaurant. Regardless of how you feel, refusing an invitation of any kind will be perceived as an insult. Be aware that the formalities of dining are taken seriously here. If you feel that you have upset your hosts in any way - make some comment about how different the Italian culture is from your own and let them understand that it was not deliberate. Italians know that they have many formal ways of doing things and are tolerant of blunders. They can, however, be sensitive if they sense criticism [however unintended]. The business breakfast is almost unheard of. Rare exceptions may be found in the major cities. Business dinners involve only a small, exclusive group. If you are the host, consult with your Italian contact before extending any invitations. Since you have no way of knowing all of the “inside” personalities and ranks, don't hesitate to ask for help. Business is often conducted over a long lunch, which can last up to three hours. Depending on how well developed your relationship is with your Italian colleagues, business decisions usually are not made during mealtimes. Follow the example of your Italian dining companions and wait for them to initiate any discussions about business. Wine and water are served throughout lunch, along with bread. Sometimes olive oil is used as a substitute for butter. Avoid mopping up any olive oil or sauce on your plate with your bread. Italians believe that wine should be sipped slowly; moreover, they take pride in not appearing affected by alcohol. Drinking too much at once or appearing inebriated is considered gauche and will always be an affront to Italian business etiquette.
If the main meal of the day was lunch, then the family dinner at home is light. In this case, it is usually simple pasta or soup and cold cuts with salad, followed by fresh seasonal fruit. Being invited to a private dinner party is a rare honor, so accept this opportunity to solidify a business relationship. When you are invited to a home, refrain from wandering around from room to room.
Management Issues in Italy
Leading:
The family-run business is viewed as a precious "baby" that gives the family security, status, and continuity between generations. These family- run businesses are typically managed from the traditional leadership model of the boss as an autocratic father figure. The sons are senior managers with the ear and trust of the boss, and faithful non-family employees do what they are told in return for paternalistic care. The Italian organizations are not organized around a centralized hierarchy having clear reporting lines. Employees are affiliated with different horizontal power networks (called "cordatas") within the corporation based on "good old boy" contacts. Italian companies rarely use written plans due to their typical small size, fast-changing entrepreneurial emphasis, and loyalty networks among employees. Italians are medicore on power distance so subordinates have weak dependence needs. Superiors have weak dependence needs towards their superiors. Subordinates expect superiors to consult them and may rebel or strike if superiors are not seen as staying within their legitimate role. An ideal superior to most is a loyal democrat. Laws and rules apply to all, and privileges for superiors are not considered acceptable. Status symbols are frowned upon and will easily come under attack from subordinates. Italian companies often have a rigid hierarchy, with little visible association between the ranks. The purpose of meetings is not to make decisions, but rather to evaluate the mood of others and test the waters. Everyone seems to have an opinion about everything in an Italian company, but facts are usually in short supply. Italians feel work should not be a burden or taken too seriously. Long lunch hour traditions are disappearing in the North because employees generally must commute long distances to work. Italian companies do virtually nothing important by the book. Italians thrive on "creative accounting," generally keeping books not for investors, but instead to negotiate with banks and tax authorities. Italain managers doesn’t delegate the athority to his subordinates and have a high contol on his co-wokers.
Negotiating in Italy
Italian negotiation style:
- Has a sense of drama (acting is the main part of the culture).
- Does not hide his or her emotion (which are partly sincere and partly feigned).
- Read the facial expression and gestures very well.
- Has a feeling for history.
- Does not trust anybody.
- Is concerned about the bella figure, or the “good impression,” he or she can create among those who watch his or her behavior.
- Believes in individuals initiates, not so much in team work.
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Is good at being obliging and simpatico at all the times.
- Is always on the qui vive, the “look out”.
- Never embrace definite opinions.
- Is able to come up with new way of immobilize and eventually destroy his or her opponents.
- Handles confrontation of power with subtlety and tact.
- Has a flair for intrigue.
- Knows how to use flattery.
- Can involve other negotiator in complex combinations.
In meeting:
Italian will start a conversation with 20-30 minutes of small talk (like football, family matters). They wait till other arrives and start when all are there.
In a contract:
An Italian sees contract as an ideal scheme in the best of worlds, which sets out prices, delivery dates, standard of quality and expected gain, or a fine project which has been discussed.
In negotiating:
An Italian emphasis on how something is said, rather what is said.
In business:
Italians tends to be flexible in business. They frequently bend rules, break or ‘get round’ some laws and put a flexible interpretation on certain agreements, controls and regulations. There are many grey areas where short cuts are, in Italian eyes, a matter of common sense.
What you should know before negotiating:
Most Italians in Italy do not speak English well, so you will probably need a translator in business situations. When selecting your negotiating team, be aware that Italians generally prefer to do business with only the most important people in any organization. The use of business cards is common and you should have your card translated into Italian on the reverse side. Moreover, ensure that any advanced educational degrees and your full title or position are featured on both sides of your business card. Italian businesspeople will want to know that they are dealing with an important person. Italians are generally receptive to new ideas and concepts, although you'll perceive little change in the opinions of the participants. Be patient, since rushing or putting pressure on the decision-making process will be only an affront to Italian business protocol. Honor and personal pride are critical in this culture. Consequently, never insult the honor or personal pride of the Italians, their families, their towns, or their friends. The Italians, generally, can be receptive to criticism, as long as it is constructive. Try, however, not to be too blunt. In business settings, the individual with authority rarely has to raise his or her voice. In most cases, however, Italians speak loudly, animatedly, and interruptions are to be expected.
Managing Social and Ethical Issues in Italy
Italians believe that ethics apply only to personal relationships, and not to institutions in society. They typically have an amoral relationship toward institutions. Italians who work for an impersonal corporation with motives other than self-gain are considered fools. Italians consider it common sense to find ways to beat the official system. They view law-abiding approaches to business as naïve and old fashioned. Questionable payments such as political payment, extortion, bribes, sales commission, or “grease money” these are basically payments to expedite routine transactions. Other common types are payments to speed the clearance of goods at ports of entry and to obtain required certifications. They are called bastarella “little envelope” in Italy.
Conclusion
In the ending part we conculde that Italain to some extent share the similar thoughts and attitude as us. As people say “in Roam do as, what Romans do.” It pretty much says it all if one follow their behavior, they will appreciate it and it also helps in relationship buuilding. We hope that our report can enable an expetirate to adjust to local culture and avoide culture shock.
Appendix
THE ANTI-INSTITUTIONAL ITALIAN CULTURE
1. The Italian government is heavily involved in running the economy and spends the highest percent of GDP in the EU.
2. The national government is in a state of permanent paralysis due to multiple political parties, lobbying, interest groups, trade associations, interest groups, organized crime, etc.
3. Government officials are viewed as self-serving cliques who use their elected office to exploit the nation. Brussels (capital of the European Union) is viewed as the only effective and legitimate form of government influence on Italy.
4. The only way big issues, such as divorce and nuclear power, can be dealt with is via national referenda.
5. Italy has few public companies because most Italians corporations are either small, privately owned family firms or large state companies. Small companies with fewer than 100 employees produce nearly 60% of Italy's manufactured goods vs. 40% in Germany and 20% in Britain and the USA.
6. Small and medium size private companies are the backbone of the Northern economy. Italians prefer small, family-owned companies over large private corporations because they can avoid social security taxes, pay workers in cash, and control overall internal operations.
7. Little risk capital is available from Italian institutions, in large part because Italy lacks a unified banking system, so most new ventures must be small and self-financed.
8. Italian companies are typically managed from the traditional leadership model of the boss as an autocratic father figure. The sons are senior managers with the ear and trust of the boss, and faithful non-family employees do what they are told in return for paternalistic care.
9. Italian companies are not organized around a centralized hierarchy having clear reporting lines. Employees are affiliated with different horizontal power networks (called "cordatas") within the corporation based on "good old boy" contacts.
10. Italian companies rarely use written plans due to their typical small size, fast-changing entrepreneurial emphasis, and loyalty networks among employees.
11. The purpose of meetings is not to make decisions, but rather to evaluate the mood of others and test the waters. Everyone seems to have an opinion about everything in an Italian company, but facts are usually in short supply.
12. Italians believe that ethics apply only to personal relationships, and not to institutions in society. They typically have an amoral relationship toward institutions. Italians who work for an impersonal corporation with motives other than self-gain are considered fools.
13. Italians feel work should not be a burden or taken too seriously. Long lunch hour traditions are disappearing in the North because employees generally must commute long distances to work.
14. Italian companies do virtually nothing important by the book.
15. Italians thrive on "creative accounting," generally keeping books not for investors, but instead to negotiate with banks and tax authorities.
PUTTING ITALIAN CULTURE IN PERSPECTIVE
1. Latin culture has a fairly strong bias against large institutions and "professionals," and this is at its strongest in Italian culture.
2. Modern Italians are cynical toward large institutions because of their concentrated power. Examples: the Roman Catholic church and the Mafia.
3. Italians would feel that "MBA-types" sell themselves (like prostitutes) to large public companies and care little if anything about the company's product or customers. They then move on to another impersonal corporation as soon as they can get a better salary, obviously serving themselves more than the company they purport to professionally represent.
4. Italians respect small companies that aren't controlled by bottom-line professional mangers. Italians prefer to conduct business with flair and personality.
5. The family-run business is viewed as a precious "baby" that gives the family security, status, and continuity between generations. It holds the extended family together both economically and interpersonally.
6. Family-run companies don't have an executive team that runs things in an economically rationalized style, but divide up responsibilities into the private "fiefdoms" of family members who run things they way they want to, not by the MBA textbook.
DOING BUSINESS WITH ITALIANS
1. Dress fashionably and elegantly (savoir faire).
2. Build interpersonal rapport before starting to talk business.
3. Avoid aggressive selling or bargaining tactics, which Italians find very insulting (reflecting the Latin tendency to dislike aggressive business practices designed to dominate.)
4. Don't strive for quick decisions or efficient discussions (which leaves out the human factor).
5. Be prepared for the Italians to suggest that you do something a bit "shady" according to Italian law (to demonstrate that you're a "good ole boy" cooperating insider).
ITALIAN CULTURE UP CLOSE
1. When eating spaghetti, don’t cut or twirl against the spoon. Twirl against the side of the dish.
2. Italy has one of the world’s highest percentages of small family (mainly artisan) businesses. Italians don’t have a lot of use for big institutions—especially government.
3. No lady should dine alone in Italy unless she is open to the arrival of a male to keep her company.
4. When dealing with Italians, strive to use animated body language to indicate your sincerity.
5. The Italians, and their ancestors, the Romans, invented many of the business practices we use today. Their innovations included banking, insurance, and even double-entry bookkeeping.
6. Old world charm is appreciated in Italy: opening doors for women, saying “con permesso” when you leave the room, standing up when women enter a room, etc.
7. Italian corporations typically have a horizontal chain of command (called a cordata) based on reciprocal personal relationships.
8. Italians consider it common sense to find ways to beat the official system. They view law-abiding approaches to business as naïve and old fashioned.
9. Italian business professionals carry two business cards—one for formal introductions and the other for social occasions.
10. When Italians get together, everyone tends to speak at once.
11. Italians add numerous gestures to their speech because the Italian language is fractured into many different dialects, and the gestures assist comprehension. The regional dialect of Tuscany has been selected as the national dialect and is taught in schools.
Fun Fact
Italy is currently the home of three active volcanoes; Stromboli, Vesuvius, and Etna.
The Vatican City, the home of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, is located within the city of Rome and is considered a separate state completely. The Vatican has its own currency, flag, and stamps, although Italian money can be used.
Appearance:
Fashions and fashion design are trademarks of Italy. Therefore, in the business world, good clothes are a signature of success.
Men should wear fashionable, high quality suits.
Shirts may be colored or pin-striped, and they should be paired with an Italian designer tie.
Women dress in quiet, expensive elegance.
Slacks are generally not worn by either sex.
Quality accessories such as shoes and leather goods will make a good impression with the Italians.
Behavior
Italian history has played a crucial role in the modern business world.
Some of their contributions include banking, insurance, and double-entry bookkeeping.
"Time is money" is not a common phrase in Italy.
Foreign businessmen/women should be punctual for business appointments, although the Italian executive may not be.
Handshakes are common for both sexes, and may include grasping the arm with the other hand.
Do not expect quick decisions or actions to take place, as the Italian bureaucracy and legal systems are rather slow.
Italian companies often have a rigid hierarchy, with little visible association between the ranks.
It is common for everyone to speak simultaneously at Italian gatherings. This applies to business meetings as well as social events.
Do not exchange business cards at social occasions; but it is the norm at business functions and meetings.
Italians often have two different business cards, one with business credentials for formal relationships, and another with personal information for less formal relationships.
Italian cards are often plain white with black print.
When entering a business function, the most senior or eldest person present should always be given special treatment.
When invited to someone's home, bring gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries, or flowers. Flowers must be given in even numbers, except for a dozen (12) or half-dozen (6), especially if roses.
If you bring wine as a gift, make sure that it is of excellent vintage, as many Italians are wine connoisseurs.
Avoid giving anything in a quantity of 17, as 17 is considered to be bad luck, or a doomed number.
Communications
Italian is the official language, although there are many diverse dialects.
English is spoken by many businesspeople.
Avoid talking about religion, politics, and World War II.
At social gatherings, it is considered insulting to ask someone you have just met about their profession.
Good conversational topics include Italian culture, art, food, wine, family, and films.
Biblography
International management (managing across borders and culture)
By: Helen Deresky
