Belarus is a landlocked country located in eastern Europe. In the past, Belarus has been claimed by Russians, Lithuanians and Poles. As a result of the Russian Revolution, Belarus became a founding constituent republic of the Soviet Union and was renamed as the Byelorussian SSR becoming one of the most prosperous parts of the USSR.
Belarus Today
In 1991 Belarus gained its independence and many have attributed this to the political movement in the 1980s commonly known as ‘perestroika’ which aimed to improve the efficiency of communism in the Soviet Union but only heightened resistance and national identity amongst its individual republics. Nowadays, Belarus retains closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. The country’s complicated history and Russian roots have created a unique social and business culture that anyone doing business in Belarus must understand to be effective.
Belarusian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – Although families in Belarus tend to be small, the connection between family generations is strong. A large number of Belarusians live in urban areas and more often than not in small flats. It is not uncommon for a family to live in confined spaces and often you will find three generations living under the same roof. Children will usually have their elderly parents live with them instead of sending them to retirement houses. As a result, you may find close bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren. Over the last decade, however, birth rates in Belarus have been falling resulting in a steady decline in population.
Hospitality – At first Belarusians may appear reserved but beyond this initial reserve you will discover that they are very giving, kind-hearted individuals who try hard to look after their guests. Sometimes their eagerness to please their foreign guests may appear over-friendly and very unusual to foreigners. Belarusians are keen to show the positive side of their culture and will go to great effort to make their visitors feel welcome, happy and impressed.
Collective and Individual Dichotomy – Belarus’ troubled political background has instilled a collectivistic mentality in the Belarusian people. The combination of limited physical space and the political history and current state control have created a real sense of group in the country. Family always comes first but outside the family network Belarusians tend to have a more individualistic perspective and are increasingly free to show preference to individual interests and tastes before that of the group.
Doing Business in Belarus
Most of Belarus’ economy remains state-controlled but privatisation has recently increased. However government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly and religion remain in place.
Belarus boasts historically important industries in wood and textiles and has an abundance of cultural and historical sites. The country is highly industrialised and relies on Russia for its energy and raw materials. Foreign investment has not been popular historically, however Belarus is increasingly involved in greater trade with Europe, exporting goods to places like Russia and the UK. Before doing business in Belarus, it is essential to be aware of the unique Belarusian business culture and the historical and political context which influences it.
Part 1 – Working in Belarus: Working practices in Belarus
Structure and hierarchy in Belarusian companies
Working relationships in Belarus
Part 2 – Doing Business in Belarus: Business practices in Belarus
Belarusian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO translate one side of your business card into Russian when doing business in Belarus.
DO maintain eye contact when you are greeting your Belarusian colleagues.
DO physically show concern and interest in topics raised during meetings.
DON’T interrupt your Belarusian colleagues.
DON’T sit with your legs apart.
DON’T use the OK sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) as this can be offensive.
Belarusian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Whistling inside a building brings bad luck.
2. Putting your feet on seats will demonstrate your hierarchical status and is a sign of distinction.
3. During meetings or parties, men are introduced before women.
4. It is common for elderly parents to live with their children.
5. It is rude to refuse food or drinks when socialising when Belarusian counterparts.
Belarusian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. Putting your feet on a seat or table is considered impolite.
3. False. Women are introduced before men and generally older individuals are introduced before the younger members of the group.
4. True.
5. True.
Belarus Today
In 1991 Belarus gained its independence and many have attributed this to the political movement in the 1980s commonly known as ‘perestroika’ which aimed to improve the efficiency of communism in the Soviet Union but only heightened resistance and national identity amongst its individual republics. Nowadays, Belarus retains closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. The country’s complicated history and Russian roots have created a unique social and business culture that anyone doing business in Belarus must understand to be effective.
Belarusian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – Although families in Belarus tend to be small, the connection between family generations is strong. A large number of Belarusians live in urban areas and more often than not in small flats. It is not uncommon for a family to live in confined spaces and often you will find three generations living under the same roof. Children will usually have their elderly parents live with them instead of sending them to retirement houses. As a result, you may find close bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren. Over the last decade, however, birth rates in Belarus have been falling resulting in a steady decline in population.
Hospitality – At first Belarusians may appear reserved but beyond this initial reserve you will discover that they are very giving, kind-hearted individuals who try hard to look after their guests. Sometimes their eagerness to please their foreign guests may appear over-friendly and very unusual to foreigners. Belarusians are keen to show the positive side of their culture and will go to great effort to make their visitors feel welcome, happy and impressed.
Collective and Individual Dichotomy – Belarus’ troubled political background has instilled a collectivistic mentality in the Belarusian people. The combination of limited physical space and the political history and current state control have created a real sense of group in the country. Family always comes first but outside the family network Belarusians tend to have a more individualistic perspective and are increasingly free to show preference to individual interests and tastes before that of the group.
Doing Business in Belarus
Most of Belarus’ economy remains state-controlled but privatisation has recently increased. However government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly and religion remain in place.
Belarus boasts historically important industries in wood and textiles and has an abundance of cultural and historical sites. The country is highly industrialised and relies on Russia for its energy and raw materials. Foreign investment has not been popular historically, however Belarus is increasingly involved in greater trade with Europe, exporting goods to places like Russia and the UK. Before doing business in Belarus, it is essential to be aware of the unique Belarusian business culture and the historical and political context which influences it.
Part 1 – Working in Belarus: Working practices in Belarus
Structure and hierarchy in Belarusian companies
Working relationships in Belarus
Part 2 – Doing Business in Belarus: Business practices in Belarus
Belarusian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO translate one side of your business card into Russian when doing business in Belarus.
DO maintain eye contact when you are greeting your Belarusian colleagues.
DO physically show concern and interest in topics raised during meetings.
DON’T interrupt your Belarusian colleagues.
DON’T sit with your legs apart.
DON’T use the OK sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) as this can be offensive.
Belarusian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Whistling inside a building brings bad luck.
2. Putting your feet on seats will demonstrate your hierarchical status and is a sign of distinction.
3. During meetings or parties, men are introduced before women.
4. It is common for elderly parents to live with their children.
5. It is rude to refuse food or drinks when socialising when Belarusian counterparts.
Belarusian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True.
2. False. Putting your feet on a seat or table is considered impolite.
3. False. Women are introduced before men and generally older individuals are introduced before the younger members of the group.
4. True.
5. True.
