A country of ancient heritage and vibrant culture, Greece is often referred to as the cradle of European culture. Greece offers a vast diversity of experience and landscapes from the bustle of Athens to the beautiful Aegean islands and historic ruins of Delphi.
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Greece Today
Having gone through various invasions during the 19th and 20th centuries, democratic elections were held in 1974 creating a parliamentary republic. In 1981, Greece joined the EU and became the 12th member of the Eurozone in 2001. Understanding and appreciating Greek social and business culture is paramount to successfully work with Greek counterparts.
Greek Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family is the basic social unit in Greek society, closely followed by the village. Loyalty to family is paramount and put ahead of all business interests. Interruptions such as phone calls at work caused by an individual’s family are common and not seen as disturbance.
Personal Relationships – Personal relationships are extremely important in Greece. People take a sincere interest in others and spend a lot of time socialising. Successful business often depends on trust and personal relationships rather than qualifications and performance. Investing time in getting to know your Greek colleagues and clients by showing interest and joining their lifestyle and social activities is therefore vital for successful business with them.
Time –Greeks have a flexible approach to time and tend to do many things at once. They can be easily distracted and subject to numerous interruptions. Plans are changed often and easily and are not necessarily adhered to.
Religion – The majority of Greeks are Greek Orthodox. Religion has influence on every layer of life in Greece. Almost all holidays are associated to the church calendar and new buildings are blessed by the church. The church’s authority reaches most Greek institutions which also results in close links to the state.
Humour – Humour is frequently used in Greek conversations. However, Greek humour may be perceived as rude and even vulgar since satirical jokes are common.
Doing Business in Greece
After World War II, Greece experienced strong economic growth with tourism as the country’s key business sector. It was however hit hard by the global financial crisis of the late 2000s and is now a major beneficiary of EU aid. Thanks to austerity measures Greece reduced its deficit in 2012 but still relies on European bailout packages. Greece has started to recapitalise its banks in order to provide a solid basis for rebuilding its economy. Having a comprehensive understanding of Greek culture and how it impacts the economy and business operations is essential for successful living and working in Greece.
Part 1 – Working in Greece: Working practices in Greece
Structure and hierarchy in Greek companies
Working relationships in Greece
Part 2 – Doing Business in Greece: Business practices in Greece
Greek business etiquette (do’s and don’ts)
DO have printed material in both English and Greek.
DO try to learn some Greek. Even though many business people speak basic English, it is considered a compliment if you attempt to use the Greek language.
DO use every opportunity to socialise with your Greek counterparts. Personal relationships with colleagues are highly valued in Greece.
DO avoid controversial conversation topics such as the name conflict with Macedonia.
DON’T be offended or surprised if your Greek colleague enters your personal space.
DON’T criticise your Greek counterparts in front of other business colleagues as this may cause a loss of face and harm their sense of honour.
DON’T show an open palm directed at someone’s face. This may be seen as an insult.
Greece Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Birthdays are important celebrations in Greece.
2. It is not unusual that business is conducted only during the third meeting.
3. Physical contact that reaches beyond the handshake is not appropriate in Greek business culture.
4. Greeks tend to nod when they disagree.
5. Greek business people prefer to have conversations via the phone and email as opposed to personal contact.
Greece Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Most Greeks celebrate ‘name days’ more which includes the exchange of gifts.
2. True. Greek people value personal relationships. Often the first meetings are used to get to know the counterpart and find out whether he or she can be trusted.
3. False. Greeks tend to welcome physical contact and conversing with close proximity is common. Embracing and kissing on the cheek is commonly used in Greece.
4. True. Nodding does not always mean ‘yes’.
5. False. Personal contact is paramount in Greece.
Greece Today
Having gone through various invasions during the 19th and 20th centuries, democratic elections were held in 1974 creating a parliamentary republic. In 1981, Greece joined the EU and became the 12th member of the Eurozone in 2001. Understanding and appreciating Greek social and business culture is paramount to successfully work with Greek counterparts.
Greek Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family is the basic social unit in Greek society, closely followed by the village. Loyalty to family is paramount and put ahead of all business interests. Interruptions such as phone calls at work caused by an individual’s family are common and not seen as disturbance.
Personal Relationships – Personal relationships are extremely important in Greece. People take a sincere interest in others and spend a lot of time socialising. Successful business often depends on trust and personal relationships rather than qualifications and performance. Investing time in getting to know your Greek colleagues and clients by showing interest and joining their lifestyle and social activities is therefore vital for successful business with them.
Time –Greeks have a flexible approach to time and tend to do many things at once. They can be easily distracted and subject to numerous interruptions. Plans are changed often and easily and are not necessarily adhered to.
Religion – The majority of Greeks are Greek Orthodox. Religion has influence on every layer of life in Greece. Almost all holidays are associated to the church calendar and new buildings are blessed by the church. The church’s authority reaches most Greek institutions which also results in close links to the state.
Humour – Humour is frequently used in Greek conversations. However, Greek humour may be perceived as rude and even vulgar since satirical jokes are common.
Doing Business in Greece
After World War II, Greece experienced strong economic growth with tourism as the country’s key business sector. It was however hit hard by the global financial crisis of the late 2000s and is now a major beneficiary of EU aid. Thanks to austerity measures Greece reduced its deficit in 2012 but still relies on European bailout packages. Greece has started to recapitalise its banks in order to provide a solid basis for rebuilding its economy. Having a comprehensive understanding of Greek culture and how it impacts the economy and business operations is essential for successful living and working in Greece.
Part 1 – Working in Greece: Working practices in Greece
Structure and hierarchy in Greek companies
Working relationships in Greece
Part 2 – Doing Business in Greece: Business practices in Greece
Greek business etiquette (do’s and don’ts)
DO have printed material in both English and Greek.
DO try to learn some Greek. Even though many business people speak basic English, it is considered a compliment if you attempt to use the Greek language.
DO use every opportunity to socialise with your Greek counterparts. Personal relationships with colleagues are highly valued in Greece.
DO avoid controversial conversation topics such as the name conflict with Macedonia.
DON’T be offended or surprised if your Greek colleague enters your personal space.
DON’T criticise your Greek counterparts in front of other business colleagues as this may cause a loss of face and harm their sense of honour.
DON’T show an open palm directed at someone’s face. This may be seen as an insult.
Greece Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Birthdays are important celebrations in Greece.
2. It is not unusual that business is conducted only during the third meeting.
3. Physical contact that reaches beyond the handshake is not appropriate in Greek business culture.
4. Greeks tend to nod when they disagree.
5. Greek business people prefer to have conversations via the phone and email as opposed to personal contact.
Greece Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Most Greeks celebrate ‘name days’ more which includes the exchange of gifts.
2. True. Greek people value personal relationships. Often the first meetings are used to get to know the counterpart and find out whether he or she can be trusted.
3. False. Greeks tend to welcome physical contact and conversing with close proximity is common. Embracing and kissing on the cheek is commonly used in Greece.
4. True. Nodding does not always mean ‘yes’.
5. False. Personal contact is paramount in Greece.
