After many years of poverty combined with political unrest and rebellion against the British, Ireland gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1922. Relationships with the UK remained difficult; the country was officially proclaimed a republic in 1949 and withdrew from the British Commonwealth.
Ireland Today
The Republic of Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and became part of the Eurozone in 2002. This troubled history has created a very specific system of values and traditions unique to Irish society which are essential to understand for anyone embarking on a business venture with Ireland.
Irish Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family is an integral part of Irish social structure and strongly influences how people live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members is essential. Many businesses are family owned and family run. In a business environment, members of family will often be favoured for a promotion or a contract.
Humour – A vital element in the Irish culture is the use of humour in all situations including business contexts. Humour is frequently used in the form of self-depreciation or irony. Teasing between friends is very common and humour is a way to test people to see if they can be trusted and if they can get along.
Religion – About 87% of Irish are Roman Catholics. Religion has played a big role in politics, notably during the War of Independence between Protestants and Catholics. It has deeply impacted the Irish people, their cultural values and social norms giving society a more traditional and conservative perspective. For instance, divorce only became legal in 1997 and a strict anti-abortion law was in place until July 2013. Parliament then approved a bill permitting abortion in exceptional cases.
Doing Business in Ireland
After joining the European Community in 1973, Ireland soon developed a modern economy. The 1990s saw unprecedented economic growth leading to a huge property boom and mass immigration. Ireland became known as the ‘Celtic Tiger’ but was hit hard by the global financial crisis in 2008. In November 2010, Ireland and the EU agreed on a financial rescue package accompanied by a four-year austerity plan to cut its budget.
Before doing business in Ireland, it is essential to be aware of the unique Irish business culture and the historical and political context in which it sits. Doing business successfully in Ireland requires an understanding of local business culture and etiquette to avoid misunderstandings, financial loss and damaged business relationships.
Part 1 – Working in Ireland: Working practices in Ireland
Structure and hierarchy in Irish companies
Working relationships in Ireland
Part 2 – Doing Business in Ireland: Business practices in Ireland
Irish Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO maintain eye contact when speaking during a meeting.
DO remember to shake hands on first meeting. It is considered polite to do so.
DO maintain a personal space when speaking to an Irish person, keeping about an arm’s length distance.
DON’T refer to Irish as English or British people. The violent history between the UK and the Republic of Ireland makes Irish feel very different from English people.
DON’T ask personal questions regarding your Irish counterpart’s background, occupation or income.
DON’T show off your wealth.
Irish Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is not recommended for women to sit at the bar in many Irish pubs as it is still considered inappropriate.
2. Speaking loudly or shouting during negotiations is ususually accepted.
3. Touching or hugging other men in public is considered socially unacceptable.
4. White flowers are avoided as a gift.
5. In business settings it is common to give and receive gifts.
Irish Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True, especially in the rural areas.
2. False.
3. True. except in rugby or a strong slap on the back to congratulate.
4. True. White flowers are used at funerals.
5. False. Gift giving and receiving is quite uncommon in business settings. Small gifts can be exchanged, but are not expected.
Ireland Today
The Republic of Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and became part of the Eurozone in 2002. This troubled history has created a very specific system of values and traditions unique to Irish society which are essential to understand for anyone embarking on a business venture with Ireland.
Irish Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family is an integral part of Irish social structure and strongly influences how people live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members is essential. Many businesses are family owned and family run. In a business environment, members of family will often be favoured for a promotion or a contract.
Humour – A vital element in the Irish culture is the use of humour in all situations including business contexts. Humour is frequently used in the form of self-depreciation or irony. Teasing between friends is very common and humour is a way to test people to see if they can be trusted and if they can get along.
Religion – About 87% of Irish are Roman Catholics. Religion has played a big role in politics, notably during the War of Independence between Protestants and Catholics. It has deeply impacted the Irish people, their cultural values and social norms giving society a more traditional and conservative perspective. For instance, divorce only became legal in 1997 and a strict anti-abortion law was in place until July 2013. Parliament then approved a bill permitting abortion in exceptional cases.
Doing Business in Ireland
After joining the European Community in 1973, Ireland soon developed a modern economy. The 1990s saw unprecedented economic growth leading to a huge property boom and mass immigration. Ireland became known as the ‘Celtic Tiger’ but was hit hard by the global financial crisis in 2008. In November 2010, Ireland and the EU agreed on a financial rescue package accompanied by a four-year austerity plan to cut its budget.
Before doing business in Ireland, it is essential to be aware of the unique Irish business culture and the historical and political context in which it sits. Doing business successfully in Ireland requires an understanding of local business culture and etiquette to avoid misunderstandings, financial loss and damaged business relationships.
Part 1 – Working in Ireland: Working practices in Ireland
Structure and hierarchy in Irish companies
Working relationships in Ireland
Part 2 – Doing Business in Ireland: Business practices in Ireland
Irish Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO maintain eye contact when speaking during a meeting.
DO remember to shake hands on first meeting. It is considered polite to do so.
DO maintain a personal space when speaking to an Irish person, keeping about an arm’s length distance.
DON’T refer to Irish as English or British people. The violent history between the UK and the Republic of Ireland makes Irish feel very different from English people.
DON’T ask personal questions regarding your Irish counterpart’s background, occupation or income.
DON’T show off your wealth.
Irish Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is not recommended for women to sit at the bar in many Irish pubs as it is still considered inappropriate.
2. Speaking loudly or shouting during negotiations is ususually accepted.
3. Touching or hugging other men in public is considered socially unacceptable.
4. White flowers are avoided as a gift.
5. In business settings it is common to give and receive gifts.
Irish Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True, especially in the rural areas.
2. False.
3. True. except in rugby or a strong slap on the back to congratulate.
4. True. White flowers are used at funerals.
5. False. Gift giving and receiving is quite uncommon in business settings. Small gifts can be exchanged, but are not expected.