Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic States – and the largest and most populous. It is a very diverse country with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of natural resources such as limestone, iron ore, mineral water and quartz sand. Its landscape is dotted with hills, sand dunes, wetlands and forests. The capital Vilnius is an enchanting city on the banks of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, and it is one of the most impressive and biggest old Baroque towns in Eastern Europe.
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Lithuania Today
The capital Vilnius is an enchanting city on the banks of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, and it is one of the most impressive and biggest old Baroque towns in Eastern Europe.
Soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lithuania was able to gain its independence. In 2004 it became a member of the European Union, propelling it to the global stage, boosting its tourism industry and national economy.
Lithuanian Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Identity – Lithuanians are a patriotic people who regard tradition very highly. A strong sense of national identity is cultivated very early in life. Folk music, national traditions and holidays play a very important role in promoting Lithuania’s cultural heritage.
Relationships – As a family-focused society, Lithuanians are reliant on the building and maintaining of close personal relationships. Given Lithuanians’ history of occupation, it is generally the case that outsiders must earn the trust of their Lithuanian acquaintances before a close relationship forms.
Roman Catholicism – At various points in this country’s history, religion has played a central role in Lithuanian society. As a result, Roman Catholicism serves as the foundation of Lithuanian identity. Almost 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. Even in present-day society, the Roman Catholic Church has a significant bearing on many aspects of Lithuanian life and culture. It continues to provide both the country and its people with a basic sense of solidarity and constancy for the future.
Doing Business in Lithuania
Due to the bureaucratic nature of Lithuanian society, business tends to move more slowly than in western Europe. However, Lithuania is an attractive destination for foreign investors due to its excellent geographical location and well developed infrastructure. After its accession to the EU in 2004, Lithuania saw rapid economic growth, mainly in its clothing and textiles industry, tourism, transport and ICT industry which is the largest in the Baltic States. Lithuania’s period of growth came to a sudden end in 2008 when the financial crisis broke out. However, thanks to the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment to develop export markets and to pursue broad economic reforms, the country was able to recover quickly and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the EU. Lithuania plans to join the euro zone in 2015.
Part 1 – Working in Lithuania: Working practices in Lithuania
Structure and hierarchy in Lithuanian companies
Working relationships in Lithuania
Part 2 – Doing Business in Lithuania: Business practices in Lithuania
Lithuanian business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO use personal titles where possible or the basic courtesy titles, Mr (Ponas), Ms (Panele) and Mrs (Pania), followed by a surname or first name.
DO try to learn some basic Lithuanian words and phrases, for instance ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’. Your Lithuanian business contacts will welcome your efforts and perceive them as a gracious gesture.
DO smile and maintain direct eye contact during conversation with your Lithuanian counterparts as it helps to develop a feeling of trust with the people you are meeting.
DO shake hands when greeting each other, especially among men. Lithuanians in general will shake hands quite frequently.
DO accept if an invitation is extended to you and ensure that you present your host with a small token of appreciation. This can be either confectionery, a bottle of wine or flowers but be aware that anything too extravagant may embarrass your host. Pay special attention when giving flowers – ensure that there are an odd number of flowers as even numbers signify someone’s passing. Hosts are generous and go out of their way to ensure their guests’ comfort.
DON’T boast or make claims as this may be interpreted as arrogance. Being humble is valued.
DON’T try to disguise your feelings and emotions. Openness and honesty are qualities that your Lithuanian colleagues will appreciate and it will help build trust for future business transactions.
Lithuanian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is normal practice for a junior staff member to challenge a senior member of staff.
2. It is best to wait for the host to begin and end any business talk.
3. Referring to Lithuanian colleagues on a first name basis is encouraged.
4. If you are invited to a Lithuanian home, a small gift such as a bottle of wine or flowers for your host is generally expected.
Lithuanian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. The Lithuanian work place is typically hierarchical, with few challenges to authority.
2. True.
3. False. Lithuanian business people have a formal approach to business and prefer to be referred to by their titles or Mr/Mrs/Ms followed by their surname.
4. True.
Lithuania Today
The capital Vilnius is an enchanting city on the banks of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, and it is one of the most impressive and biggest old Baroque towns in Eastern Europe.
Soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Lithuania was able to gain its independence. In 2004 it became a member of the European Union, propelling it to the global stage, boosting its tourism industry and national economy.
Lithuanian Culture - Key Concepts and Values
Identity – Lithuanians are a patriotic people who regard tradition very highly. A strong sense of national identity is cultivated very early in life. Folk music, national traditions and holidays play a very important role in promoting Lithuania’s cultural heritage.
Relationships – As a family-focused society, Lithuanians are reliant on the building and maintaining of close personal relationships. Given Lithuanians’ history of occupation, it is generally the case that outsiders must earn the trust of their Lithuanian acquaintances before a close relationship forms.
Roman Catholicism – At various points in this country’s history, religion has played a central role in Lithuanian society. As a result, Roman Catholicism serves as the foundation of Lithuanian identity. Almost 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. Even in present-day society, the Roman Catholic Church has a significant bearing on many aspects of Lithuanian life and culture. It continues to provide both the country and its people with a basic sense of solidarity and constancy for the future.
Doing Business in Lithuania
Due to the bureaucratic nature of Lithuanian society, business tends to move more slowly than in western Europe. However, Lithuania is an attractive destination for foreign investors due to its excellent geographical location and well developed infrastructure. After its accession to the EU in 2004, Lithuania saw rapid economic growth, mainly in its clothing and textiles industry, tourism, transport and ICT industry which is the largest in the Baltic States. Lithuania’s period of growth came to a sudden end in 2008 when the financial crisis broke out. However, thanks to the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment to develop export markets and to pursue broad economic reforms, the country was able to recover quickly and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the EU. Lithuania plans to join the euro zone in 2015.
Part 1 – Working in Lithuania: Working practices in Lithuania
Structure and hierarchy in Lithuanian companies
Working relationships in Lithuania
Part 2 – Doing Business in Lithuania: Business practices in Lithuania
Lithuanian business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO use personal titles where possible or the basic courtesy titles, Mr (Ponas), Ms (Panele) and Mrs (Pania), followed by a surname or first name.
DO try to learn some basic Lithuanian words and phrases, for instance ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’. Your Lithuanian business contacts will welcome your efforts and perceive them as a gracious gesture.
DO smile and maintain direct eye contact during conversation with your Lithuanian counterparts as it helps to develop a feeling of trust with the people you are meeting.
DO shake hands when greeting each other, especially among men. Lithuanians in general will shake hands quite frequently.
DO accept if an invitation is extended to you and ensure that you present your host with a small token of appreciation. This can be either confectionery, a bottle of wine or flowers but be aware that anything too extravagant may embarrass your host. Pay special attention when giving flowers – ensure that there are an odd number of flowers as even numbers signify someone’s passing. Hosts are generous and go out of their way to ensure their guests’ comfort.
DON’T boast or make claims as this may be interpreted as arrogance. Being humble is valued.
DON’T try to disguise your feelings and emotions. Openness and honesty are qualities that your Lithuanian colleagues will appreciate and it will help build trust for future business transactions.
Lithuanian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is normal practice for a junior staff member to challenge a senior member of staff.
2. It is best to wait for the host to begin and end any business talk.
3. Referring to Lithuanian colleagues on a first name basis is encouraged.
4. If you are invited to a Lithuanian home, a small gift such as a bottle of wine or flowers for your host is generally expected.
Lithuanian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. The Lithuanian work place is typically hierarchical, with few challenges to authority.
2. True.
3. False. Lithuanian business people have a formal approach to business and prefer to be referred to by their titles or Mr/Mrs/Ms followed by their surname.
4. True.