A country with breathtaking landscapes, Slovenia is home to a fusion of Slavic and western culture. As one of the six former republics of Yugoslavia and the first to declare independence in 1991, Slovenes have a very strong sense of cultural heritage and are proud of their new national identity.
Slovenia Today
Slovenia’s location in Central Europe allowed it to benefit from substantial economic and political stability after becoming independent. Although Slovenia is a relatively young autonomous nation, it has established a significant role within the European Union and the Eurozone and became the first former communist state to take on the EU presidency in 2008. Understanding Slovenian culture and its recent transition from a state economy to a free market is essential for anyone doing business in this country.
Slovene Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – Family is an integral part of Slovene culture which strongly influences how people behave and live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members, both nuclear and extended, is essential. As a relatively traditional society, Slovenes place a lot of importance on family life and only recently have the family living arrangements and sizes started to change. This includes the traditional practice of several generations living together.
National Identity – Slovenes are extremely proud of their rich cultural heritage and young nation. Following centuries of invasion and occupation from neighbouring countries, Slovenes are proud to have maintained an unbroken cultural identity and value their recently attained autonomy. Due to the blend of Slavic and western cultural elements, Slovenia has an exceptional position within central Europe.
Equality – Slovenes highly emphasise egalitarianism and believe that every person deserves the same advantages and opportunities. This involves the willingness to adapt to other cultures and communication styles.
Doing Business in Slovenia
Slovenia has gone through various transitions in their economic and political systems in order to move away from socialism. Having always been the most prosperous region of former Yugoslavia, Slovenia enjoyed even more steady economic growth after gaining independence. Extensive economic reforms, a well-developed infrastructure and its central European position have made Slovenia an attractive location for foreign investment. Tourism and an increase in consumer spending have also refined Slovenia’s economic climate. As an export-dependent economy, the country was hit hard by the global economic crisis in 2008. The government implemented harsh austerity measures which led to protests among the population. Should you be planning to do business in Slovenia, the country offers a lot of interesting opportunities but it is crucial to be aware of Slovenian business culture.
Slovenia Business Part 1 - Working in Slovenia: Working practices in Slovenia
Structure and hierarchy in Slovene companies
Working relationships in Slovenia
Slovenia Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Slovenia: Business practices
Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO show respect towards everyone you meet by shaking their hands in the beginning and end of the meeting, including unfamiliar acquaintances.
DO remove your shoes before entering a Slovene’s home. It is common that hosts provide ‘guest-slippers’.
DO avoid a public display of anger as it is considered to be rude and unacceptable.
DO compliment Slovenia’s beautiful countryside which is famous for its abundant forests and diverse countryside. Skiing, the country’s national sport, is also a good conversation topic.
DON’T place your hands in your pockets during a conversation with a Slovene as it is considered impolite.
DON’T raise your voice during a conversation. Slovenes are often soft-spoken and respect politeness and modesty.
DON’T forget to bring a small gift if invited to your business partner’s home.
DON’T talk about Slovenia’s relations with Croatia as this is a rather sensitive topic. Slovenia’s relations with their neighbouring country have long been strained due to on-going border disputes.
Slovenian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is acceptable to arrive late to a meeting or professional event.
2. Pointing at someone is considered rude.
3. Meals are an integral part of Slovene family life.
4. Maintaining eye contact shows interest and respect while too much physical contact should be avoided.
5. Slovenes tend to use a direct communication style.
Slovenian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Slovenes expect an arrival on time or within five minutes.
2. True. Learn about the non-verbal cues before doing business in Slovenia to avoid any cultural faux-pas.
3. True. If you are invited to one try to accept as this will be a great way to get to know them and build relationships.
4. True. This also helps to build trust and relationships with your Slovene counterparts.
5. False. In order to avoid negative responses, Slovenes tend to communicate in an indirect style especially with people they do not know well.
Slovenia Today
Slovenia’s location in Central Europe allowed it to benefit from substantial economic and political stability after becoming independent. Although Slovenia is a relatively young autonomous nation, it has established a significant role within the European Union and the Eurozone and became the first former communist state to take on the EU presidency in 2008. Understanding Slovenian culture and its recent transition from a state economy to a free market is essential for anyone doing business in this country.
Slovene Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – Family is an integral part of Slovene culture which strongly influences how people behave and live their daily lives. Loyalty and commitment to family members, both nuclear and extended, is essential. As a relatively traditional society, Slovenes place a lot of importance on family life and only recently have the family living arrangements and sizes started to change. This includes the traditional practice of several generations living together.
National Identity – Slovenes are extremely proud of their rich cultural heritage and young nation. Following centuries of invasion and occupation from neighbouring countries, Slovenes are proud to have maintained an unbroken cultural identity and value their recently attained autonomy. Due to the blend of Slavic and western cultural elements, Slovenia has an exceptional position within central Europe.
Equality – Slovenes highly emphasise egalitarianism and believe that every person deserves the same advantages and opportunities. This involves the willingness to adapt to other cultures and communication styles.
Doing Business in Slovenia
Slovenia has gone through various transitions in their economic and political systems in order to move away from socialism. Having always been the most prosperous region of former Yugoslavia, Slovenia enjoyed even more steady economic growth after gaining independence. Extensive economic reforms, a well-developed infrastructure and its central European position have made Slovenia an attractive location for foreign investment. Tourism and an increase in consumer spending have also refined Slovenia’s economic climate. As an export-dependent economy, the country was hit hard by the global economic crisis in 2008. The government implemented harsh austerity measures which led to protests among the population. Should you be planning to do business in Slovenia, the country offers a lot of interesting opportunities but it is crucial to be aware of Slovenian business culture.
Slovenia Business Part 1 - Working in Slovenia: Working practices in Slovenia
Structure and hierarchy in Slovene companies
Working relationships in Slovenia
Slovenia Business Part 2 - Doing Business in Slovenia: Business practices
Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO show respect towards everyone you meet by shaking their hands in the beginning and end of the meeting, including unfamiliar acquaintances.
DO remove your shoes before entering a Slovene’s home. It is common that hosts provide ‘guest-slippers’.
DO avoid a public display of anger as it is considered to be rude and unacceptable.
DO compliment Slovenia’s beautiful countryside which is famous for its abundant forests and diverse countryside. Skiing, the country’s national sport, is also a good conversation topic.
DON’T place your hands in your pockets during a conversation with a Slovene as it is considered impolite.
DON’T raise your voice during a conversation. Slovenes are often soft-spoken and respect politeness and modesty.
DON’T forget to bring a small gift if invited to your business partner’s home.
DON’T talk about Slovenia’s relations with Croatia as this is a rather sensitive topic. Slovenia’s relations with their neighbouring country have long been strained due to on-going border disputes.
Slovenian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. It is acceptable to arrive late to a meeting or professional event.
2. Pointing at someone is considered rude.
3. Meals are an integral part of Slovene family life.
4. Maintaining eye contact shows interest and respect while too much physical contact should be avoided.
5. Slovenes tend to use a direct communication style.
Slovenian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Slovenes expect an arrival on time or within five minutes.
2. True. Learn about the non-verbal cues before doing business in Slovenia to avoid any cultural faux-pas.
3. True. If you are invited to one try to accept as this will be a great way to get to know them and build relationships.
4. True. This also helps to build trust and relationships with your Slovene counterparts.
5. False. In order to avoid negative responses, Slovenes tend to communicate in an indirect style especially with people they do not know well.
