21/03/2022
Russia, being at the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, has quite a unique way of doing business. We summed up 5 facts about Russian business etiquette you need to keep in mind in order to have successful dealings with Russian partners.
1. When referring to a Russian person when you first meet, you're expected to use the combination of their first name and the patronymic — it's considered the most polite. Handshakes are commonly used as a greeting gesture. However due to the pandemic handshakes were replaced by contactless greeting gestures like a hand wave or a small bow. Keep in mind a superstition that it is bad luck to shake hands by a doorway — it may be considered offensive.
2. Hierarchy and age are very important to Russians, but things are slowly changing. Earlier a head of the company or the department was supposed to be called by their first name and the patronymic in all cases, but now many companies are trying to break away from this tradition and let go only by the first name. More and more females and younger people are now reaching senior positions.
3. Russians are quite enthusiastic when it comes to discussing their homeland. At the same time, Russians are happy to talk about their country or a birthplace — many big city dwellers actually come from small towns, and would be pleased if you ask them to tell more about their home town.
4. Russian business people are punctual and are good at time management. When scheduling a meeting with your Russian counterpart, especially a high-ranking one, do it in advance. When having a face-to-face meeting in a big city like Moscow, allow some lead time — the roads are very busy.
5. It is very common to combine meetings with lunch, sealing a deal may take place when dining
