Abstract
"Communism was based on everyone being the same. Being different was a threat. Right now, Russian society is going through the painful process of reforming itself, and ridding itself of old ways of thinking. Although differences are officially allowed by the authorities great animosity still exists towards anything or anybody that is not average." Marina Tyanhelkova, International Republican Institute
Background to the Russian people
The Czarist and Communist regimes have suppressed people’s desire to work individually under personal initiative. During the restructuring period (perestroika), the Soviet Communist value system was redefined, but the pace of the restructuring has been very slow. Western values of individualism and profit maximisation are adapted to gradually, however many Russians, especially older Russians, have difficulty in adapting to a Western outlook on life. The older generation is generally pessimistic and does not have faith in a better future life, whereas younger urban Russians are more open to a Western lifestyle. Currently, Russia is going through a profound period of change to replace the values of Communism with those of democracy and a free-market economy. Visitors to Russia may find that many Russians are still unfamiliar with, or misinformed about, concepts that form the basis of Western business culture. It may be necessary to explain and persuade Russian counterparts to accept ideas such as motivation, fair play, individual accountability and reward, profit and loss, turnover, proprietary rights, good will, or public relations. However, these terms should only be used with tact and caution. One consideration to keep in mind is the widespread ‘assumption’ by Westerners that Russia is a very ‘European’ country. Discussions with several Russians have indicated that there is an affinity with Asia, and this should be kept in mind when assuming that Russia will converge to act more like North Americans or Europeans over time. Russians themselves often distinguish between Russia as a country and Moscow and Saint Petersburg as the most technologically and economically advanced cities in Russia. These two cities are relatively modern, meeting Western standards, and have experienced large-scale foreign direct investment in the past decade.
Table of Contents
1. Background to the Russian people
2. Cultural Dimensions of Business in Russia
2.1. Entertaining
2.2. Dining
2.3. Drinking and smoking
2.4. Corporate Culture
2.5. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions for Russians
2.5.1. Power Distance
2.5.2. Uncertainty Avoidance
2.5.3. Individualism – Collectivism
2.5.4. Masculinity – Femininity
2.6. Trompenaar’s Framework
2.6.1. Getting along with People
2.6.2. Living in Time
2.6.3. Living with Nature
3. Russian communication principles
3.1. Meeting and respectfully addressing Russians
3.2. General communication guidelines
3.2.1. Good topics of conversation
3.2.2. Topics to avoid
3.3. Types of non-verbal communication
3.3.1. Kinetics and proxemics
3.3.2. Paralinguistics
3.4. Communication technology
3.4.1. Telephones
3.4.2. Presentations
3.4.3. Written communication
4. Negotiating with Russians
4.1. Pre-negotiating preparation
4.2. The basic concept of a negotiation
4.3. The Russian style of negotiation
4.4. Negotiation tactics and persuasion
4.5. Protocol
4.5.1. Credentials
4.5.2. Guideline for business dress
General dress code
Women’s business dress code
4.5.3. Gift giving
Appropriate business gifts
A list of appreciated gifts
4.5.4. Ceremonies
4.6. Communicative context
4.7. Type and significance of goals
4.8. The role of relationships and trust
4.9. The value of time in Russia
4.10. Agreements through written documentation
5. Developing Multicultural Teams
5.1. Leading, motivating and managing teams in a Russian context
5.2. Leadership in Russia: Origin and values
5.3. The establishment of credibility
5.4. Effective personnel development for Russian employees
5.5. Motivation
6. Selection of Expatriates
6.1. Factors to Consider
6.2. Selection Attributes
7. Managing Social & Ethical Issues:
7.1. The Issues
7.2. Managing the Issues
8. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive guide for Westerners navigating the complex business environment in post-Soviet Russia, addressing the cultural nuances and practical challenges of international management. The primary research goal is to identify strategies for successful professional engagement by bridging the gap between Western business practices and Russian sociocultural realities.
- Cultural dimensions and communication styles in the Russian context
- Strategic approaches to negotiation and business protocol
- Effective management and motivation of multicultural teams
- Critical assessment of social and ethical business risks
- Best practices for the selection and preparation of expatriates
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Entertaining
Being invited to a Russian home is considered a tremendous honour. Even more honourable is to be invited to a Russian summer home. In either case, visitors must be prepared to stay late--often into the early hours of the morning if not overnight. Guests may be required to remove their shoes before entering a Russian home and instead wear a pair of slippers offered to them by the hosts. Obviously, this last requirement is the result of the climate of Russia. As in other northern countries of harsh climate (Canada and Norway in our experience), removal of shoes stems from the amount of snow, slush, and /or mud and dirt on the footwear.
For similar reasons, it is considered rude to wear or carry an overcoat within a restaurant or entertainment venue of any kind. The custom is to leave overcoats, umbrellas, etc. in a cloakroom before entering.
Summary of Chapters
1. Background to the Russian people: Examines the transition of Russian society from Communist control to a free-market economy and the resulting clash of values.
2. Cultural Dimensions of Business in Russia: Explores Russian social customs and behavioral frameworks through Hofstede’s and Trompenaar’s models.
3. Russian communication principles: Details the importance of non-verbal communication and appropriate conduct in social and business interactions.
4. Negotiating with Russians: Outlines the competitive nature of Russian negotiations and provides guidelines for preparation and protocol.
5. Developing Multicultural Teams: Discusses the challenges of leadership and motivation within the specific Russian organizational context.
6. Selection of Expatriates: Highlights the critical attributes required for managers to succeed in the challenging Russian environment.
7. Managing Social & Ethical Issues:: Addresses systemic ethical concerns such as corruption and the necessity of maintaining personal integrity.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes key findings on the importance of adaptability, patience, and relationship-building for long-term success.
Keywords
Russia, Business Culture, Cross-Cultural Management, Negotiation, Communication, Leadership, Motivation, Expatriates, Ethics, Perestroika, Collectivism, Hierarchy, Relationship-building, Protocol, Business Environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work provides a detailed framework for Western professionals to understand and navigate the specific cultural, social, and ethical environment of the Russian business landscape.
What are the primary themes discussed in the text?
The main themes include cross-cultural communication, negotiation tactics, leadership styles suitable for Russian employees, and the ethical management of operations in a developing market.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to assist Westerners in achieving long-term success in Russia by fostering adaptability and awareness of local norms, while maintaining consistent professional standards.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing existing academic cultural models with empirical observations, interview data, and business experience relevant to the Russian transition period.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a spectrum of topics ranging from daily social etiquette, such as entertaining and dining, to strategic concerns like negotiation, expatriate management, and overcoming systemic social or ethical hurdles.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Essential keywords include Russia, Cross-Cultural Management, Negotiation, Business Protocol, Leadership, and Ethics.
Why is "trust" highlighted as a central element in Russian business?
Because the legal and regulatory systems in Russia have historically been volatile or vague, personal relationships serve as the primary assurance of stability and reliability between business entities.
How does the author advise on dealing with negotiation tactics?
The author recommends that Westerners resist aggressive tactics like emotional outbursts or threats, instead insisting on logical proof and empirical evidence to emphasize mutual, long-term benefits.
- Quote paper
- MBA Hakime Isik-Vanelli (Author), 2003, Cultural Dimensions of Business in Russia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/26493
