1. Florence Italy

2. The Italian Republic 301k sq. miles (slightly larger than Arizona) Rome Pop´n: 58 m Italian (German, French, Slovene)

3. The Italian Republic Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim Life Expectancy Males: 76 years old, Females: 82 years old 1 US dollar  2,186.64 Italian Lira 1 US dollar  1.13 EURO Labour Force (23.4 m): 67% Services 30% Industry 2.5% Agriculture

4. The Italian Republic – Economic Factors GDP/capita  U$ 21,400 (1999) U$ 22,100 (2000) Key Industries - tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, clothing and footwear Exports – engineering products, textiles and clothing Imports – energy products, chemicals, food, beverages and tobacco

5. The Italian Republic – Government President (Representative, no Executive power) Prime Minister (Executive power) Volatile Political Environment Present – June 2001 Bureaucracy Role of contacts to speed up processes

6. The Italian Republic – The Mafia Influential throughout the entire country Especially the South – control the entertainment industry, used for money laundering Protection fees must be paid “A conference organised by the country´s leading trade association in Milan said the Mafia controlled about 20% of all businesses and 15% of the country's gross national product..” BBC 2000.

7. “From ancient to modern times, Italy has played a central role in world culture. Italians have contributed some of the world's most admired "Italy," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2002 sculpturesculpture, architecture, painting, literature, and music, particularly opera.”architecturepaintingopera Italian Culture

8. High-Context Value relationships – Family Multiple methods of communication Hand gestures and facial expressions Loud voice volume Hofstede’s Dimensions Strong uncertainty avoidance Masculine culture High power distance Individualist

9. Preparation Stage Obtain Visa Climate & Clothing Medical insurance Banking Electrical adaptor Information to leave at home or the office: banking, identification, health, travel, contact

10. Landing in Italy “Permesso di soggiorno” – 8 days Health – water Crime Violent crimes – low Petty crimes – high Cost of Living – around U$200/day

11. Working in Italy - Leadership Style Centralization International Contingency Model of Leadership Directive - rules Supportive – consideration for needs Participative - consulting Not Achievement oriented - goals

12. Working in Italy – Communication “Italian communication styles tend to be eloquent, wordy, demonstrative, and emotional.” executiveplanet.com Kinesic communication – hand gestures Usually do NOT raise voice Speak loud Lots of interruptions Frantic pace

13. Working in Italy - How to Motivate Italians Fringe benefits, due to: Taxes Culture Importance of family High Context  Relationship Family businesses

14. Working in Italy - Common Benefits in Italy Company car Apartments Special interest for financing Children expenses (based on # of children) Lunch (subsidise cafeterias)

15. Working in Italy – Structure, Groups and Organizational Culture Centralization: Decision making is with select few. “Cordata” (chain of command): Respect for power and age. Family Business: Italian businesses are mainly family oriented. Women Manager: Strong barriers. Change in trend  Future growth expected.

16. Working in Italy – Negotiating in Italy Language Business Cards Behaviour Initial meeting Presentations Decision-making

17. Do’s and Don’t’s - Appointments Time is not a priority Best times: Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and after 3:00 p.m. Summer vacation: Most firms are closed in August Business Hours: North - usually 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Central and southern - in the evening though its 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.

18. Do’s and Don’t’s – Business Dress Dress well Men: Expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark suits Cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches Women: Dress simply and with elegance Accessorizing and makeup is widely practiced Social gathering, “informal” means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes including a jacket and tie for men.

19. Do’s and Don’t’s – Public Behaviour Prefer third-party introductions Shake hands with everyone individually in a group; no "group wave" Placing the hand on the stomach signifies dislike Italians may walk arm in arm or hold hands in public Pointing with the index and little finger is a gesture used only when wishing someone bad luck

20. Do’s and Don’t’s – Conversation Welcome Topics of Conversation Italian architecture Italian art and films sports, especially soccer Italian food and wine the Italian landscape opera praising the hospitality you're receiving current events

21. Do’s and Don’t’s – Conversation Topics of Conversation to avoid Religion/the Vatican and its policies Politics, Taxes The Mafia World War II Criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so, and other Italian stereotypes Inquiring about the profession or income of someone you've just met Questions about private family concerns Negative comments about the local soccer team

22. Do’s and Don’t’s – Gift-Giving Gifts to someone’s home (more common in the north than in the south) Opened at time they are given and received A prestigious brand name, yet small and not obviously expensive Alcohol or crafts from your own country Secretaries generally appreciate a gift of flowers or chocolates Ensure that the bouquet is in odd numbers, in accordance with the old European tradition

23. Do’s and Don’t’s – Gifts to Avoid Showcasing your company's logo Brooches and handkerchiefs (associated with funerals) Chrysanthemums are acceptable only for funerals Colour of wrapping Black and gold paper - mourning Purple -- bad luck Knives or any other type of sharp object- may be interpreted as a severing of a friendship or other close bond

24. Ciao