Module 3 Task 22
Take the quiz to check what you know about how East Europeans behave in formal business meetings. Then, read the text on East European culture and work-related social rituals to confirm your choices. Click Quiz.
LEARNING POINT 7: SOCIAL RITUALS
In Eastern European cultures, the social rituals can sometimes be more formal, especially in professional settings. For example, during a business meeting in countries like Poland, Estonia, Hungary, or the Czech Republic, greetings are usually polite but can be somewhat reserved compared to more informal or casual greetings in places like the United States or Western Europe. In many Eastern European cultures, you may find that pleasantries are more structured, and a greeting may include asking about one’s well-being, followed by a brief exchange of pleasantries, all expected before any serious talks or discussions are launched. Quite often the organiser will offer coffee, tea, or water to the gathered. It is polite to accept with a short “Yes, please.”
However, in contrast to Western cultures, where these exchanges might often feel more automatic and sometimes superficial, Eastern European greetings tend to be more formal and specific. There is often a stronger emphasis on respect for hierarchy and status in these settings. For instance, a younger person may wait for an elder or a senior colleague to speak first and will address them with specific honorifics or titles. This formal approach can be seen as more ritualistic, especially when compared to places like the U.S. or Australia, where business meetings often start with casual greetings and small talk, and people may quickly shift to business matters.
In countries like Lithuania, Latvia, or Poland, greeting rituals may include firm handshakes and sometimes even an exchange of business cards, which may be handled with care. Such formalities are crucial to building trust in business settings, and not following them can be seen as a sign of disrespect.
PONDER POINT 13
What are the rituals in your work?
How do you usually start your day at work? How do you usually finish it?
Do you have any specific rituals? How do you introduce them at work? What are these rituals for?