Russia Behavior
 As
a foreigner, you are expected to be on time to
all business appointments. However, your Russian
counterpart may be late, as this may be a test
of your patience. Do not expect an apology from
a late Russian, and do not demonstrate any kind
of attitude if your business appointments begin
one or two hours late. This may also be a
test of your patience.
Social
events are more relaxed. It is acceptable
for foreigners to be 15 to 30 minutes late.
Patience
is an extremely important virtue among Russians;
punctuality is not.
Russians
are known as great "sitters" during negotiations,
this demonstrates their tremendous patience.
The
U.S.S.R. was officially an atheist nation in the
days of communism. Now, however, participation
in religion in increasing, with many citizens practicing
Protestantism, Islam, Russian Orthodoxy, and Judaism.
Some
'hard-line' Russians still view compromise as a
sign of weakness, and often refuse to back down.
To these individuals, compromising is bad business.
As
a foreigner, you should realize that "Final
Offers" are often not actually the end of
the negotiations, and that often times the outcome
will be more beneficial and attractive if you can
hold out.
There
is a Russian term meaning "connections" or "influences.
It is extremely difficult to do business in Russia
without help from a local. To help with this, gifts,
money or other items are often a good idea when
doing business in Russia.
If
attending dinner at a family residence, it is appropriate
to bring a gift, such as a bottle of wine, dessert,
or a bouquet of flowers.
When
shaking hands with someone, be sure to take off
your gloves, as it is considered rude not to.
When
attending any formal engagements such as the theatre,
it is appropriate to check your coat and other
belongings at the front door of the establishment.
Do
not show the soles of your shoes, as this is considered
impolite. They are considered dirty, and should
never come in contact with any type of seat (like
on a subway or bus).
Be
sure to have plenty of business cards with double
sides of information. One side should be printed
in English, the other side in Russian.
Be
alert and open to taking a drink or having a toast,
as refusing to do so is a serious breach of etiquette.
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