Intercultural Differences in Russia
Cultural differences to take into account for a French businessman in Russia
Analysis of some aspects of intercultural differences Their effects on business communication
The purpose of this essay is to show that intercultural differences between French and Russian businessmen exist and discuss if they are a threat for effective business communication. The structure follows the different steps of a real business situation: a French businessman meeting his potential Russian partners for a negotiation in Russia.
Introduction
Before going to Russia, what important information should a French businessman know?
There are many cultural differences between France and Russia that a businessman should know before he goes to Russia in order to adapt himself and limit the risk of an intercultural issue. First, it is important to consider the past of Russia, who was part of the former Soviet Union. People who experienced this regime do not have the same mindset as younger people. The same phenomenon can also be observed with companies. Corporate culture can be totally different depending on its historical background. For example, companies who are less than ten years old usually have a low distance with hierarchy, whereas older ones are much more vertical and bureaucratic. Russia is in fact a very fragmented country and it is important to get a maximum of information about your interlocutors before you meet them. One of the main differences between France and Russia is certainly the importance of relations as a success factor in business. It is crucial to develop and keep alive a strong network of contacts in Russia. Without the help of a Russian, it is almost impossible to do business there. This point can be explained by the fact that Russians do not trust their legal system to solve conflicts. For example, reforms can be taken anytime and two laws can be contradictory. That is why they value human relations much more and need to trust the person they are
Analysis of some aspects of intercultural differences Their effects on business communication
The purpose of this essay is to show that intercultural differences between French and Russian businessmen exist and discuss if they are a threat for effective business communication. The structure follows the different steps of a real business situation: a French businessman meeting his potential Russian partners for a negotiation in Russia.
Introduction
Before going to Russia, what important information should a French businessman know?
There are many cultural differences between France and Russia that a businessman should know before he goes to Russia in order to adapt himself and limit the risk of an intercultural issue. First, it is important to consider the past of Russia, who was part of the former Soviet Union. People who experienced this regime do not have the same mindset as younger people. The same phenomenon can also be observed with companies. Corporate culture can be totally different depending on its historical background. For example, companies who are less than ten years old usually have a low distance with hierarchy, whereas older ones are much more vertical and bureaucratic. Russia is in fact a very fragmented country and it is important to get a maximum of information about your interlocutors before you meet them. One of the main differences between France and Russia is certainly the importance of relations as a success factor in business. It is crucial to develop and keep alive a strong network of contacts in Russia. Without the help of a Russian, it is almost impossible to do business there. This point can be explained by the fact that Russians do not trust their legal system to solve conflicts. For example, reforms can be taken anytime and two laws can be contradictory. That is why they value human relations much more and need to trust the person they are