Business environment in Romania

1. Business in
Romania
© Zsolt Márton

2. Why learn about this?
Elements of business
culture
Do and Don’t
What you will hear today:

3. Why should you
know this
?

4. Romania is a big market in the EU
Fast growing economy
pre-crisis: 2% NL vs. 7% RO
Different business culture
22 million

5. Main elements
of the business
culture
:

6. Hierarchy
High PDI
Hierarchy is very important
Senior members with most
authority

7. Hierarchy
Power is concentrated at the
top
Cut out the middleman
Superiors and subordinates
don’t socialize

8. Management
style
Autocratic style
Technical competence, leadership
and economic studies
Only the end result is important

9. Meetings
Be punctual
The entering party offers to
shake hands
Politeness is very important

10. Meetings
Small talk is expected
Eye contact
Conservative clothing
Alcohol may be served

11. Communication
Be diplomatic at first
Being direct: only if you know
each other well
Use family name and title

12. Communication
Reserve is valued
Courtesy towards women
Don’t interrupt others

13. Business lunch
Invitation
High-level: by senior executive
Seats by hierarchy and language

14. Business lunch
Traditional & location specific
food
Never smoke while somebody
else is eating

15. Gifts
Country-specific gifts
Quality alcoholic beverages
Cigars
For women: perfumes vs.
cigars/alcohol

16. Do and Don’t
!

17. Shake hands!
Be very polite!
Cut out the middleman!
Be punctual!
Respect the hierarchy!

18. DON’T be loud/intrusive!
DON’T confuse Hungarians
and Romanians!
DON’T be too direct at first!
DON’T interrupt!

19. Thank you
!