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Hungary Cultural Training

Doing business in Hungary isn't like going on holiday: don't expect to get by with knowledge of a few words, and don't assume business is conducted in the same way universally.
But how can you properly prepare to do business in Hungary? There are many cultural training companies and schools which can help you. They offer cross-cultural grounding, bridging the translatory and protocolic gaps between nations and people.

Providing guidance in all areas of business and sociality, these cultural training companies are experts when it comes to negotiation training; management training; and diversity training. All training, of course, can be country-specific.

Tutorials can take many forms, so investigate which will be right for you and, if necessary, your employees.

Business Etiquette in Hungary

The formalities and informalities; the how d'you dos and how d'you don'ts. Etiquette is one of the foundations of modern civilisation, and business is no exception. A business blunder, in some countries, could mean the difference between a deal and disrepute. Again, its all about culture if not adopting, at least recognising and respecting the traditions and protocols of a people.

Meet and greet with a firm hand shake, maintaining eye contact and smiling. Hungarians pride themselves on using proper etiquette in all situations and expect others to do the same. Socialising is an important part of the relationship building process and expect invitations to dinner or social events. They do not like euphemisms or vague statements and often use stories, anecdotes, and jokes to prove their points. They will become suspicious of people who are reticent and not willing to share their innermost thoughts and believe eye contact to be indicative of sincerity and view people who cannot look them in the eye while speaking have something to hide. Hungarians prefer business face to face and for people to speak their minds.

Make appointments by arrangement, usually by letter 2 weeks in advance. Avoid making meeting on Friday afternoons, or from mid July to mid August and from mid December to mid January. Always arrive on time or telephone ahead if you expect to be late. Business is taken slowly as Hungarians want to get to know you. Also they are skilled negotiators, avoiding confrontational behaviour and high pressure tactics.

Dress formally and conservatively if you wish to be taken seriously. Correspondence, business cards and literature should be in Hungarian.

Be well mannered and polite and do not be offended if asked a personal question as this is their way of getting to know you better and to see if you are trustworthy.

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