Cultural Training in Croatia

Doing business in a Croatia 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 set up a business in Croatia? 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 Croatia

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.

Western European norms generally apply in the Croatian business etiquette, in which standards of education and technical competence are generally high. However, some flexibility is required. For instance do not be put off by a Croatian company's failure to reply to a letter, fax, or e-mail, which is quite common and not always a sign of a lack of interest.

Business in Croatia is formal and consequently initially reserved. At the beginning use the handshake with eye contact and a smile, greet the person with the appropriate salutation for the time of day: "Dobro jutro" (good morning), "dobro dan" (good day), and "dobro veer" (good evening). Learning and using a few key words of Croatian regardless of how poor the pronounciation is, will be very well received by Croatians.

Address people with their honorific titles plus surname. If you are unsure of titles then use "Gospodin" for Mr, "Gospodja" for Mrs and "Gospodice" for Miss). Never jump to first names terms without being invited to. Wait for a woman to extend her hand first.

Direct and straightforward talk is valued in Croatia, however there is also an emphasis on choosing your words correctly and being diplomatic so as not to cause upset. Be careful not to patronise; Croats are proud. Be prepared for lengthy meetings: never jump straight into business as this may come across as rude.

Similar British clothing standards of business apply.