Women in Business in Italy

Although women form a relatively high percentage of the total workforce, the number of women in senior management positions is quite small.

Progress is being made on this front, but quite slowly in comparison with some other countries.

Women tend to have a higher profile in some family-owned companies where standing within the family is the key criteria for advancement.
Senior female managers from abroad will always be treated with respect and courtesy. Do not be surprised to be complimented on personal appearance, style etc. – it is seen as a gallant thing to do.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Italy only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.