Top Tips on Russia

Top Tips on Russia

Tip 1
With the country in a state of total flux, Russian attitudes to business can vary widely from sector to sector and from region to region. Are you dealing with a new-style entrepreneur or an old-school Soviet bureaucrat?

Tip 2
Law-breaking and rule avoidance have been promoted to an art-form in a country where the state has, for centuries, been seen as the enemy.

Tip 3
In a country where the rule of law has all but broken down, the only thing that can be relied upon in a business context is the strength of the relationships upon which the business is based. Do not underestimate the importance of relationship building – or the time taken in the process.

Tip 4
Contracts are only as valid as a combination of your ability to enforce the law and the importance placed upon the relationship. Trying to enforce an unpopular clause in a contract could prove virtually impossible.

Tip 5
Russian companies are often driven and directed by one strong, central character. Without the approval of this individual, very few decisions will be taken and any that are would probably prove invalid.

Tip 6
Don’t waste time trying to get decisions out of middle and junior managers – go straight to the top if possible.

Tip 7
Companies tend to take a short-term view of any given business opportunity. In a country as volatile and uncertain as Russia, who knows what lies around the corner?

Tip 8
Managers are expected to manage and this means giving precise and detailed instructions to subordinates. Inclusive, caring management styles might be viewed as weak.

Tip 9
Meetings tend to be used to disseminate information or to give direct instruction – do not expect a great deal of open debate or disagreements in front of senior managers.

Tip 10
Smaller, more informal meetings often occur behind closed doors where senior management might canvas opinion or seek other opinions.

Tip 11
Formal meetings are serious occasions and should not be treated lightly. Any overly informal behaviour could be construed as lack of respect for senior management, the company or even the country.

Tip 12
Once teams have been established and the internal relationships seem to be working well, it is important to keep the team together if possible. Russians can be wary of strangers and the relationship-building process can be long.

Tip 13
Do not assume a good level of fluency in foreign languages in any cities other than possibly Moscow and St Petersburg. Always try to ascertain language levels before a meeting.

Tip 14
People have a tendency to believe what they have heard over what they have read – so say it as well as putting it in writing.

Tip 15
Body language is minimal in meetings (unless being overly theatrical during an impasse in a negotiation situation) which can lead to mistaken impressions of disinterest.

Tip 16
Russians like to think in silence before answering a question. Do not be embarrassed by the silence. Allow sufficient time for the response to be formulated before breaking the pause.

Tip 17
Women play little part in business at the senior levels (although this might be starting to change) and on the whole Russian businessmen are more comfortable dealing with other men.

Tip 18
It is important to dress smartly and to try to look important. If you do not appear to be a decision-maker people will quickly lose interest.

Tip 19
Many senior Russian businessmen have backgrounds in academia and have only entered the world of commerce since the collapse of the Soviet system.

Tip 20
Do not underestimate the importance of entertaining in the business world. A good meal will help cement relationships and, although, reports of the amount of drinking involved in a trip to Russia may be exaggerated, a few vodkas will also help things along.

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 Russia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.