Guide to Working Abroad: in Italy

If you are making the move from living and doing business in the US, or a similar country, to doing business in Italy, there is a lot to learn. Whether that be for a short term assignment or internship, like me, or for a longer term career move. Living and working in Italy is much different than the United States as there are separate written and unwritten rules to follow.

Growing up in America, I quickly became accustomed to the way business is conducted without questioning our practices and customs. In America business moves at a fast pace with an emphasis on the time is money concept. Relationships are professional as there is not much overlap between the home life and the work life. Business is extremely competitive; it’s essentially survival of the fittest. Children grow up drilled with the concept of getting good grades to get in an elite college to graduate on to a successful career. There is a great sense of individualism and independence.

Switching over to an Italian company is not easy because all of these customs are not valued in the same degree. Understanding Italian business culture is critical to having a successful career in Italy. Italian business culture is characterized by a strong reliance on personal relationships, a lack of punctuality, and an emphasis on appearance and customs.

Personal relationships are how Italians conduct business. Often times a relationship must be established to ensure trust in a working partnership. In Italy there are a lot of small, family run businesses, which means that for an individual, their business is their livelihood. In order to conduct business with others, there must be trust as they are letting an individual in their livelihood. When establishing new clients, it is not uncommon to have initial meetings. Clients tend to be long time, trusted friends.

Italy is much different than the United States in its sense of urgency. It is considered rude to be too urgent or demanding in a relationship. Italians make room for small delays and flexibility in scheduling. If there is a deadline to be reached, the deadline must be made extremely clear so it can be met. Business meetings tend to run more on time as this a more formal setting. Even meetings tend to be lengthy and come slow to decisions. Things take time and that is the way it is done in Italy.

Italians are especially focused on tradition and custom. There is not the same novelty, creativity, and innovation in Italian business culture. Italians are well dressed tending to be on the conservative and classy side. There are customs such as a hierarchy in business where the board or boss of a company tends to make the major decisions. There are many other customs and etiquette that stems from tradition and custom present in the Italian business culture that one must adapt to in order to make the best impression and gain success.

My personal experience coming to Italy, I found that I had to adapt to the business customs present. I became a chameleon in a sense because I had the Italian business procedures I learned over the course of a few months, but I also had to be able to go back to the United States and fit in there as well. While I researched business in Italy before working at an accounting firm in Milan, I believe this research will provide a more in depth view into the business culture.

Research on the Italian Work Life

Every country has a unique government and culture that produces different ways of conducting business. Based on the values of a country, the health care and laws are set. In addition, the characteristics of a typical job stem from what a country views as important. For instance, a more individualistic country may have longer working hours because of the belief that working hard gains success. The Italians have a certain way of conducting business in terms of working hours, health care, gender roles, work life balance that gives insight into the values and customs of the population.

The working hours of a typical job in Italy are from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm from Monday to Friday. A lot of businesses completely shut down on Sunday. Banking hours are from 8:30 pm to 1:30pm and from 3pm to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Churches are often open in the morning, closed for lunch, and open again in the afternoon. Museum hours vary on the level of tourist activity and the season. Shops are open from 9am to 1pm and open again 3pm to 7:30pm depending on the location and the size of the city. Supermarkets tend to have longer hours and not close for lunch.

Most jobs are 40 hours a week and cannot exceed a maximum of 48 hours. In addition, the worker has a right of four weeks of paid vacation each year. There are several holidays that all Italians get off each year including New Years, Easter, Liberation Day, Labor Day, All Saints Day, Christmas, and other often Catholic related days.

There is a large gap in the economic power of the North and South regions in Italy. The North is the industrial engine of the country while the South has more small enterprises and agricultural industries.

The average household net-adjusted disposable income per capita is $25,166 a year which is just under the United States (OECD Better Life Index). That being said, it has been researched that the top 20% earn six times as much as the bottom 20%. This creates a significant gap between the rich and the poor people of Italy. In addition 56% of citizens from 15 to 64 are employed with only 57% of adults 25 to 64 having completed secondary education (OECD Better Life Index). This data shows that it is difficult for many Italians to find employment.

Education is not as common as other nations and takes significantly longer. This economic factor has a high correlation with the fact that many Italians do not move out of their families residence until later in life. In addition, housing is expensive so it is much easier for the children to remain in their family home. Overcrowded living conditions may have a negative impact on the Italian view of the overall living conditions in Italy.

Health care in Italy is substantial as the health care was ranked the second best in the world in 2000. Health care is provided to all citizens or persons authorized to work in Italy under the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). The service was established in 1978 changed after the second world war. The system was set in place to provide health care, including general practitioners, public hospitals, medicines, lab services, ambulance, and specialist care, toall citizens in Italy despite their economic hardships or previous health condition. Despite this, many individuals opt for private health care because of the increased benefits and care provided, especially in the Southern region where the health care is not on the same level as the North. Opting for private insurance gives one the ability to choose a doctor and go to private hospitals. The life expectancy is one of the top in the world. 

The role of women in business is still relatively behind a majority of the European countries. Women often times get married and focus on childbearing. There are traditional roles set for men and women in society. In fact, the female employment rate between the ages of 25 and 50 is at 57.9% which is lower the the United States at 71.8% and a little over half of the male employment rate in Italy in the same age bracket at 86.6%. This shows that there is a bigger emphasis on family and unequal gender roles.

In Italy, there is not a lot of part time work to be found so often times mothers have to choose between raising a family or having a career. There are also few places that provide public daycare. Based on the data, a lot more of the women in Italy pick having a family because of the huge importance of family in Italy’s cultural values. That being said, the maternal leave is 21 weeks long with an 80% pay. While this is good for women in the workforce who have children this reiterates the inequality in gender roles in Italy. The role of women in business affects the overall business culture because of the demographics present.

Italians generally enjoy a good work to life balance, although it is behind other countries in the European Union. Italy was hit hard in the economy along with countries like Greece and Spain. To improve happiness Italians often look towards health, education, and environment above other factors according to the OECD index. There is still a lot to improve upon when it comes to the economy, education, and women in business to improve the overall satisfaction with life. Despite this, Italians do not often put financial wealth as a leading priority in life.  Italians highly value family and religion so this plays a huge role in the work life balance. Italians tend to prioritize slowing down and enjoying life and the important aspects such as family and good food. Even though the economy is less than stellar and there are huge gaps between regions and genders, the way Italians live life and balance work and a family can be prized. 

Brochure on Etiquette

In order to conduct business in Italy it is extremely important to know the proper etiquette. Etiquette can make or break business deals and relationships with clients. Displaying the proper etiquette in Italy is a sign of respect and knowledge. 

Meeting and Greeting

The typical protocol when being introduced to a new individual in the business world is to shake hands when being introduced and when leaving a conversation or place of business. Women are expected to put their hand out first when conducting a handshake. When a relationship is established and business partners become friend they may greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks or some may embrace each other. Italians often do not leave much personal space as distance can be seen as unfriendly. Titles are formal and use the last name. One can use Signor, Signora followed by a surname. Dottore or Dottoressa for those who have a degree. Women often go by their maiden name in business.

Body Language

Italians make eye contact while talking to each other. This shows respect and integrity. Italians have a wide range of body language that they put to use in the business setting. This is a way of exaggerating a message or getting a point across. Italians are passionate about what they are saying and body language is a key factor of this.   

Corporate Culture 

The corporate culture is defined by establishing relationships and a slower sense of time. Italians are relationship based in that they prefer doing business with someone they know. They believe a relationship must be mutually profitable and trustworthy. Integrity and loyalty are highly valued characteristics when searching for business partners. While Italians are known for being late, punctuality is still expected for more formal settings such as business meetings. Italians tend to be fairly relaxed overall about a sense of time. Meetings and business can take a grand amount of time. Business cards are given at the beginning of an initial meeting. This can be followed by a few minutes of small talk before the meeting begins. Most business is done in Italian but English is not uncommon. Be aware that business is much more formal and strict in the North, home to larger cities and corporations. Attire matters in Italy as well. Dress is conservative and classy, tending on the higher end brands. 

Dining

Dining is generally done over lunch or dinner at a restaurant. Hospitality is a highly valued aspect of business culture. The person who made the invitation to dining is custom to pay for the meal. It is not customary to get very intoxicated at meals. That being said, to avoid intoxication, keep the wine glass full because it will continue to be refilled throughout the meal. Hard alcohol and cocktails are not consumed at such gatherings. Pasta is generally rolled with a fork on the sides of a pasta plate. One must ask for the check at the end of a meal as the waiter does not generally bring it otherwise. If invited to a person’s home, arrive fifteen to thirty minutes late with a bottle of wine. This is the utmost hospitality and Italians always treat these occasions with respect and care. 

Gifts

Italians love to give gifts to people they have established a close connection with. Gift giving is also practiced as a sign of appreciation for hospitality. Gifts tend to be liquor, flowers, chocolate, or pastries.

How to Guide on Communication

It is important to know how to communicate in Italy. Overcoming language and cultural barriers is the key to a successful relationship with coworkers, clients, and business partners.

How to communicate face to face:

The language of most business conversations are in Italian, although English, French, and German can often be heard in the more touristy areas. Often times a second language is necessary to conduct business that has a lot of foreign travelers. Eye contact is very important because it is a sign of interest, openness, and respect. If the business partner is unfamiliar formal titles are used. Italians tend to talk loudly and utilize their hands to communicate. Easy and popular topics of conversation can be food, soccer, art, fashion, or anything to do with Italian culture. Italians are very proud of who they are so it is the easiest conversation starter. Avoid topics such as religion, politics, taxes, family matters, the Mafia, World War 2, or any negative or critical comments about Italy.

How to do nonverbal communication:

Hand gestures are utilized frequently in conversations as a means of communication. Here are common gestures that Italians will make:

• Fantastic! – dig a finger into your cheek and twist it. 
• No Way! – wiggle your finger in front of your face from side to side
• Perfect! – draw a horizontal line before your chest with your palm inward and forefinger and thumb pinched together.
• Who are you kidding? – Lower your hands with fingers intertwined then moves your hands up and down.
• No such luck! – Loosely shape forefinger and thumb like a handgun and swing from your wrist. 
• Crazy person. – Point pointer finger at your brain and move it in a circular motion.

How to talk on the phone:

Phone calls are a necessary part of conducting business. The typical phone call you might receive can go like this:

Person Receiving Call: Pronto. (Ready to speak)

Person Calling: Buongiorno, mi chiamo ____ , chiamo per….(Good morning, my name is ___, I am calling too…)

Person Calling: Posso-potrei parlare con ___, per favore? (May I speak to ____, please)

OR

Person Calling: Posso parlare con qualcuno che parli inglese, per favore? (May I speak to someone who speaks English, please)

To end the phone call you can either say ciao which is informal or arrivederci which is formal. Buona giornata means have a nice day. You can also say Grazie per làaiuto which means thank you for your time. 

How to write an email or letter:

Include both the sender and the recipient at the top of the letter. Put a place, date, reference number if applicable and an appropriate subject. There should be an opening greeting, introduction, body, closing greeting, and signature at the bottom. An opening greeting can be Gentile Signora, Signorina, or Signore followed by their last name depending on their gender. If they have a degree they can be addressed as Dottore. The introduction should introduce the subject of the matter. The body is the main theme of the message. Closing greetings can be something along the lines of “Grazie e cordiali saluti” or “Un cordiale saluto”. Make sure to include any necessary attachments in the email. As always be polite and respectful when dealing with business matters over formal letters and emails. Even if the document is in English, it is polite and respectful to utilize Italian in greetings.

Knowing these basic rules when going about communicating with Italian business partners gives you a leg up in the business world! Italians prioritize respect and knowing their customs when it comes to communication is one way of showing respect. Also, understanding the basics of communication will ensure there are no confusions or errors when relaying a message. The language barrier is enough a burden but following these steps will help you become accustomed with Italian culture and custom in no time. 

Illustrations of Business Apparel 

Italy is home to the fashion capital of the world, Milano, so Italians are well dressed and presentable at all times. Famous designer brands such as Prada, Marni, Max Mara, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana. Missoni and Gucci were born in Italy. There are certain attire rules that must be followed when living and working in Italy. Even when a business is more casual, Italians are still presentable and chic. 

Men: Men wear formal business suits that are professional and tailored. The suits range in dark colors from black to navy blue. A stylish tie with paisley or stripes is preferred. Men wear collared shirts to match their ties. Men wear a square or pointed toe formal shoe in a matching color.

Women: Women can either wear business suits or a blouse with a business skirt. The quality of material should be always be paid strict attention to. It is quality over quantity in Italy. Dress should be conservative because Italy is routed in a Catholic base. Women should wear heals and classy accessories to top of their ensemble. 

Case Study on a Business Meeting

The business meeting is an important aspect to conducting business in Italy. Business meetings have specific customs that go along with the Italian business culture. I decided a case study would provide more in depth research on the inter workings of a business meeting in Italy. Due to confidentiality issues, all names and business titles will be removed from the case study.   

I work at a small Italian accounting firm in Milan, Italy. One of our clients owns several restaurants in the area. I had the unique opportunity of being invited to sit in on the Board of Directors meeting for one particular restaurant that recently opened for educational purposes. The client came into the office beforehand to go over last minute information, the balance sheet, and profit and loss. Typical Milanese fashion, my boss, the client, and I were still sitting in the office when 11am rolls around which is when the meeting was supposed to start. We hurriedly rushed out the door as it is expected to be more punctual for business meetings. My boss texted the Board to let them know we were on our way.

The meeting was being held at the restaurant. Once we arrived, I was introduced to the Board with formal handshakes. All the men were dressed in semi-formal clothes. It must be said that the client I work with is not one for formality and following the typical business procedures of Italy. This made for an interesting case study because I could study what happens when one goes out of the norm of Italian business culture. My client was dressed in jeans and a ponytail. My boss was wearing business pants and a blouse.

The meeting started with a few minutes of small talk before business began. I noticed that everyone kept their cell phones out and would answer phone calls or texts randomly throughout the meeting. My boss took charge of the meeting, going over all the financial information. The meeting was conducted in Italian, so I do not know the specifics of the words exchanged, but I could catch the gist. I had been working with this client and her accounts for several weeks now so I was familiar with the restaurant and its corresponding data. By sitting in on the meeting, I got to learn more about the relationship side of business. 

Italians are very loud and speak their mind and I found this holds true in business meetings as well. People would interrupt or speak over one another during the meeting. This would seem rude in America but no one seemed to bat an eye. The board’s main theme of the meeting appeared to be going over finances to decide where the company could improve and expand. The company was only founded two years ago so there is a lot of room for new ideas and working out issues with starting up. While all of the board seemed to have the same goal, to see the company succeed, the board members had different ideas on how to do this. My client, being an American, and the restaurant being advertised towards American tourists, had a lot of ideas about marketing and getting customers in the door. My boss on the other hand, being an accountant, was more focused on how the place was being ran and making sure everything tied out. 

One of the issues seemed to be that a manager was never present at the restaurant. My client is at the other restaurant she owns for the duration of the day and none of the other board members took upon the duty of being at this restaurant during the day. There appeared to be a lack of organization and clear leadership. One of the board members wanted his company to buy shares of my client. Nothing was decided or written on paper and negotiation was lengthy. My client wanted facts and figures before they sold shares. 

One interesting aspect I noticed was the meeting was conducted in Italian, but my client, being an American, would speak in English. She would reply to their Italian in English and they would reply for the most part back in Italian. She did not put forth the effort to speak Italian at the meeting. While this is a small observation, it could play into the lack of cohesiveness of the board. They were quite literally not speaking the same language. 

As the meeting came to a close about the most decided was for more meeting and more negotiations. When people left they left again with a handshake and said goodbye to all the members of the board. The biggest lesson I learned about business culture in Italy by sitting in on this meeting is that relationships do truly matter. There seemed to be a lack of relationships between the board which enacted a lack of trust and organization. The casual setting and appearances was unlike what I was expecting in my head. I feel like I got a lot more real representation of how a business is ran in a less formal setting. There wasn’t the level of culture and appearances present at this meeting, especially on my clients end. While this does not speak anything about who they are as people, it is an interesting comparison to have seen a group of Italians and an American and watch them interact and conduct business. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Italians conduct business with careful attention to relationships, customs and clothing, and have a different sense of time management. It is important to understand these values behind the specific culture practices of conducting business in Italy. The underlying theme of business culture will aid anyone looking to work and live in Italy. Understanding a business counterpart is key to a successful career and lasting relationships in the business world. A cultural gap should not hinder anyone from being able to essentially be a chameleon as well in order to work with any type of person. 

Italians respect and trust people who make an effort to grasp their own custom and cultural practices. Because relationships are viewed so highly, it is important to have respect and trust in the business world. Understanding their working hours, economy, and laws gives one an idea of the living conditions that Italians experience. It is easier to relate to people once there is a basis of knowledge of their background. This gives insight on their etiquette, wardrobe, and communication styles. Specifically, the corporate business structure such as business meetings have their own protocol to follow. It is interesting to follow their different sense of time where there is a lack of urgency and more appreciation of enjoying one’s time.

I will leave you with this, the world of business opens up for success when you break down cultural barriers. I hope you have many successes while working in Italy! Ciao!