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Business Profile |
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Business
Etiquette
The dwellers of Budapest like to do business with
people they know and trust, so it is worth business visitors’
time taking some time to build relationships. This is particularly
true of the older generation and the younger generation are usually
more direct and more to the point. They are also much more likely
to be able to speak English. These 20 and 30 year olds occupy important
positions, which the older school slightly resents. Verbal greetings
are very important and shaking hands (one waits for women to offer
their hands), then saying the full name including a surname, then
the forename. ‘How are you?’ is not a rhetorical question
and requires an answer. Business cards (névjegy)
(preferably in Hungarian) are most important and one should also
shake hands on leaving. Punctuality is essential and giving and
receiving gifts is common, so one should have promotional gifts
at hand.
Hungarian is a difficult language but it is not impossible to learn.
A lack of knowledge of the hungarian language, culture and business
context is often seen as a sign of arrogance and can also lead to
social segregation. Asking a colleague to act as a translator (tolmác)
can often lead to slight resentment, since this is seen as servicing
rather than managing. Imposition of additional red tape is seen
as a lack of trust and being overly confident is often regarded
as naivety.
Hospitality is extremely important and dinners tend to be quite
formal affairs with a smart dress code. One should never start a
drink until one’s host raises his glass, possibly with a toast.
When visiting a colleague’s home, gifts should include wine
or spirits for the host, flowers for the hostess and chocolates
for their children.
Business clothing should exhibit a refined elegance and Mobile phones
are an important part of one’s personal presentation. The
business year is busiest during spring and autumn.
Standard
working hours are generally 0800-1630 Monday to Thursday,
finishing earlier on Friday, however, meetings can be fixed outside
these hours, even at weekends. The distinction between office and
home phone numbers is far from clear and keeping in touch is vital
and calls in the evening and at weekends are common. |
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