A Guide to
Business Etiquette in Italy
When it comes to conducting business in Italy, understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette is crucial for building successful relationships. Italy's rich cultural heritage plays a significant role in its business practices, which often emphasize warmth, personal connections, and a certain level of formality.
In this guide, we'll explore key aspects of business etiquette in Italy, ranging from punctuality to dining manners, to help you navigate the Italian business landscape confidently and respectfully.
Things to know about doing business in Italy
Finding success in Italian business culture
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Punctuality
Italians tend to have a very relaxed, laid-back attitude toward punctuality. In Italian culture, it's not uncommon for people to arrive 10 to 15 minutes late for appointments or engagements. Due to this casual attitude, meetings may not always start on time. Foreign visitors shouldn't feel like the tardiness of their Italian colleagues reflects a lack of respect; it's part of the Italian lifestyle.
However, as an outsider, it's best to arrive on time or slightly early for meetings.
Hierarchy
At most Italian companies, it's the higher-ups who hold the decision-making power. Managers and executives may confer with each other, but lower-ranking individuals aren't generally involved in major decision-making.
Based on this, titles and seniority hold a significant amount of weight, so it's essential to address individuals using appropriate titles and surnames until you're invited to use first names.
Women are also underrepresented in higher-level jobs in Italy, facing gender stereotypes and issues with workplace harassment.
Greetings
Even though the standard greeting in Italian society is the cheek kiss, Italian business culture is slightly more formal. Greetings in business settings typically consist of a firm handshake with a warm, genuine smile and eye contact.
Italians appreciate personal connections, so take the time to engage in small talk about non-business matters before diving into the main agenda. You can also use some basic Italian words and phrases to show your respect for their language:
- Hello – Ciao
- Good morning – Buon giorno
- Goodbye – Arrivederci
- How are you? – Come sta?
- Nice to meet you – Piacere di conoscerla
- Please – Per favore
- Thank you – Grazie
- My name is... – Mi chiamo...
- Yes – Si
- No – No
Business cards
Business cards are usually exchanged at the start of Italian business meetings. There isn't an exact ritual to follow for this aside from politely receiving, examining, and storing the card. Make sure to bring plenty and ensure it has only essential information like your name, contact information, and job rank. Translations in Italian and your native language are also appreciated in case your Italian counterpart doesn't speak English.
Business attire
Italy is consistently ranked as one of the most fashionable countries on Earth, so it's only natural that Italy's elegant, sophisticated sense of style shows up in business settings. Business attire should be conservative, chic, and well-tailored. Men usually stick to dark-colored suits and dress shoes while women choose stylish, formal outfits, like dresses or skirts and blouses with high heels.
Pay attention to accessories and grooming, as they contribute to the overall impression you make. Keep things simple but classy.
Gift-giving
Exchanging gifts isn't commonplace in the Italian business world, but you can present your Italian business partners with thoughtful, high-quality, and inexpensive gifts, like wine or chocolates, to mark the end of a business deal. Flowers should be avoided since some types have negative connotations.
Business meetings etiquette
Business meetings in Italy are often pretty relaxed and laid-back, with plenty of time for small talk and informal socializing. Here's what you can expect:
Scheduling and arrival
- Schedule meetings two to three weeks in advance.
- Arrive early and prepared in formal business attire.
- Be patient, as your Italian counterparts may be slightly late.
Greetings and seating
- Greet everyone with proper titles and last names.
- Shake hands with eye contact and warm smiles.
- Exchange business cards during this time.
- Take your seat as indicated by your Italian host.
- Most meetings kick off with small talk, so don't dive straight into business matters.
Discussion and negotiation
- Agendas are often loosely followed, due to small talk and going off-topic, so expect that some meetings may run long.
- Be prepared for a mix of formal conversation and more relaxed dialogue.
- Italians often enjoy lively discussions and debates, but maintain a respectful and professional tone.
- Even if your Italian colleagues get very animated and loud, try to keep a calm demeanor.
- Negotiations and discussions may take a while, so be patient.
- Pay attention, take notes, and maintain eye contact throughout the meeting.
- Meetings are usually punctuated by coffee breaks, during which business talk takes a pause.
Conclusion and follow-up
- After finalizing next steps, thank everyone with handshakes and appreciative words.
- Send a thoughtful and personalized follow-up email or letter.
Dining etiquette
Italy is home to one of the most famous cuisines in the world, and Italians love dining out. Meals are multi-hour affairs for both social and business occasions, with business lunches being the main time to combine work and food in the Italian business world.
Business lunches last anywhere from two to three hours and are usually pretty informal. Instead of talking about business, the conversation will usually stick to other topics, like sports or current events. It's a great time to get to know your Italian business partners better and strengthen the business relationship through quality non-work time.
Along with leaving the business talk in the boardroom and sharing a delicious meal with your colleagues, you should also observe standard Italian table manners:
- Wait for the host to start eating.
- Avoid placing your elbows on the table.
- Keep your hands visible on the table when not using your utensils.
- Usually, the person who extended the invitation will pay, but it's polite to make a show of offering to pay or contribute.
- When it comes to caffeinated beverages, remember: Cappuccino and other milky coffee drinks are only consumed in the morning in Italy, and espresso should be downed in one shot rather than multiple sips.
Things to know about doing business in Italy
- Lively meetings: It's common in Italian business meetings for colleagues to interrupt, talk over each other, use expressive hand gestures, and talk loudly. Don't be startled or surprised; it's common practice.
- Be flexible: Everything from arriving on time to timelines for projects is flexible and open to adjustments here, so be patient and don't rush the process.
- Enjoy the small talk: Italians like to get to know the people they're in business with, so meetings will generally start with small talk and can often go off-topic and lapse into small talk. Go along with it and use it as a chance to get to know your Italian business partners better
- Personal space: Don't be surprised if you find an Italian business associate standing pretty close to you. Italians have a relaxed attitude toward personal space and don't mind getting up close to other people.
- Build personal relationships: Building relationships is essential in Italy. Skipping small talk and rushing into business matters can be seen as impolite. Take the time to engage in personal conversations before discussing business matters.
- Coffee breaks: Coffee breaks are a common feature of Italian meetings, allowing participants to relax and engage in further informal conversations. Use this time to continue building relationships and discussing both business and personal matters.
Finding success in Italian business culture
Mastering business etiquette in Italy requires an understanding of the country's cultural nuances and a willingness to adapt to local customs. By embracing these cultural norms, you'll not only navigate the Italian business landscape effectively but also leave a positive and lasting impression on your Italian counterparts.
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