Greece: Culture

Appointment Alert!

The Greeks are known for their hospitality and generosity towards guests. They are not known for their timeliness. While this is changing in the business environment – visitors to Greece should be prepared for meetings to start late and run late. It is best to be prepared and to plan accordingly. As a foreigner, you will be expected to be on time for appointments.

Traffic in Greece, Athens in particular, can be horrendous and travel time between appointments, particularly across Athens, can be long and hot as many Greek cabs do not have air conditioning. If someone is late for an appointment, traffic and parking are often offered as the reason. Parking is very difficult to find, with sidewalks often doubling as parking spaces. The new subway system, put in for the 2004 Summer Olympics, can be much faster for getting from one side of the city to another than taking a taxi.

Appointments are not always necessary. If you are in the neighborhood of a business contact, it is acceptable to stop in and see if they are available.

During business meetings you will be offered a Greek coffee, often accompanied by a small sweet of some kind. A typically Greek coffee resembles an espresso and can be quite strong. For a lighter version you may be offered an “Americano” which is made in a coffee machine.

Business hours vary. Some businesses (such as shops) still keep the traditional Greek hours of 8:30-1:00 and 4:00-7:00. Most offices will work from 8:30-4:30. This will vary according to the time of year. Government offices and agencies can close at 2.30.

When writing dates, Greeks write the day first, then the month, then the year. Greece is 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time.

Holidays

The Greeks celebrate two national days among other holidays that are religious in nature. Independence Day is celebrated on March 25 and “Oxi” (which means No) Day is celebrated on October 28. These are both one day holidays and all businesses will be closed.

Oxi Day is the day that the Greeks said no to the Italians when they wanted free passage to invade Greece in WWII. Both Oxi and Independence days are celebrated with military parades – one in Athens, the other in the second largest city – Thesolaniki which is located in the north.

Summer Holidays

It is very difficult to accomplish anything in the summer months of July and August. In August most Greeks will take a holiday and many return home to their family village or island. The city of Athens is quiet and doing business is challenging. Life returns to normal again in September. The other large holiday time is around the Orthodox Easter.

Business Dress

Conservative business clothing is the best. It is appropriate for men to wear a suit and tie in the winter. Summer dress is more casual due to the high temperatures. Greeks, like most Europeans, are quite fashion conscious. Jeans are not worn at work. Both men and women will change into more casual clothes in the home.

Women should wear dresses or suits in subtle colors and heels. Greek women rarely leave the house without makeup and typically wear skirts and dresses. Within the business environment, dresses are more conservative.

Sneakers are worn only when working out and by tourists. Even in a casual social situation always wear dressy casual clothing.

Conversation

Greeks are avid conversationalists and typically very knowledgeable about world events. The Greek style of conversation is often much louder and more emotional than people are used to. Despite outward appearances to the contrary, the participants are not angry with each other – but simply expressing their opinions.

It has been said that Greeks live their lives with an exclamation point. Whatever the emotion that they are feeling – they live it to the fullest. Thus, a conversation with Greeks can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster ride for the uninitiated.

Greeks have strong opinions on almost any topic which they are happy to share, discuss, debate and argue. They process information based upon subjective criteria or personal experience vs. applying general rules. They have no reluctance about speaking about politics and they may engage you in a conversation about this. As they are well educated, they often have a wide ranging grasp as to the political ramifications of activities. Politics can be a touchy subject for foreigners and if at all possible it is best to avoid this topic when you are first developing a relationship with a Greek partner. Cyprus is also a touchy subject, as is the topic of Turkey and both should be avoided if possible. Be prepared to back up any opinions you may have on any topic.

Greeks are emotional, intense, expressive and imaginative. They use expansive arm and hand gestures when speaking. Physical contact is common – even among two friends who may be of the same gender. Hugging, kissing on the cheek and walking arm in arm are all common. They will maintain strong eye contact when speaking.

Greeks are very pleased when foreigners recognize the contributions Greeks have made, and continue to make, to the rest of the world. Passing along a compliment, or showing interest in learning more about the impact of Greece in the world will help to build good will. While the Greeks may criticize aspects of their society or daily life (politics, traffic etc.) they do not appreciate the same criticisms being offered by outsiders. It is best to keep observations such as this to yourself.

First Name or Title?

Greeks are more formal with names than some other countries. First names are used among friends and closer business contacts, but the head of an office will typically be addressed using the title of Mr. and his last name. It is best to be more formal when first meeting. Even when first names are used, Greeks may add a title such as Mr. or Mrs. before a first name as a sign of respect.

The order of names is list as their given name followed by their family name.

Gift Giving

Greeks are generous people. Too much complimenting about something and you may end up with it as a gift. Bringing small gifts with a company logo on it is appropriate and appreciated– although not required in the first meeting.

If you are invited over to someone’s house for dinner, flowers or sweets (bought from a corner sweet shop and wrapped in a gift box) are appropriate.

Let's Make a Deal!

Greeks are great negotiators and their conversation style is skillful when negotiating. For foreigners coming from a more direct conversational style, the more meandering style of the Greeks may be confusing at first. Take notes of any points discussed and ensure that any agreement covers all of the topics mentioned.

It is important to have a good understanding of the realities of doing business in Greece. They can be complex and frustrating to an outsider. It is recommended that a local partner, or lawyer, be found to assist in any negotiations. This is important not only for the legal issues, but also as the Greeks place great value in knowing who they are working with. A Greek will always go to his network first when a need arises and by developing a local connection, you will have the chance to make the use of this person’s network which is highly valuable. Anyone who is not Greek is viewed with some initial suspicion. While they will be happy to do business with you, you need to understand that your initial offer(s) will be closely scrutinized. It is important not to have an air of superiority about your products, company or services. Rather, seek to develop a relationship of mutual respect for what each party brings to the negotiations. Greeks are sensitive to partners from larger countries who feel that they are more important based upon where they are from.

While most people in Greece engaged in international business have a strong command of English it is appreciated and recommended that brochures, business cards and other information be provided in both English and in Greek. When presenting a bi-lingual card, present the Greek language side face up.

As noted in the information about communication – Greeks can be effusive and emotional when communicating. A high level of emotion should not alarm you when negotiating, but rather it should be seen as a sharing of passionate ideas.

Presentations should be formal in nature to begin with and should focus on the senior executives who make most of the decisions. Hierarchy is strong and respect is given to those of senior rank.

The pace of business is more laid back than in some other countries. The Greeks use the phrase “slowly, slowly” when discussing making progress. Be prepared for changes and delays. While the typical pace of business in Greece is not fast, if pressured, they can often produce tremendous results when it is all on the line.

Prosperous Entertaining

Greeks have been known for their hospitality since the ancient times. Greeks view entertaining as an opportunity to develop a better personal relationship with business partners. It is common for invitations for dinner to be offered. Greeks will go out to lunch around 1 or 2 and for dinner starting around 9 pm. Wine will typically be offered with dinner. If you are dining in a local taverna, the wine might be local and stored in large barrels in the restaurant and served in carafes.

When eating out, Greeks will often order many small dishes called mezes instead of one large plate. Mezes are typically shared among the diners. Tavernas will often specialize in a type of food – seafood or meat for example. Some restaurants encourage diners to choose the particular piece of meat or fish that they would like to have prepared for them. If prices are not listed on the menu, it is considered impolite to ask. A 15% gratuity is typically added onto any restaurant bill. This may be listed as a “service fee”.

Greek cuisine is centered around the sea and meats such as lamb or beef. Olives and olive oil are incorporated into many dishes. Meats are typically grilled or cooked in their own juices with lemon and garlic. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful and easy to find. Vegetarians should have no problem finding options in most Greek restaurants.

Greeks love compliments. When visiting someone’s home it is appropriate to compliment the home and the meal. When eating with Greeks, foreigners will often be offered additional food a second or third time. It is considered a compliment to your host to take a second portion. Some restaurants will offer live music and it is not uncommon for Greeks to get up and dance. If they do, you will probably be invited to join them. Joining in will generate great good will. The Greeks won’t expect you to be able to do the dance, but your willingness to try will be looked upon favorably.

Drinking coffee for the Greeks is a sacred ritual. It is common for business people to meet for a coffee. Where in some cultures people us the phrase “let’s meet for lunch” the Greeks say “let’s have a coffee”. The meeting may end up being a lunch, dinner or coffee in the end, but the invitation is often for a coffee first.

Public Behaviour

There is physical contact between men and women. In fact, there is often close contact among people of the same gender as well. Greeks will often reach out and touch someone when speaking to them. When meeting, a kiss on both cheeks is common.

Given the outgoing nature of the Greeks, public interactions are often more demonstrative than foreigners may be used to. Conversations are often held at a high volume – which may or may not indicate anger. The Greeks will often make gestures by inclining their heads such as tilting their heads upwards to indicate “no” for example.

The OK sign is considered obscene in Greece and should be avoided. The open hand facing outward – the hand signal that is often used for “stop” in the US - is also considered offensive and should also be avoided.

History

Any Greek will be able to regale you with thousands of years of Greek history. The history of Greece is varied, complex and one in which Greeks take a huge amount of pride. They have a deep and abiding pride in the contributions that Greece has made to the rest of the world both historically as well as in modern times. At its peak, Greek civilization extended as far as Egypt and to the Hindu Kush mountains in modern day Afghanistan.

It is recommended that any visitor have at least a summary knowledge of Greek history before visiting as it would be a rare visit when history is not mentioned in at least one conversation.

Key historical highlights in more modern times include the Ottoman Empire occupation that lasted for 400 years. Southern Greece was liberated in 1821, but much of Northern Greece was not free until nearly 100 years later. Many villages in Greece celebrate their own liberation day from the Turks. The Turkish occupation and its after effects are an integral part of Greek culture. For example, in Northern Greece there is a form of folk dancing where the dancers look towards the ground with their shoulders bent over, symbolizing the weight of the Turkish occupation upon them.

Greece was part of the Allied Forces in WWII and immediately following it fell into an intense civil war which lasted until 1949. After peace was regained, Greece developed rapidly in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In 1967 a coup d’etat was enacted by the Greek military, overthrowing the government and establishing a military junta which lasted until 1974. They abolished the Greek monarchy in 1973. By 1975 democracy was restored and the country held a referendum to confirm the deposition of King Constantine II. Greece joined the European Union in 1981.

Greek Language

The Greek used today is the modern form of Ancient Greek. Greek is written in the Greek alphabet, which was developed around 1000 BC. The language is an Indo-European language with a documented history of 3,500 years, the longest of any other single language in that language family. Greeks take great pride in the long history of their language and will often tell you how the Greek language has contributed to other languages – either with their words being used directly, or as the root for other languages. Ancient Greek is still used as a liturgical language by the Greek Orthodox Church.

Geography and Climate

The country is located in Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey. The terrain is mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands.

Hot dry summers are followed by wet winters that range from mild in southern Greece to cold in northern Greece. There is little rainfall in the summer months and this often contributes to wildfires. There is occasional seismic activity and environmental issues such as deforestation and pollution can be serious depending upon the region.

While most people think only of the Greek islands when they imagine Greece, there is much more to the country than the islands. Snow can be seen in many parts of Northern Greece during the winter, and can even extend down to Athens. There are ski areas in the mountains of northern Greece.

Winter in southern Greece can be overcast and cold. But when spring arrives in April it comes with color and fragrances that abound. As Greece has many different kinds of flowering trees, the spring months of April and May are often filled with the fragrance of orange trees which grow even in cities such as Athens. Flowers are everywhere in April and May, but by early June the dry heat has arrived and grass and flowers are maintained only if watered daily.

Foreigners may be confused when Greeks speak of “green islands.” These islands are green only from a distance as the green comes from the olive trees. Summer months are very hot, particularly in southern Greece. Many people in Athens return “home” to family villages or islands in the month of August to escape the temperatures.

Government

Today Greece is a presidential parliamentary republic. Its constitution dates back to 1975. The President is elected by the Parliament and serves the Council of the Republic. The president is the chief of state. The Prime Minister has the real power, as he is the official head of the government and the leader of the majority party of the unicameral Parliament (Greek Chamber of Deputies). Greece joined NATO in 1952 and the European Union in 1981. Independence Day: March 25, 1821

Greek Flag

The Greek flag in its current form was adopted in 1822. The colors of the Greek flag are blue and white. Blue represents the sky and the sea while the white represents the purity of the Greek’s struggle for independence. The 13 stripes in the flag stand for the 13 syllables in the Greek phrase “live free or die”. The cross represents the Greek Orthodox religious faith.

Economy

Greece has a capitalist economy with a large public sector. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2006. The Greek Government continues to grapple with spending cuts while reducing the size of the public sector, and reforming labor and pension systems. This is being done while facing often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. The best known industry in Greece is tourism. About 12 million tourists a year visit Greece – about the same as the native population. The vast majority of these tourists see only the islands during the summer months, which serves as the driver for the island economies. Other industries include food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining and petroleum.

Agricultural products that are important are: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef and dairy products.

Important imports are machinery, transport equipment, fuels and chemicals. Currency: Greece adopted the Euro in 2001.

Cash is still a strong means of conducting business in Greece. Prices may vary with merchants, depending on the type of transaction - cash or credit. When paying with cash, Greeks are more prone to negotiate.

Religion

98% of Greeks are members of the Greek Orthodox Church. As a religion, Greek Orthodoxy emphasizes individual choice and does not stress guilt or shame. The church does not teach proselytizing, instead it teaches that those who are right for the religion will be drawn to it.

The religious principals are learned in school. The state supports the Church and priests are considered part of the public sector. When visiting a church or a monastery, women should wear skirts (never pants) and have their arms covered. Women are not allowed behind the altar. Greeks observe Orthodox Easter, but celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Christmas is seen as a religious holiday, and gift giving is done on New Years.

Most Greeks have names that are linked to saints in the Orthodox religion. As such, Greeks typically celebrate a “name day” instead of a birthday. The day which is celebrated is the date assigned to their saint by the Orthodox Church. Someone named Christos for example is named after Christ. The name day for Christ is December 25 and thus someone named Christos would celebrate his nameday on Christmas. Many Greek names have both a male and a female version – in this case the female version is Christina.

Social Structure and Culture

Significant social hierarchy exists in the society and there is a large gap between the rich and the poor. The upper class in Greece is small, extremely wealthy and they hold significant economic and political power. The Greek families who hold the majority of the political and business power in the country are called “the old fireplaces” in Greek and they number about 100. As southern Greece was liberated from the Turks about 100 years before northern Greece most of these influential families are from southern Greece. Greeks place a great value upon personal relationships with those they do business with. Aligning yourself with influential Greek business leaders will help tremendously.

Greeks place value on strong interpersonal relationships. They maintain ties not only with immediate family members but also with a large extended family. Family and friendships carry obligations. When an individual makes a decision, the well-being of the family is taken into account and family honor is an important consideration. While Greeks may live in different parts of the country, they typically share a strong allegiance to their home village, island or region. Vacations and important holidays are often shared with friends and family back in their home town. When traveling abroad, Greeks will look up (and find a warm welcome from) other Greeks from their village, island or region.

Overall, Greeks are people oriented with quality of life being an important consideration. They are wonderful hosts and enjoy a good party. They will often stop to have a coffee with a friend as evidenced by the tremendous number of outside tavernas and coffee shops around the country. Greek society is still very male oriented with a sense machismo still being seen. There are successful women executives, but not as many as in some other countries.

Education is a primary vehicle for advancement, but personal and family connections also play an important role in the social structure. Wealthy Greeks may send their children abroad for education – quite often to the US or to the UK.

Elders are respected in Greece and it is common to find several generations living together. Greeks smoke a lot – by some accounts more than any other country in Europe. Be prepared for smoking in all locations.

Helpful Tips

Learn a bit of Greek – hello, thank you etc. will go a long way.

Know the basics of Greek history.

Be willing to develop personal relationships with your counterparts.

Understand that it takes time to get things done in Greece and don’t become impatient too soon in the process.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the expansive Greek nature.

Understand that Greeks may not stick to an agenda.

Be willing to socialize in the evenings.