What are common Italian business etiquette practices
Common Italian business etiquette practices emphasize formality, respect for hierarchy, personal connections, and warmth. Key practices include greeting people with titles and last names, using a firm handshake with eye contact, and exchanging business cards at the start of meetings, often with cards translated into Italian. Punctuality is flexible—Italians tend to be relaxed about time, but foreigners are expected to arrive on time or slightly early. Hierarchy is important, so address senior individuals respectfully using titles until invited to use first names.
Communication tends to be expressive, with open disagreement and interruptions common in meetings, reflecting passion rather than disrespect. Business discussions often involve lively debate, and initial meetings focus more on relationship-building than making quick decisions. Meals are important in business culture, typically lasting two to three hours, with business talk starting after the main course. Refusing invitations to meals can be seen as an insult. Dress code is generally conservative and elegant, especially for men who wear dark suits and ties, while women dress modestly and professionally.
Gifts are generally not expected at business meetings unless a long relationship exists; if given, they should be thoughtful but not branded with company logos. Italians appreciate warm greetings, direct eye contact, genuine smiles, and appropriate gestures, which are integral to communication style.
These etiquette elements reflect Italy’s cultural emphasis on respect, formality, personal warmth, and relationship-building in business settings. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6