Italian Business
What is the perceived value to a brand of having “Made in Italy” written on a label?
Made in Italy is synonymous with quality and best materials
What is a multi-parameter cultural profile?
Observation of human behavior, written expression and physical aspects of a new environment, to identify cultural features that characterize that environment
What does the expression “fare la bella figura” mean and how is it expressed in the everyday life?
“to dress to impress” or "to save face", people in Italy go out of their way to look and act presentable every single day.
Name one of the three Italian innovators from the lecture and what did they invent?
Giulio Ricordi (gramophone), Davide Campari (liquor) and Edoardo Bianchi (bicycle)
Is an 8:30 - 12:30, 3:30 - 6:30 workday typical of a small business in Northern or Southern Italy?
Northern
What is the difference between the head and the heart types of trust? Which is more prevalent in Italy
The head means you trust more logically and based on how well equipped someone is to complete a task. The heart is more relationship trust based as you need to know the person well to trust them. Italy is more heart based trust
Do Italian business women usually wear more or less makeup than American businesswomen?
More
What is the name of the movement of young Italians leaving Italy to pursue employment elsewhere and why is it happening?
The movement is called a “brain drain” and it is happening to young Italians because they are finding better paying jobs in other European countries
When is the best time to plan a business appointment in Italy?
Between 10 and 12 or after 3 or 4
Identify the differences between a low and high context work environment. Which side do the US and Italy lean towards?
High-context cultures are those that communicate in ways that are implicit and rely heavily on context. Low-context cultures rely on explicit verbal communication. The US relies more on explicit communication to relay messages and tasks while Italy is less communicative and relies more on context.
Rather than an American “group wave” when saying goodbye to a group of people, what should you do?
Shake hands with every individual in the group.
What are the characteristics of using a goal oriented approach in the workplace?
Goal oriented approaches are generally more challenging, more entrepreneurial, and less of a scheduled type of work when compared to means-based approach
Has the Italian GDP per capita increased, decreased, or stayed the same over the last 20 years?
Stayed the same
What is global dexterity?
The ability to adapt or shift behavior in light of cultural differences.
What type of government does Italy have?
A Constitutional Republic
Which Sicilian city is now considered a migrant city?
Palermo
What was Italy’s currency before converting to the euro in 2002?
The Italian Lira
Name a characteristic of someone who leans towards collectivism
Values the needs of the group over the needs of the individual.
What is an example of someone experiencing the denial phase of intercultural sensitivity?
Ex. someone who has never left their own country and can't understand that culture is very different in other places.
Name the first three steps of the developmental model for intercultural sensitivity
Denial, defense, minimization