Business Etiquette in Macedonia
One of the Macedonia's major trade partners is Bulgaria, but other countries, such as China, are interested in lending financial support to Macedonia's agricultural sector, according to EconomyWatch.com. Since Macedonia does business with countries around the world, it's essential to go over a few basic rules of etiquette before arriving in the country for meetings and negotiations.
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Professional Greetings
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A handshake is the appropriate greeting for professional men and women in Macedonia. Men shake hands firmly while maintaining eye contact, and women may also exchange kisses on the cheek if they are familiar with one another. Men and women may also shake hands with one another in a business setting; businessmen and women who know one another may kiss on the cheek once or twice (alternating cheeks if kissed twice). In Muslim areas of Macedonia, it may not be acceptable to touch a member of the opposite sex; it is best to follow the host's lead in these instances.
Business Attire
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Professional men can wear slacks and a button-down shirt to most meetings and professional appointments. If the meeting will be formal, a business suit in a dark color, such as black or dark gray, with a shirt and tie is appropriate. Women can wear a skirt and blouse to work; slacks are permitted as well. It is improper etiquette for men or women to wear casual attire like jeans or T-shirts in a business setting.
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Business Meetings
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Macedonian professionals are not extremely rigid about punctuality; arriving around the time that the meeting is to take place is appropriate. In most cases, the foreign professional will end up waiting for Macedonian businesspeople to come to the meeting, even if the international colleague is a few minutes late. A few minutes of small talk before the meeting begins is expected. After pleasantries have been exchanged, the person with the highest professional rank will begin the meeting. This person usually concludes the meeting as well. It is acceptable to ask questions during the meeting, but after the session has been adjourned, no more questions will be taken.
Business Cards
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In Macedonia, having a business card is a sign of respect and a stable job, so professionals are happy to give out their cards at every opportunity. Business cards can be given to everyone at a business meeting, and there is no officially allotted time for passing out the cards. There is no wrong method for presenting a card to a Macedonian colleague; sliding the card across the table is acceptable. However, it's always best to treat the cards with general respect by not folding or tearing the business card.
Giving Gifts
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It is acceptable to give and receive gifts in professional situations, but the gift should not be more than 100 euros. A more expensive gift will be seen as a bribe. When dining out with a Macedonian professional, it is proper etiquette to offer to pay. The host will likely refuse the offer, but it is important to make the gesture to give a good impression. When invited to the home of a Macedonian businessperson, it is best to bring something homemade, but a gift from the guest is not required.
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References
- Photo Credit macedonia flag icon. (with clipping path) image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
