How to Do Business in the Czech Culture

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990 and the split with Slovakia in 1993, business opportunities in the Czech Republic have become plentiful. By observing some of the basic business principles practiced by the Czechs, you may make your business transactions go more smoothly.

Things You'll Need

• Business cards

Instructions

1. Make appointments well in advance when you do business in the Czech culture. Czechs tend to be formal and traditional when it comes to striking a deal, and it is best to request meetings in writing via a physical letter or fax, as opposed to phone calls or emails. You will also impress your Czech business prospects if you have these written communiques translated into Czech, since English is not widely spoken in the country.

2. Shake hands with Czech business associates at the beginning and end of all meetings. If your Czech business partner is a female, it is best to wait for her to initiate the handshake. Remember that it is considered bad manners in the Czech culture to keep your other hand in your pocket while you shake hands.

3. Raise your hand with your palm facing forward and your index finger extended if you wish to speak during a business meeting. Interruptions are considered very rude in the Czech culture, and you can jeopardize a business deal by repeatedly speaking out of turn.

4. Be prepared for a significant amount of bureaucracy and red tape when you do business in the Czech Republic. The Czech legal system is very complex, and it may take many lawyers to draw up a legitimate, air-tight agreement between two corporations.

5. Take the time to learn more about your Czech business partners and who they are as people. The Czechs place a great deal of importance on building business relationships and trust slowly over time. Learn about the families of your Czech associates, and stay informed about hobbies, interests, vacations and other personal matters.

6. Keep plenty of professional business cards on hand when you do business in the Czech culture. Like many countries in Asia and Europe, the exchange of business cards among potential business partners is a ritual and should be relished at the start of any business deal. If you really want to impress your counterpart, have your business cards translated into Czech.

Tips & Warnings

• It is considered very bad form in the Czech culture to chew gum while attending a business meeting.