Text II. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN UKRAINE

    I was making a presentation to a high-level Ukrainian in a well-respected firm who was talking during the meeting on his mobile phone most of the time. I had been waiting for the meeting to start for 2 hours, because the manager had an “unexpected” guest. I have been invited to the restaurant by the person who, at the end of the meal was discussing how much I eat and why.

    Ukraine, being part of the Soviet Union had been isolated from outside world for many years. This created problems that have to be corrected now, otherwise integration, a popular world now, will be much more difficult. Business people who travel to Europe, Japan and U.S. already realize what makes them look different in the business environment of “developed” countries. But a lot of people still are not aware of the importance of conforming to the world’s business practices.

    Following are some simple bits of advice for “beginners” which I now take the liberty of giving:

    Be on time. There’s nothing worse than wasting another person’s time. If you are late, even 1 minute, call with apologies and explain the reasons. – A secretary should offer coffee, tea or water to the visitor. Obviously. – At the meeting, turn your mobile phone off. If you can’t, explain the reason with apologies. – Do bring enough business cards. Otherwise you will face a problem of who at the meeting will not receive one. – If you speak Russian, Ukrainian or French use “вы” as opposed to “ты”, until it is offered by an older or superior person to use informal treatment. If you are being invited, order the average-price dishes and drink what the inviting party is drinking, when possible. – If you invited another person to the restaurant, pick up the bill. – Using a translator let him/ her know of the specific terms you will be using during the meeting. – Wear a suit. It is very important to make a good impression, especially, if you are working with clients. The suit that suits you. The “European Suit”, a body conscious silhouette is good for young creative staff of an advertising agency, while “the Ivy League Suit” looks better on a respectable solid manager. – If you wear a suit, don’t put on a leather sport jacket. A topcoat is better. – Women, as for make-up – less is more! Some natural lipstick and mascara are enough. The same goes for jewelry – diamond necklaces are for Hollywood parties. And for god’s sake don’t show the achievement of nail designers on your nails. They can be long, but naturally looking. – Men, only one favor to ask you – long socks! Color is important (dark is a requirement) but the priority is to see fabrics, not hairy calves. – Shoes, a watch, glasses and bags are “talking” about you. Don’t buy the most expensive stuff. The biggest mistake is a massive “Rolex” showered on with diamonds. Elegance and taste make a difference. A person in the “creative” position may permit oneself some fashion statements.

    A lot of western companies developed their own “Business Ethics Code” which is a set of rules for all employees of the firm. Among those are such simple things as dress codes and complicated issues like nondiscrimination of women or gays. Failure to comply with those rules can be a reason for dismissal. But since there’s long way for Ukrainian firms to reach this point, let’s just try to endure the torture of the existing business ethics, but strive for the better. 

 

Ex. 1. Your partner is planning to visit your country, and is not familiar with the eating customs there. Now write your pieces of advice in the table using should, shouldn’t, should always, or should never to give advice on the following topics:

· When to begin eating

· Refusing to eat what you are served

· Talking while eating

· Smacking your lips or licking your fingers

· Putting your elbows on the table

· Putting your hands on your lap

· Yawning at the table

· Leaving food on your plate

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