Cultural Differences

The former Czechoslovakia is a perfect example of what happens when two different cultures are forced to live together. While each culture had an understanding of each other, there was much that was unknown to each. This caused a number of problems that arouse immediately and several years after the formation of the country. The Czech people had various cultural norms that were not known to the Slovaks and vice verse. Each culture specifically had their own work ethic which caused the biggest problems and lead to the splitting of the country.

Czech Non-Verbal Communication and Communication Styles

This section included such topics as non-verbal communication, cultural communication styles, and social cues. Each topic is an essential part of communication and the makeup of society. Non-verbal cues assist with communication and are prevalent in all societies. Each culture also has its own style of communication; direct or indirect communication. The Czech Republic is like any other culture with its own unique non-verbal cues and communication styles.
The Czech people have a humble and polite approach to life. The Czech culture has an indirect and formal communication style. However, there is a distinct difference in their formal and informal communication methods. Business dealings are strictly indirect and extremely formal. In order to maintain certain levels of politeness, a direct “no” is often replaced by “it is difficult.” This is done in order to avoid confrontations and disagreements. The Czech people also have a low tolerance for unstructured situations and are highly likely to avoid uncertainty and ambiguity.

According to Commnicaid, a business relation training company, the following list of cultural cues would help when visiting the Czech Republic or doing business in the country.
• Business practices in the Czech Republic
o When greeting your Czech counterparts for the first time, administering a firm handshake and establishing direct eye contact are essential indications that your business dealings are sincere and honest.
o Due to the reserved nature of the Czech culture, the use of status titles in both verbal and written forms is extremely important in Czech business settings. You should refer to your Czech counterparts as “Mr/Mrs...”, “Dr”, or “Ing” (Engineer) until invited to do otherwise. The use of first names without permission may be considered offensive, as they are generally reserved for close friends and family.
o The initial business manner adopted by many in the Czech Republic is predominantly one of formality and caution. The Czechs take a reserved and often impersonal approach to business meetings, during which trust and friendship is slowly cultivated. However, as the Czech Republic moves closer towards Western management styles, a more open method of business, in the form of business lunches and such meetings, is increasing in popularity.
o In Czech business culture, the preliminary stages of negotiation can be slow and detailed. This is a direct outcome of the Czech tendency to avoid the unknown. Your Czech colleagues will be reluctant to digress from business protocol or show signs of flexibility during negotiations. Establishing and securing trust is a crucial element of the negotiation process, even up to the closing of a business deal. Final decisions are rarely sealed verbally and any renegotiating may damage your business credibility.
Business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
• DO expect to participate in some form of small talk and introductory conversation before entering into business discussions with your Czech colleagues.
• DO try to distinguish between formal and informal language and situations that will allow you to select appropriate forms of address and greetings.
• DO respect your Czech counterpart’s sense of personal space. Close personal contact with business acquaintances is frowned upon and should be avoided at all times.
• DON’T interrupt or raise the level of your voice during business discussions with your Czech colleagues, as this behaviour may be perceived as distracting or rude.
• DON’T refuse any invitation offered to you, as crucial business decisions are often made outside the business environment. The Czechs value hospitality as a means through which to build both personal and business relationships.
• DON’T be surprised if your Czech counterparts ask you about your personal earnings. This is still an acceptable enquiry of strangers in the Czech Republic.
• Working practices in the Czech Republic
o When setting business appointments in the Czech Republic always make them in advance and try not to schedule meetings on a Friday afternoon as many Czechs visit their country homes for extended weekends.
o Punctuality is an important aspect of Czech business culture. It is generally considered inappropriate to be more than five minutes late in business dealings; therefore colleagues should be informed of any unavoidable delays.
o A strong emphasis on the quality of life and public holidays means that the majority of Czech companies tend to start and finish work earlier than most Western countries, and may close during the month of August. This is especially true of smaller towns and cities.
• Structure and hierarchy in Czech companies
o Leadership and authority is vertical in structure. Czech managers maintain their status and separate themselves from subordinates.
o As a result of the hierarchical system of Czech business, decision-making power is centralised and is rarely questioned or challenged by those of a lower rank.
• Working relationships in the Czech Republic
o Knowledge and the ability to exert power and authority, as opposed to age, are qualities worthy of respect in Czech business leaders. However, in more everyday contexts the elderly command a certain level of respect and consideration.
o It is important to remember that Czech’s place a high value on their privacy and prefer to separate business and their personal lives.
o Generally speaking, friendships and working relationships in the Czech Republic only tend to form after a significant length of time. Since there exists no equivalent in the Czech language to the English term “networking”, establishing business relationships with new colleagues is approached with caution.

Unit 1: A New Hope

Unit one was an introduction to several different aspects of how people think and act as well as explanations for the differences in culture.  Beliefs, Values, Norms, and Societal Expectations all play roles in determining who we are and how we act in any given situation.  These thoughts and actions are subconscious, meaning we don’t realize we are doing them or how exactly we learned them.  When communicating with other cultures, this may cause problems or block communication all together. 

The Czech people and Slovaks had numerous differences before forming Czechoslovakia after World War 1.  The country was formed basically to punish and weaken Germany after the war.  As the years went on, the differences in communication and cultures became more evident, thus causing tensions and anger.   

The Czech Republic...The Beginning

This will be Your premier source for all things Czech and Fort Wayne.  A window into the culture, society, and people of the Czech Republic and Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Two cultures thousands of miles apart with many similarities and differences.