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Cultural Differences: Germany vs. Greece

Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld

Cultural Differences in Business

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Agenda

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1

2

3

Basic Information

Economic Information

Cultural

Dos and Don’ts

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5

Hofstede’s Dimensions

Iceberg

Model

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Basic Information

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

Foundation

Inhabitants

1949

83,1 Million (2021)

10,7 Million (2020)

1821

Capital

Political system

Berlin

Parliamentary republic

Athens

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Basic Information - Germany

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

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Basic Information - Greece

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

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Economic Information

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

GDP (PPP; 2020)

GDP per capita (PPP; 2020)

Sector contribution in %

4.500 Billion USD

54.076 USD

28.748 USD

308 Billion USD

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Cultural Dos and Don’ts - Germany

Do arrive to your meetings well prepared
Do maintain eye contact when talking to someone
Do get straight to the point and avoid too much small talk
Do formulate thoughts, critique and remarks in a direct way

Don’t be late for meetings
Don’t put your elbows on the table when eating
Don’t ask for tap water in restaurants
Don’t try to integrate humor in business meetings

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

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Cultural Dos and Don’ts - Greece

Do try to communicate
Do accept greetings with two kisses
Do accept the treats
Do tip if you are satisfied by the service

Don’t raise the palm of your hand
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Don’t throw the toilet paper in the toilet
Don’t mistake the physical contact

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

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Hofstede’s Dimensions

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Iceberg Model - Germany

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

Visible

Not Visible

Strive for excellence

Oktoberfest

Brahms, Bach

Goethe, Schiller

10 public holidays

Catholics and Protestants

Stick to traditions

Hard working

High value of time

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Iceberg Model - Greece

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

Visible

Not Visible

Faith in God

Mediterranean Cuisine

Orthodox Christianity

Contemporary laïkó

Body expressiveness

13 public holidays

Priority to family

Lack of trust in institutions

Hospitality

Devotion to the religion

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Sources

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Antonis Fitsakis, Louis Steinfeld | Cultural Differences in Business

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Thank you for your attention!

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Any questions?