Business dinners and after-work activities play a big role in Romanian business culture, which is very relationship-oriented. Romanians want to get to know their business and project partners better and establish trust in a relaxed atmosphere.
Business Dinners
Romanians are genuinely happy to present their national cuisine to you and this will be done over several courses. Be ready for an opulent meal at a local restaurant. You should at least try each dish and praise the food in detail. You will leave the best impression if you prepare a short speech that praises the country, the hospitality, the good food and, of course, your Romanian business partners, and present it towards the end of the business dinner.
The Bill
The Romanian courtesy rules state that the person who is inviting should pay the bill. Verbal sparring over who pays is not regarded as generous or polite. On the contrary: forcefully insisting on paying is more likely to offend Romanian hospitality.
Private Invitations
It also won’t be long before your Romanian business partner invites you to his home. Romanians all over the world regard hospitality as a very important asset and they are very surprised at the fact that private invitations are uncommon in some countries. Don’t forget to bring a present for the hosts: wine, flowers and sweets are particularly popular.
Cultural And Leisure Activities
Often foreign business partners are entertained with selected cultural and leisure activities. The programme focuses on tourist attractions, such as sights, a concert with Romanian music or seasonal attractions. After work Since Romanians work to live and don’t live to work, they combine pleasure with work. In Romania, you will rarely find a strict separation of private and professional life.
After-work activities with colleagues are very important for team spirit and identifying with the company. In addition, Romanians live in the here and now. They make use of every opportunity to celebrate and enjoy life together, whether at the company’s summer party or privately.
There is of course no general rule, but if colleagues get on very well, they are likely to extend this friendly relationship outside work. Weddings, christenings or joint holidays offer excellent opportunities to have fun together and establish trust. This is particularly important in industry sectors where long working days are the norm.
Etiquette Rules
Romanians attach great importance to good table manners. A meal is not started until the host has said ›Pofta bună!‹ (›Enjoy your meal!‹). A customary toast when drinking wine is ›Sănătate!‹ (›To your health!‹). You keep eye contact whilst toasting.
As a sign of their hospitality, Romanians will keep filling your plate. If you don’t wish for seconds, you have to say this clearly and multiple times. Place the cutlery on your plate with the fork facing downwards. This means that you are genuinely full.
Hugs or kisses on the cheek are common amongst men as well as women and are done so in a very elegant manner. But if you are a man, please try to avoid touching your female Romanian business partners. Even shaking hands between businessmen and businesswomen is less common. When greeting and on parting, a man shakes hands with other men and politely nods to women. As a foreign women, you should follow the example of your female Romanian colleagues and only politely nod to men.
Romanians like to act as an old-school gentleman and help a woman into her coat or let her go first. Businesswomen should not interpret this as a sign of disrespect.
Dress Code
Romanian business attire is generally neat, conservative and formal, but also modern. Branded clothing and expensive accessories are popular, as they take the Romanian status orientation into account: You show who you are and what you have achieved.
Depending on the industry sector, company or business situation, the dress code can vary between very conservative or formal and rather stylish. Even within a company, several dress codes can co-exist in different departments. Another factor is the different hierarchical levels; the Etiquette and dress code 30 higher one goes in the hierarchy, the smarter the dress style. Under no circumstances should you dress too casually for a business appointment.
Businessmen should generally wear a dark suit, a discreet tie and a white or light shirt. Businesswomen can’t go wrong wearing a dark trouser suit and a light blouse or a business-style dress. However, Romanian women like to highlight their femininity by using make-up, jewellery and personal accessories.
Good to know: These dress code recommendations also apply in warmer weather. Don’t take your suit jacket or your tie off without first having asked for permission or before your Romanian colleague has done so. There is no dress code when it comes to spare time activities. Even if Romanians dress casually, their attire is always neat and modern.
