Intercultural CommunicationCulture => Greece

The Group

• Eva: Introduction; Stereotypes & Generalisation; Proximity

• Tara: Power Distance; Being Orientation; Individualism & Collectivism

• Zara: Ethnocentricity; Mindfulness; Body Language

• Lisa: Greek Culture; Perception; Cultural Definitions

• Siobhán: Low, High contrast; Polychronic vs Monochronic; Intercultural Sensitivity

Introduction

=> Facts about Greece

• Flag: The National Flag of Greece consists of four white & five blue stripes, with a white cross. Blue & White are the national colours of Greece

• Official Name: Hellenic Republic• Capital: Athens• Population: Over 10.5 million• Languages: Greek, English, French• Religions: Greek Orthodox & Muslim• Government: Parliamentary Republic• Currency: €uro

Stereotypes & GeneralisationNegative Stereotypes & Generalisations:• Greeks are loud & like to show off their manhood

by opening their shirt & wearing jewels on their chest, having a moustache etc.

• Greek women only have a life when they marry• Greeks are too patriotic & they think Greece is

the centre of the world• They live in tacky houses full of pillars• They think Greeks invented everything - known to

say “You know, Ancient Greeks invented that!”

• They think all words of all languages derive from Greek

• Hate Turkish people• They like to throw plates and scream

“OPAAAHHHHH”

Positive Stereotypes & Generalisations:

• They are easy going• They know how to enjoy life and party• They are warm and smiling• They have great food and music• Family orientated• Similar to Ireland in all of these qualities*Some of these may be true, but Greeks are generally warm, happy and joyful people

Proximity

*Nearness in space, time, or relationshipFamily Values• Family is a huge part of Greek Culture • Families offer both financial and emotional

support • As well as immediate family, the extended family

is expected to help relatives in times of need• Family relationships carry over into the business

& Nepotism is accepted• If there is a wrongdoing of one family member it

brings dishonour to the entire family

Relationships• Relationships are the main part of business dealings • Greeks prefer to do business with those they know & trust• They have a circle of family & friends to call upon for

business assistance• Nepotism is not viewed negatively • Greeks prefer face-to-face meetings rather than doing

business by telephone or in writing• It takes time to develop relationships• Under no circumstances should you publicly question

someone's statements• Greeks do not like people who are pretentious or

standoffish

Power Distance*Defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally

• Greece believes that hierarchy should be respected & inequalities amongst people are acceptable

• This means that those in power have more benefits that the less powerful

• It is very important that the young show respect for the elderly & also that children help to look after the older generations

• If you are in charge of a company then this is your main responsibility

Individualism versus Collectivism *This is how much people depend upon each other within society• Greece is a collectivist culture, “we” not “I”• All people are integrated into the group• In the work place all family members should help each other

to get a job• In the west we would call this nepotism but in Greece this is

just how things work• The stereotype of a 'good person' in collectivist cultures is

trustworthy, honest, and generous, all characteristics that are helpful to people working in groups

• In contrast, a 'good person' in individualist cultures is more assertive and strong, characteristics helpful for competing against each other

Ethnocentricity

• Greeks can be ethnocentric• It is known that most Greek men will brag about

being Greek• Patriotism plays a huge part in why Greek people

are Ethnocentric• It is said to start from a school age • The perception of Greek people about themselves

is that they think highly of their culture and their opinions on this do not change

• Greeks are renowned internationally, particularly in Europe and neighbouring countries like Turkey, for being ethnocentric and in particular very patriotic and nationalistic

• Although this is a perception, you cannot label all Greek people with being like this

• Every culture has its own tendencies to judge others by their cultural standards

• The majority of Greek people tend to embrace a strong patriotic cultural life but they may also have a good understanding & appreciation for the differences in other cultures

Mindfulness*In Ancient Greece you had a Democracy and great open-minded philosophers like Socrates and Plato.• Greek people are known for being hospitable &

generous to visitors• It is common in Greece to be invited into a local’s

home & to be offered a meal• Greece is a religious country where religion

dominates the everyday life of Greek people• Greek people do not typically celebrate their

birthday; however it is becoming more popular for the birthday person to pay for a treat for his guests

• Greek people tend to be superstitious & Tuesday is considered an unlucky day for them

• The evil eye is a big part of their culture but it is not considered a good thing to praise someone too highly because if bad luck may struck them, they may blame you

Body LanguageThere are some differences in Greek culture where the meaning of different body language may vary. For example:• Projecting your hand with your fingers open is

considered very rude• Looking away when talking to someone is considered

very rude• By moving the head downwards, Greeks mean Yes• By moving the head upwards, Greeks mean No• By twisting the hand right and left, with fingers open,

but without projecting the hand, means “so and so”• People never kiss when meeting for the first time

• When people already know each other, they may kiss twice on the cheeks, to say hi or bye

• Shaking hands is a more formal way of greeting.• A Greek will be pointing using the thumb when

want to say “good job”.

Greek Culture• Greece’s culture is influenced by its location,

which is between the East & the West• The Greeks are very proud of their country & their

culture, and express their desire of the country through their traditions, religion, music, language, food & wines

• Greece traditions are usually spiritual – Most are still followed & celebrated today

• These are usually religious celebrations of the saints followed by traditional dance & music in the villages

• The Greeks believe in religion & also in the supernatural - This influences many visitors to come and visit Greece

• They think it is bad luck to see a black car• Greece is most famous for its products & the

taste of its food & wines• They have a widely range of outstanding main

dishes & meat is their preferred ingredient

High Contrast – Low Contrast• Greece is a high context culture• Many things are left unsaid letting the culture itself

explain• Words and word choices are very important since few

words can communicate a complex message effectively• It is their behaviour that decides the context of a

conversation• Importance is laid on the emotional position• Greek humour is very appropriate, it may not be

considered funny to someone from another country• Sometimes it is said that Greek humour may be perceived

as rude and sometimes even vulgar since mocking or satirical jokes are common

Funny to the Greeks?

Polychronic vs Monochronic

• Greece is polychronic culture• They prefer to do many things at once• They can be easily distracted and subject to

many interruptions• Plans are easily changed quite often • In a culture like this, punctuality is not too

important and it is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is busy which in others Cultures can be seen as very rude and disrespectful

Intercultural Sensitivity

• Learning the culture of another country is important

• Ignorance to another culture, especially if you are visiting it, could be taken as an insult to the people living there

• It is a good idea to try and learn some of their Greek language even though many business people speak basic English

• To Greek people, it is considered a big compliment if you attempt to use the Greek language

YahSU!

EfcareeSTO

• As Greek people are very sociable, it is advised that you use every opportunity to socialise with any Greek people that you may meet

• Personal relationships with colleagues are highly valued in Greece

• While Greek people are very open and respectful, you should know that you should not be offended or surprised if your Greek colleague enters your personal space

Thank you for listeningAny Questions?

For your entertainment…A mix of

Irish & Greek Culture