Learning about Turkish Business Etiquette

For those attending Global Spa Summit in Istanbul, I came across an interesting link from, of all places, linkedin.com. It is about Turkish business etiquette. Happy Reading!

Becoming time-sensitive
The survey also noted the rapid changes in Turkish business culture. Turks were not as time-sensitive before as they are today, said Lilly Sprangers from the Dutch-based Turkish Institute. The transformation is due to the rapidly changing economic environment in Turkey, rising competition and increased contact with time-sensitive business partners throughout the world, she said.

The study also pointed how formality plays an important role in doing business in Turkey. “Like in most other countries, academic and other titles meet with great respect and should therefore be used especially in the initial phase of your contacts,” said the research. As such, Sprangers tells Dutch businesspeople, “Never downplay and don't act too modest.” She also advises businesspeople to be formal and dress formally.

The study also showed Turks are more sensitive to criticism, leading Sprangers to advise Dutch businessmen not to criticize a Turkish partner in front of a group. Furthermore, what the Dutch may perceive as “straight or honest,” can be perceived as “rude” by Turks.

Sprangers also advised Dutch businesspeople to invest in personal relationships, since networking is very important in Turkey. “Your personal involvement is important,” she said. “Turkish businesspeople are not interested in just facts. They want to know why you entered this business and what you went through.”

For Turkish businesspeople, Sprangers advised them “not to expect sumptuous lunches as well as personal attention after work hours.”