Managing in Russia
Monday, November 25, 2013
Russia is a vibrant, rich, and diverse country, full of people who are strong, persistent, and patient.
But, because of its turbulent past, many foreigners see Russia as a land shrouded in mystery.
If you've been asked to relocate to Russia, or if you'll be managing a Russian team, there's a lot that you'll need to know before you start working with your new colleagues.
In this article, we'll look at how to live, work, and build relationships in Russia.
Tip:
Russia is a very large, diverse country. As such, it's difficult to make generalizations about its people and culture. Perspectives, values, and expectations can vary depending on your location. Use this article as a general guide, but, if you can, do further research on the area that you'll be working in.
Language and Culture
Russia is the world's largest country. It spans 11 time zones, and covers more than one-eighth of the world's inhabited land mass. Although it's an enormous country, Russia has a population of less than 150 million people. Large areas of the country are uninhabited, or are populated with small villages.
Russia is the largest country in the world.
As you might imagine in a country this big, the terrain and climate are diverse. Much of the country experiences long, cold, snowy winters, but some coastal areas have a milder climate.
Russia is now a federal, multiparty republic. However, since the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the government has been in a state of flux as it struggles to create an identity for the country, and deals with corruption and legal reform.
As a result, laws and regulations change frequently. Therefore, it's important to consult with a Russian lawyer when using legal documents such as contracts, since something that was legal until recently might not be legal now.
Almost everyone in the country speaks Russian as their primary language, and most (with the exception of some younger people in the bigger cities) do not speak a second language. Therefore, you should learn at least some basic Russian before you arrive, especially if you're traveling to smaller cities.
If you appreciate art, dance, architecture, or music, you'll find Russia very interesting. Large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg offer endless opportunities to experience world-class opera and ballet, incredible art, and stunning historical buildings. Russians are very proud of their rich culture, with good reason.
Vacations/Holidays
Under Russian law, employees are entitled to 28 paid vacation days each year, in addition to the following public holidays:
January 1-4 – New Year's Holiday.
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas.
February 23 – Defender's Day.
March 8 – Women's Day.
May 1 – May Day.
May 9 – Victory Day.
June 12 – Russian Independence Day.
November 4 – Day of Consent and Reconciliation (Unity Day).
Keep in mind that dates will change for some holidays if they fall on a weekend.
There are also several additional public "bridge day" holidays spread throughout the year. These are paid holidays, but people must compensate for them by working a specified weekend day. The dates of these holidays change every year, so make sure that you check the official public holiday schedule before scheduling meetings or appointments.
Employment Practices and Law
Russia passed its current Labor Code in 2002. This code protects worker rights, and is the foundation of worker relations. Although some organizations don't follow the Labor Code to the letter, keep in mind that all employees' rights are protected by this code.
Russian companies tend to hire new employees on a temporary basis for up to three months, and employers can dismiss employees during this time if they don't perform as expected. When they do this, they must explain clearly why they are dismissing the employee, and give at least three days notice before termination.
After the three month period, both parties sign a formal contract if the employment is to continue. It's more difficult to terminate employment after this.
Before taking disciplinary action against an employee, talk to your human resources team, or to a professional qualified in Russian employment law. As we mentioned earlier, Russian laws change regularly.
Women in Russia enjoy a generous, mandatory, 140-day maternity leave when they have a baby. Also, when a woman goes on maternity leave, her position must stay open and available to her until her child is three years old.
Etiquette
Many foreigners arrive in Russia to discover that they're almost invisible to locals. By and large, Russians are a friendly, warm people. But they often "wear a mask" when out in public, or while working, especially with strangers and foreigners.
Don't be put off by a seemingly inhospitable culture. As you get to know your Russian colleagues, they're likely to open up and welcome you to their culture and close circles.
Names
It's important to use the right name in Russia, especially when addressing people. Russians have a first and last name, just like in the U.S. and U.K. But their middle name is usually patronymic, which means that it is derived from the name of their father. This is denoted with the father's name, followed by "-vich" or "-ovich" for men, and "-avna" or "-ovna" for women.
When meeting people for the first time, especially in professional environments, use all three names. Once you have established a relationship, you may use their first and patronymic names, but only after they've invited you to do so. Close friends and family refer to each other using first names only.
The proper greeting in Russia is a strong handshake with direct eye contact. Russians will often greet you by stating your name instead of asking how you are. Respond by stating their name as well. Women often greet other women (especially those they have met previously) with three kisses, on alternate cheeks.
Safety
Russian police do not need probable cause to stop anyone on the street for interrogation, so you could be stopped at any time. Carry your passport, visa, and other important documents with you at all times. Police can fine or arrest you if you don't have proper documentation.
However, don't hand over your passport or papers unless you see proper documentation from the official first; scams are common, and it's easy for people to steal these documents on the street.
Dress
It's important to be clean-cut and well-dressed in Russia. In a business environment, men should wear well-tailored, European-style business suits. Women should wear dark and conservative business suits or skirts.
You will likely be judged on your appearance, so dress as well as you can. You might also want to display a high-priced accessory, such as a good-quality tie, pen, or briefcase – this can further enhance your credibility.
Crime and Corruption
Organized crime, corruption, and bribery are enormous problems in Russia, and this can be an intimidating and overwhelming hindrance to doing business. Bribery is rampant, and officials may demand a bribe to cut through red tape.
Remember that it's illegal, in Russia and in most other countries, to bribe government officials.
Russians also do much business with an expectation of "blat," or favors. Keep in mind that if someone does you a favor, he or she will expect you to repay that favor. Gifts also fall under the concept of "blat."
Note:
Some practices of "blat" may be classed as bribery, especially where gifts or other rewards are involved.
In many home countries, bribery is illegal, even if this takes place overseas. See our article on Gifts in the Workplace for more on this. This gives information on the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, 2010, among others, which make it illegal to offer bribes, even in foreign countries.
This will prevent you from doing certain types of business in Russia.
Getting the Best From Your Team
Building good work relationships is generally very important in Russia.
Gain the trust of your new team by being honest and sincere. Give your team time to get to know you, and hold as many face-to-face meetings as possible; many Russians trust what they hear more than what they read. Meetings will help you communicate information verbally, as well as build trusting relationships.
When you do hold a meeting with your Russian team members, don't be surprised if they are silent and display little body language. Russians often take their time when thinking about new concepts and ideas. Give your team members plenty of time to consider everything you say, and don't press them to respond immediately.
Once your relationship is established, try to keep your core team together as a group for as long as possible; again, trust is very important here, and it can take a long time to establish this. Regularly forming and reforming new teams means you may spend far more time building relationships than accomplishing your objectives.
Because of the influence that Communism has had on the country in the past, your team members, especially older ones, might experience less anxiety if you lead with strength and assertiveness . If you try too hard to solicit their opinion, you may come across as weak or indecisive.
When you issue instructions, be clear about what you want people to do. Many Russians respect leaders and authority figures, so, as their boss, it's important to live up to their expectations.
Also, bear in mind that, while this respect can be useful, it can also hinder progress. Russian people are often reluctant to talk to their boss and provide feedback. As such, you might have to ask a question several times, in several ways, before you get an answer.
Russians are usually extremely patient and persistent. Your team will likely show great strength and resilience if faced with problems or setbacks, and people will work hard to find creative solutions. They'll also likely focus on short-term solutions rather than focusing on the long-term; Russia is in a state of constant change, so people are less likely to look far into the future.
More Tips for Working in Russia
Here are some more tips for managing and working in Russia:
Be prepared for cold weather in the winter. Russian buildings are well-heated, so dressing in layers is often best.
Russians consider wearing a coat inside a building – especially a theater or restaurant – bad manners. Instead, leave your coat in the cloakroom (called a "garderob").
Avoid laughing or talking loudly when out in public; a subdued demeanor is more appropriate. Pay attention to your posture (it should be straight and strong), and avoid standing with your hands in your pockets.
Smoking is common in Russia, even in offices. There are few, if any, smoke-free buildings.
In the past, Russians built business relationships over meals and drinking sessions that lasted long into the night. While this is becoming less common, it's still a possibility. Vodka is the drink of choice here, and you'll likely be offered it when you're socializing.
It's an honor to be invited to a person's home for a meal. Always arrive with a small gift (liquor or flowers are appropriate), and come hungry; Russian meals are often long and lavish. Always offer at least twice to help your host clean up. He or she will likely refuse the first time, and a second offer will allow him or her to say yes.
Some regions in Russia such as Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia are not safe for foreigners. Terrorism and hostage-taking are serious threats. Research the security situation of any region you wish to visit before you make travel arrangements.
Tip:
Our articles on the
Seven Dimensions of Culture and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions will also help you get a better understanding of workplace and cultural values in Russia, and in other countries around the world.
Key Points
Russia is the world's biggest country. It's known for having long, harsh winters. Because the country is so large and diverse, research the area you'll be living and working in to learn about customs and expectations.
It's important to build trusting relationships here. Issue clear, firm directions, and don't expect team members to speak up with complaints, when leading a Russian team.
Also remember that laws in Russia can change frequently. Get advice from a legal professional before taking HR-related actions.
Tags:
Skills, Team Management
But, because of its turbulent past, many foreigners see Russia as a land shrouded in mystery.
If you've been asked to relocate to Russia, or if you'll be managing a Russian team, there's a lot that you'll need to know before you start working with your new colleagues.
In this article, we'll look at how to live, work, and build relationships in Russia.
Tip:
Russia is a very large, diverse country. As such, it's difficult to make generalizations about its people and culture. Perspectives, values, and expectations can vary depending on your location. Use this article as a general guide, but, if you can, do further research on the area that you'll be working in.
Language and Culture
Russia is the world's largest country. It spans 11 time zones, and covers more than one-eighth of the world's inhabited land mass. Although it's an enormous country, Russia has a population of less than 150 million people. Large areas of the country are uninhabited, or are populated with small villages.
Russia is the largest country in the world.
As you might imagine in a country this big, the terrain and climate are diverse. Much of the country experiences long, cold, snowy winters, but some coastal areas have a milder climate.
Russia is now a federal, multiparty republic. However, since the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the government has been in a state of flux as it struggles to create an identity for the country, and deals with corruption and legal reform.
As a result, laws and regulations change frequently. Therefore, it's important to consult with a Russian lawyer when using legal documents such as contracts, since something that was legal until recently might not be legal now.
Almost everyone in the country speaks Russian as their primary language, and most (with the exception of some younger people in the bigger cities) do not speak a second language. Therefore, you should learn at least some basic Russian before you arrive, especially if you're traveling to smaller cities.
If you appreciate art, dance, architecture, or music, you'll find Russia very interesting. Large cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg offer endless opportunities to experience world-class opera and ballet, incredible art, and stunning historical buildings. Russians are very proud of their rich culture, with good reason.
Vacations/Holidays
Under Russian law, employees are entitled to 28 paid vacation days each year, in addition to the following public holidays:
January 1-4 – New Year's Holiday.
January 7 – Orthodox Christmas.
February 23 – Defender's Day.
March 8 – Women's Day.
May 1 – May Day.
May 9 – Victory Day.
June 12 – Russian Independence Day.
November 4 – Day of Consent and Reconciliation (Unity Day).
Keep in mind that dates will change for some holidays if they fall on a weekend.
There are also several additional public "bridge day" holidays spread throughout the year. These are paid holidays, but people must compensate for them by working a specified weekend day. The dates of these holidays change every year, so make sure that you check the official public holiday schedule before scheduling meetings or appointments.
Employment Practices and Law
Russia passed its current Labor Code in 2002. This code protects worker rights, and is the foundation of worker relations. Although some organizations don't follow the Labor Code to the letter, keep in mind that all employees' rights are protected by this code.
Russian companies tend to hire new employees on a temporary basis for up to three months, and employers can dismiss employees during this time if they don't perform as expected. When they do this, they must explain clearly why they are dismissing the employee, and give at least three days notice before termination.
After the three month period, both parties sign a formal contract if the employment is to continue. It's more difficult to terminate employment after this.
Before taking disciplinary action against an employee, talk to your human resources team, or to a professional qualified in Russian employment law. As we mentioned earlier, Russian laws change regularly.
Women in Russia enjoy a generous, mandatory, 140-day maternity leave when they have a baby. Also, when a woman goes on maternity leave, her position must stay open and available to her until her child is three years old.
Etiquette
Many foreigners arrive in Russia to discover that they're almost invisible to locals. By and large, Russians are a friendly, warm people. But they often "wear a mask" when out in public, or while working, especially with strangers and foreigners.
Don't be put off by a seemingly inhospitable culture. As you get to know your Russian colleagues, they're likely to open up and welcome you to their culture and close circles.
Names
It's important to use the right name in Russia, especially when addressing people. Russians have a first and last name, just like in the U.S. and U.K. But their middle name is usually patronymic, which means that it is derived from the name of their father. This is denoted with the father's name, followed by "-vich" or "-ovich" for men, and "-avna" or "-ovna" for women.
When meeting people for the first time, especially in professional environments, use all three names. Once you have established a relationship, you may use their first and patronymic names, but only after they've invited you to do so. Close friends and family refer to each other using first names only.
The proper greeting in Russia is a strong handshake with direct eye contact. Russians will often greet you by stating your name instead of asking how you are. Respond by stating their name as well. Women often greet other women (especially those they have met previously) with three kisses, on alternate cheeks.
Safety
Russian police do not need probable cause to stop anyone on the street for interrogation, so you could be stopped at any time. Carry your passport, visa, and other important documents with you at all times. Police can fine or arrest you if you don't have proper documentation.
However, don't hand over your passport or papers unless you see proper documentation from the official first; scams are common, and it's easy for people to steal these documents on the street.
Dress
It's important to be clean-cut and well-dressed in Russia. In a business environment, men should wear well-tailored, European-style business suits. Women should wear dark and conservative business suits or skirts.
You will likely be judged on your appearance, so dress as well as you can. You might also want to display a high-priced accessory, such as a good-quality tie, pen, or briefcase – this can further enhance your credibility.
Crime and Corruption
Organized crime, corruption, and bribery are enormous problems in Russia, and this can be an intimidating and overwhelming hindrance to doing business. Bribery is rampant, and officials may demand a bribe to cut through red tape.
Remember that it's illegal, in Russia and in most other countries, to bribe government officials.
Russians also do much business with an expectation of "blat," or favors. Keep in mind that if someone does you a favor, he or she will expect you to repay that favor. Gifts also fall under the concept of "blat."
Note:
Some practices of "blat" may be classed as bribery, especially where gifts or other rewards are involved.
In many home countries, bribery is illegal, even if this takes place overseas. See our article on Gifts in the Workplace for more on this. This gives information on the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, 2010, among others, which make it illegal to offer bribes, even in foreign countries.
This will prevent you from doing certain types of business in Russia.
Getting the Best From Your Team
Building good work relationships is generally very important in Russia.
Gain the trust of your new team by being honest and sincere. Give your team time to get to know you, and hold as many face-to-face meetings as possible; many Russians trust what they hear more than what they read. Meetings will help you communicate information verbally, as well as build trusting relationships.
When you do hold a meeting with your Russian team members, don't be surprised if they are silent and display little body language. Russians often take their time when thinking about new concepts and ideas. Give your team members plenty of time to consider everything you say, and don't press them to respond immediately.
Once your relationship is established, try to keep your core team together as a group for as long as possible; again, trust is very important here, and it can take a long time to establish this. Regularly forming and reforming new teams means you may spend far more time building relationships than accomplishing your objectives.
Because of the influence that Communism has had on the country in the past, your team members, especially older ones, might experience less anxiety if you lead with strength and assertiveness . If you try too hard to solicit their opinion, you may come across as weak or indecisive.
When you issue instructions, be clear about what you want people to do. Many Russians respect leaders and authority figures, so, as their boss, it's important to live up to their expectations.
Also, bear in mind that, while this respect can be useful, it can also hinder progress. Russian people are often reluctant to talk to their boss and provide feedback. As such, you might have to ask a question several times, in several ways, before you get an answer.
Russians are usually extremely patient and persistent. Your team will likely show great strength and resilience if faced with problems or setbacks, and people will work hard to find creative solutions. They'll also likely focus on short-term solutions rather than focusing on the long-term; Russia is in a state of constant change, so people are less likely to look far into the future.
More Tips for Working in Russia
Here are some more tips for managing and working in Russia:
Be prepared for cold weather in the winter. Russian buildings are well-heated, so dressing in layers is often best.
Russians consider wearing a coat inside a building – especially a theater or restaurant – bad manners. Instead, leave your coat in the cloakroom (called a "garderob").
Avoid laughing or talking loudly when out in public; a subdued demeanor is more appropriate. Pay attention to your posture (it should be straight and strong), and avoid standing with your hands in your pockets.
Smoking is common in Russia, even in offices. There are few, if any, smoke-free buildings.
In the past, Russians built business relationships over meals and drinking sessions that lasted long into the night. While this is becoming less common, it's still a possibility. Vodka is the drink of choice here, and you'll likely be offered it when you're socializing.
It's an honor to be invited to a person's home for a meal. Always arrive with a small gift (liquor or flowers are appropriate), and come hungry; Russian meals are often long and lavish. Always offer at least twice to help your host clean up. He or she will likely refuse the first time, and a second offer will allow him or her to say yes.
Some regions in Russia such as Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia are not safe for foreigners. Terrorism and hostage-taking are serious threats. Research the security situation of any region you wish to visit before you make travel arrangements.
Tip:
Our articles on the
Seven Dimensions of Culture and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions will also help you get a better understanding of workplace and cultural values in Russia, and in other countries around the world.
Key Points
Russia is the world's biggest country. It's known for having long, harsh winters. Because the country is so large and diverse, research the area you'll be living and working in to learn about customs and expectations.
It's important to build trusting relationships here. Issue clear, firm directions, and don't expect team members to speak up with complaints, when leading a Russian team.
Also remember that laws in Russia can change frequently. Get advice from a legal professional before taking HR-related actions.
