Russia: Russia's Unique Business Environment - Part 1
From ExecutivePlanet.com
This article by Vladimir Fetsenko, Ph.D., gives valuable insights into the Russian way of doing business.
Dealing with Business Problems
Generally speaking, Westerners deal with business problems differently than Russians do. For example, Westerners tend to bring up problems with their colleagues only when they have a number of possible solutions.
The method of Russian managers contrasts sharply with the above approach. Many times, Russian managers will discuss problems without concrete solutions in hand. This suggests that the Russian state of mind is based more on the idea that the formulation of a problem is considered at least half the battle, whereas in the West the focus is generally on the solution.
As a result, meetings and debates of Russian managers often exceed allotted time limits and tend to move away from their initial agendas. In the West, such an approach would be considered a serious imperfection. However, a positive characteristic of this so-called imperfection is its readiness to accept different outcomes.
Ability to Operate in Changing Conditions and to Withstand Failure
Often foreigners have a hard time understanding Russian businessmen when they say “We will try to finish the work on time” or “Perhaps, it will work”. Actually, Russians are merely suggesting possible outcomes that may or may not turn out to be positive. Essentially, they mean a Russian [and a businessperson as well] is ready to operate in continually changing conditions. It is important during break-point times, and for life in modern Russia especially. Western managers usually have a plan in case of an emergency, but they do not develop it widely because it could possibly damage morale.
Hardened by centuries of war with her neighbors and having endured generally tougher economic conditions than in the West, the Russian people believe that one should hope for the best, but should always prepare for the worst. This belief reflects a mentality that is somewhat different than the Western ethos of positive thinking, which maintains that if one keeps trying and thinks positively, good things will happen. Reactions to failure also differ. Confronted by defeat, Westerners tend to respond actively, e.g., holding meetings, organizing plans, etc. But Russians, on the other hand, are ready for the worst-case scenario, so if/when it does happen, they are able to accept the worst more readily than Westerners.
Business Teams and Self-Expression
Western people shoot for success. An internal office environment and a common team spirit are instruments for them, not aims in themselves. Work for most is just a way of making a living. Russians are different, much different. Work itself may be an aim, but rest is simply a way of mustering one's strength for the next wave of work. When Western people come to Russia, they are usually surprised with the Russian attitude in terms of working in teams. Even for well-paid Russians, after they've reached a sufficient level of income, working in a comfortable environment can be as or more important than a higher salary.
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