E-Learning
Local Expert
Need advice or training
We will put you in touch with the leading Cultural Awareness Expert in GreeceGreek Management Style
Greece
Give clear instructions which can be easily followed
Cultural Compatibility
How compatible are you?
Fill in this online test and we will generate your personalised report.
Traditional management styles in Greece are highly directive and paternalistic. This ‘paternalism’ fits very easily into the strong sense of family and ethnic ties which bind all Greeks together. The individual responsibility of the boss would always be seen as paramount, rather than the collective responsibilities of a group.
Therefore, it is important to give clear instructions which can be easily followed. Don’t expect pro-activity — it may come, but is not necessarily always forthcoming in these types of paternalistic business cultures. When people have been used to very precise instructions from a directive boss, vague requests can seem very confusing. ‘What exactly am I expected to do here?’
As relationship bonds run deep in Greek culture, the manager expects loyalty. In return for this loyalty the boss will look after the interests of subordinates. The manager-subordinate relationship is viewed as reciprocal.
Therefore, it is important to give clear instructions which can be easily followed. Don’t expect pro-activity — it may come, but is not necessarily always forthcoming in these types of paternalistic business cultures. When people have been used to very precise instructions from a directive boss, vague requests can seem very confusing. ‘What exactly am I expected to do here?’
As relationship bonds run deep in Greek culture, the manager expects loyalty. In return for this loyalty the boss will look after the interests of subordinates. The manager-subordinate relationship is viewed as reciprocal.