The Distinct Features of the Hungarian Culture

The Distinct Features of the Hungarian Culture

"Hungarians are all
different, and each one
claims to be more
different than the others."

WORK-RELATED FEATURES of the Hungarian Culture

Unique, person-oriented individualism! The relationship drives the business
Strong preference to avoid risk and change
Motivation by security
Working hard is a value and an inner urge
Strong pressure on children to achieve and no emphasis on building self-esteem
(Consequences: perfectionism, ambition, hard-striving, competitive character)
Exhaustion in face of minor frustration and failure
Creative problem-solving, ability to persevere and survive
Efficient organisers (in military and political matters)

GENERAL FEATURES of the Hungarian Culture

Traditionally conservative morality: Keeping one’s given word. Respect for women,
elders and ancestors. The pre - Christian religion of the Magyars was a
monotheistic, monogamous, family-centered, ancestor-worshipping creed.
Christian tradition is centered on the human side:
The Child Jesus is the little prince of the shepherds, the Holy Virgin is the "mother
of all Magyars".
Death holds little terror: It is nature’s destiny; the crop dies when ripe.
No mysticism: secrets of the afterlife do not interest the typical Hungarian.
Freedom-loving individualism, love of independence, values being different
Bright minds: Artistic talent – music, poetry; Intellectual interests, such as literature,
art, music, chess, mathematics, science and discussion; Inventors, Nobel-prize
winners
Weary hearts (suicide, divorce, depression; feeling of hopelessness and
loneliness)
Appreciation of humor, talent, sensitivity and knowledge
Humanistic social attitudes

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“The legendary Hungarian IQ is efficiently repressed by their lamentable EQ...
– this is the Hungarian way of giving a sporting chance in life to other
Europeans.” (Zsuzsanna Ardo in Love Blues)

RELATIONSHIP-RELATED FEATURES of the Hungarian Culture

Relatively low power-distance
High wall on the outside, low wall on the inside
Relatively reserved in expressing positive feelings in relationships (verbally and in
touching)
High-context communication
Preference of stability, desire for long-term planning

Habits & Customs | Values, Behavior & Thinking | Business Culture

Hungarian
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources

currency converter | route planner | property finder | translation services

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HUNGARIAN
VALUES & THINKING
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HUNGARIAN CULTURE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Is culture-shock inevitable?
Cultural diversity gives colors to our planet. However, it is always better to be prepared...
It is not too late to become cross cultural!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
HUNGARIAN CULTURE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -