Formality, Status and Hierarchy (power distance)
in the Hungarian Culture
in the Hungarian Culture
- Hungarians tend to be a bit more formal than
Danes, Australians or North Americans, but
less than the French and Germans, for
instance.
- The degree of formality is expressed in dress,
meetings and greeting rituals.
- Hungarian people distinguish between their
family, friends and close working relationships
which they address with the casual "Te", and
other relationships (strangers, acquaintances,
hierarchical and formal relations), which call
for a more distant "Ön."
- You will most likely be included in the second
category for a while, regardless of the
language you're using.
- This initial distance may seem a bit chilly after
all the advice about relationships.
- As in Poland, business women visiting
Hungary can expect to be treated by their older
male counterparts with Old World charm and
gallantry. Among men of the older generation,
hand-kissing is as prevalent as it used to be
in Vienna. On the other hand, some women
report feelings of being patronized.
- Both male and female visitors will note that
important decisions are no longer reserved for
the men in the organization.
- Traditionally, the Hungarian shows respect
and deference in such things as greetings
and use of last names. Therefore, do not
expect to use first names right from the
beginning.
- When your business colleague or customer
knows you well, he or she may invite you to
simply call them by their first name, Zsuzsa or
Péter. He would say: "Tegeződjünk!" (which
means: let’s switch from the formal to the
informal language in our relationship from
now on). Use of first names and informal
addressing ("te") may come quite rapidly if
dealing with a person of similar age and
status. Nicknames are used among good
friends and family. It is advisable to learn the
correct pronunciation and use it, as that is
quite complimentary to a Hungarian (or
anyone for that matter).
- Politeness is an every-day rule that opens (or
closes) a lot of doors. Gallantry toward women
for males should be the rule: women go
through doors first except when entering
restaurants or bars ("parancsoljon, csak Ön
után" - after you, please), and are normally first
out of the elevator (safety rules). Gallantry is
still very much appreciated and is a sign of
good upbringing.
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| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HUNGARIAN BUSINESS CULTURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
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Hungarian
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources
Culture, Language & Relocation Resources
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| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HUNGARIAN CULTURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
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| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - RELOCATION TO HUNGARY - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |