Hungarian Business Culture - The Concept of Time

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Hungarian business culture is rather mono chronic. That means that in the
business-context, most (but not all) Hungarians place a value on punctuality,
schedules and deadlines.

Hungarian business people are usually on time for meetings - sometimes even
five minutes early - and seldom keep visitors waiting. Visitors are expected to
match this behavior.

Such time-consciousness is more often associated with northerners (e.g., the
Germans and Swiss) than with southern Europeans.

In private spheres, relationships and quality of life are higher values than keeping
schedules and not wasting time. Also in the subconscious Hungarian personal
value-system, quality is generally more important than quantity. In a business
environment, this can lead to surprising results, especially in terms of time
management and goal setting.

Hungarians dot not necessarily feel they are "wasting time" when not working
toward a specific goal. There are different attitudes toward deadlines and not the
same sense of urgency. In fact, conveying a sense of urgency to a Hungarian
counterpart might be the second most challenging task for an American (after
building a relationship).

When you must keep a business appointment, or meet someone for dinner, do
not be late. Hungarian people appreciate punctuality, and one should try to be
within five minutes of a scheduled appointment, better early than late. To be late
indicates that you not consider them important.

If you visit someone’s home at their invitation, it is polite to be a little late (10
minutes) - especially if you are invited for a meal.

The system is still working its way out of the Soviet era when obtaining things took
much time. The lines in stores typical of that time are gone, but obtaining permits
and licenses take longer than in North America or Western Europe.

The public transportation systems, such as buses, trains and flights are expected
to be on time. Schools, shops, offices and other public places also open and
close on time.

The Concept of Time in Hungary