LITHUANIA | Internship: At work | Dress code and manners
Meeting and greeting
In general, business behaviour in Lithuania is similar to that in the rest of Europe. When doing business in Lithuania the handshake is the common form of greeting and you should shake hands with all meeting attendees both on arrival and leaving. Lithuanians appreciate lengthy handshakes and it's important that you make eye contact and smile during the process. In Lithuania eye contact is extremely important as the making of eye contact infers trustworthiness and sincerity. Immediately after shaking hands at the start of the meeting, it is customary to exchange business cards. Lithuanian businesspeople take a formal approach to business. There are differences in style between government officials and older workers who maintain formality, and entrepreneurs who willingly dispense with formality. It is best to let your Lithuanian colleagues determine the level of formality to be used when doing business in Lithuania. As business is conducted in a fairly formal manner smart appearance is important. The acceptable dress code for a business meeting is a business suit for men. Women are recommended to dress fashionably, but not loudly. Acceptable gifts for business meetings are items for the office, pens (including pens with your company logo) or selected wines.
Communication
The Lithuanian workplace is hierarchical and it is unlikely that you would witness a more junior staff member contradicting or challenging a more senior staff member. It is important that you follow the same lead. Lithuanians are typically modest in the work place. They usually speak in a calm and non emotive way without the use of unnecessary hand gestures and it is important therefore, that you remain collected during your meetings as any outbursts could lead to the dissolution of the relationship. They are also extremely polite during any interactions and it is considered rude to interrupt someone who is already speaking.
Useful websites
http://www.europass.lt/cv
http://www.cvbankas.lt/index.php?topic=iesk&act=kaip
http://www.cvmarket.lt/career.php?menu=1&lastmenu=22&text_id=593&career_style
http://manokarjera.cv.lt/Default4.aspx?ArticleID=54db63d2-eaaa-44e8-8554-990d903e9b55
http://www.praktikos.lt/career.php?menu=1&lastmenu=23&text_id=838&career_style=2