Greece

Hellenic Republic

Local short form: Ellas or Ellada

Local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

Former: Kingdom of Greece

Cultural Note

Backgammon is the national pastime of Greece. Men can be found playing backgammon in every taverna. If you don’t know how to play, learn before you go to Greece.

●3 What’s Your Cultural IQ?

1. Even people who have never studied ancient Greek literature and philosophy have heard of Homer (the blind poet credited with writing the Iliad and the Odyssey), and the great Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. True or False? All three of these men were contemporaries.

ANSWER: False. Plato and Aristotle were contemporaries; Plato was Aristotle’s teacher. But Greece Homer lived several centuries before them.

2. The Greek language is written in the Greek alphabet, which is over 2,000 years old. Which of the following alphabets did not evolve from the Greek alphabet?

a. The Coptic alphabet b. The Cyrillic alphabet

c. The Phoenician alphabet

ANSWER: c. The Phoenician alphabet came before the Greek alphabet. In fact, it is believed that the Phoenician alphabet inspired the Greek alphabet. Other alphabets, including the Coptic (used by Christian Egyptians) and the Cyrillic alphabet (used by Russians, among others) evolved out of the Greek alphabet.

3.Although many Greeks have immigrated to the United States, there has been a substantial amount of anti-Americanism in postwar Greece. What is the source of this?

a.During the Greek civil war of 1945–1949, the United States (and the United Kingdom) intervened against the Communists, who had considerable popular support.

b.The United States supported the right-wing military junta of 1967–1974; the junta drove many Greeks into exile.

c.During the Cypriot crisis of 1974, the Greeks felt that the United States sided with Turkey over Greece.

d.All of the above.

ANSWER: d. However, this animosity is not usually directed toward individual citizens of the United States.

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Greece

●3 Tips on Doing Business in Greece

●Greeks tend to be physically demonstrative. They kiss, hug, and walk arm-in-arm with both relatives and friends. Even Greek soldiers often walk arm-in-arm. This is not private behavior; it can be seen every day in the streets, to a degree that surprises visitors from northern Europe and North America.

●The Greek Orthodox Church forms an integral part of the Greek identity. Unlike Western branches of Christianity, Greek Orthodoxy stresses individual choice and does not emphasize guilt or shame. Some view this as important to the Greek character.

●Greek (also called “Hellenic”) is written in the Greek alphabet, rather than the Roman alphabet used by most western European nations. (Even Turkey uses the Roman alphabet.) The Cyrillic alphabet used by the Russians and Bulgarians is derived from this Greek alphabet.

Cultural Note

Historic Macedonia stretches through several countries: Bulgaria, Greece, the former Yugoslavia, and Albania. For some 2,000 years, control of historic Macedonia switched from country to country. Greece now has a northern province called Macedonia, and the Greeks are adamant that no other country be allowed to use the name “Macedonia.” Many Greeks feel that any non-Greek area that calls itself Macedonia is making a territorial claim to Greek Macedonia.

The existence of Macedonian separatists in Greek Macedonia makes this threat credible. Some Greek citizens in Greek Macedonia want to break away from Greece and form their own independent state. This is also a concern for neighboring countries. (For example, if Greek Macedonia became independent, the Macedonians in Bulgaria would strive to add their corner of Bulgaria to an independent Macedonia.)

●3 Country Background

History

The ancient Greeks are credited with the invention of democracy. However, the democratic era of Athens was relatively short-lived and was followed by various forms of dictatorship. Occupation and domination by outsiders—Romans, Turks, and (in this century) Nazi Germany—has made the Greek people ferociously nationalistic.

During the Second World War, resistance to the German and Italian occupying armies was carried out by guerrilla bands, which fought each other almost as frequently as they fought the Nazis. With the end of World War II, Greece tried to form a democratic government, despite the presence of these competing guerrilla organizations.

The Communist guerrillas, seeing their brethren in neighboring Eastern European states come to power, decided to revolt. The Communist rebellion in Greece lasted from 1946 to 1949 and was ended only when neighboring Yugoslavia left the Soviet orbit. The Yugoslavs closed their borders to the Soviet-backed Greek Communists. The United States took over

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the responsibility for Greek reconstruction from an impoverished Great Britain, and U.S. intelligence agencies worked frantically to deprive the Communists of any power in the new Greek government. In 1952 Greece joined NATO and allowed the United States to create military bases on Greek soil in 1953.

At the time, Greece was a constitutional monarchy. Distressed by the inability of the Parliament to maintain stability, in 1966 King Constantine II authorized the formation of an extraparliamentary government to rule until new elections could be held the following year. This resulted in a military coup d’etat in 1967, first ruling “in the king’s name” and then, when the king tried to stage his own coup, without the king.

The junta, ruled by Colonel George Papadopoulos, gave Greece stability and a degree of economic prosperity at the cost of some human rights. By 1973, opposition to the authoritarian regime had grown strong enough that Papadopoulos decided to institute reforms. The monarchy was formally abolished, civil liberties were promised, and free elections were scheduled. But the head of the Greek military police, General Ioannides, staged a coup in late 1973 before the planned elections could be held.

Within a year this new coup had yielded to the demand for elections. The new Greek Republic was declared on December 9, 1974. A new constitution was adopted in 1975, and Greece has had peaceful transitions from one government to the next ever since.

Greece became a full member of the European Economic Community (now the EU) in 1981.

Despite fears that the facilities would not be completed in time, the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greece took place in a secure, efficient, and successful manner.

Greece

Type of Government

Today, Greece is a presidential parliamentary republic. Its constitution dates from 1975. There is a president elected by the Parliament and served by an advisory body, the Council of the Republic. The president is the chief of state. The real power is held by the prime minister, who is the official head of the government. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party of the unicameral Parliament. The Parliament is called the Greek Chamber of Deputies.

For current government data, check with the Embassy of Greece at www.greekembassy.org.

Cultural Note

There are two versions of the Greek language today. The popular form, known as Demotic, has been used in government documents and in the media only since 1976. Previously only Katharevousa, the “pure” language, was used for these purposes. Today Katharevousa is usually found in technical publications.

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Language

Greek is the official language. It is written in the Greek alphabet, which was developed around 1000 b.c. The second most commonly spoken tongue is Romanian.

Today, the Greek people speak a form of the Greek language known as Demotic Greek. This is a modern form of the Ancient Greek spoken 2,000 years ago. Classical studies programs usually teach Ancient Greek, not modern Demotic Greek.

In addition to Greek, linguists have identified fifteen languages, two of which are now extinct. (One of the languages classified as extinct is Ancient Greek, which is still used as a liturgical language by the Greek Orthodox Church.)

The Greek View

The Greek Orthodox Church is the official religion, and 98 percent of Greeks are members. Greek Orthodox principles are learned in school, and the state supports the church. However, freedom of religion is guaranteed. There is a small minority of Muslims, Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jews.

Much of Greece’s rural population has lived in privation for generations. While the quality of life has improved since the end of the Greek civil war in 1949, the memory of poverty is strong. Some attribute the Greek tradition of hard bargaining to this adversity.

Rainfall is sparse in Greece, making fresh water a valuable commodity. Wildfires are common in the parched woods and fields. Greece is also subject to periodic seismic activity, such as the devastating earthquakes in 1999. This contributes to a sense that humans are not in control of their fate.

The environment is a serious issue in Greece. In addition to the severe air pollution in cities like Athens, Greece suffers from severe deforestation. Ancient Greece was a country of forests and wooded hills. Since classical times, the trees have been stripped for lumber, for charcoal, and for fuel. What man did not destroy, wildfires and goats did. Reforestation efforts are still in their infancy in Greece and are hampered by the country’s sparse rainfall.

Some foreigners doubted the ability of the Greeks to host the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The fact that the games were peaceful and successful was uplifting to the Greeks, although they now have to deal with the exorbitant cost of the event.

Many older Greeks opine that the younger generation is becoming too Europeanized and losing its respect for Greek tradition.

*Know Before You Go

■

The greatest hazard to vacationers in Greece is probably sunburn in the strong Mediterranean sunlight. For business travelers in Greece, the risk is split between vehicular accidents and petty street crime (such as pickpocketing).

Greeks are heavy smokers; it is estimated that 45 percent of adults smoke. Smoking in many public places was outlawed in September 2002, but people often ignore the rules. (Greece is also a large tobacco producer.)

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●3 Cultural Orientation

Cognitive Styles: How Greeks Organize and Process Information

Greeks are open to discussion of most topics but may find it difficult to change their position on issues. They process information more from a subjective, associative perspective than an objective, abstractive one. Interpersonal relationships are of major importance in the overall scheme of things. This leads them to consider the specifics of a situation rather than making decisions on the basis of universal rules or laws.

Negotiation Strategies: What Greeks Accept as Evidence

Subjective feelings are the basis for the truth, although faith in various ideologies (religion, ethnocentrism) may strongly influence the outcome. Objective facts will not be accepted if they contradict either of these.

Value Systems: The Basis for Behavior

Greece is the historical home of democracy. Although it has toyed with other forms of government, it has always returned to a democratic form of government. The following three sections identify the Value Systems in the predominant culture—their methods of dividing right from wrong, good from evil, and so forth.

Locus of Decision-Making

The individual is responsible for all decisions, but he or she takes into consideration those who depend on him or her (family, group, and so forth). A person’s private life is influenced by family, friends, and organizations. Through this process an individual develops opinions. Friendships are deep and carry obligations. One must establish a relationship with his or her counterpart before negotiations can be successful. Education is the primary vehicle for moving up the social ladder.

Sources of Anxiety Reduction

Greeks have a high index of uncertainty avoidance. As a result, Greeks use laws and morality to give structure to their worldview.

It is one’s role in the social structure, the extended family, and deep friendships that give structure and security to the individual. There is a strong work ethic, but a laid-back approach to life contributes to an image of much activity but slow progress. There is a strong need for consensus in groups. Failures are often attributed to external circumstances.

Issues of Equality/Inequality

There is a definite social hierarchy, with some bias against classes, ethnic groups, and religions. Greeks have an inherent trust in people because of the social interrelationships between extended families and friends. There are extreme contrasts between rich and poor,

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but Greeks are people oriented, with quality of life and the environment being important considerations. Machismo is very strong.

	●		Business Practices
	3
	Punctuality, Appointments, and Local Time
	●	Always be punctual, although you will note that punctuality is not generally stressed by
		your Greek counterparts.
	●	Scheduling an appointment is not always necessary, but it is courteous.
	●	It is not considered necessary to set a limited time for a business appointment.
	●	Greeks, like most Europeans, write the day first, then the month, then the year. For
		example, December 3, 2010, would be written 3.12.10 or 3/12/10.
	●	The work week may change. From May to October (Monday through Friday), it is gener-
		ally 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.). From October to May, hours
Greece		are usually from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
	●	Greeks observe Orthodox Easter, (which is different from the Gregorian Calendar),

	however, they celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December.
●	Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. +2), making it seven hours
	ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T. +7).

Negotiating

●The senior members of a group are always shown great respect. Authority usually rests with them.

●To do business in Greece, one must be patient, yet ready to use quick judgment. Greeks are excellent bargainers.

●It is advisable to have one side of your business card printed in English and the other in Greek. Present it with the Greek side up.

●Avoid making judgments about the Greek style of describing things. Many Greeks may use hyperbole in discussions; this is not unusual.

Business Entertaining

●Business is usually done over a cup of coffee—often in a coffeehouse or taverna.

●Lunch is the main meal of the day, between noon and 2:00 p.m.

●The elderly are always served first.

●Dinner is a small meal and is eaten at around 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

●Often, many dishes are ordered and shared by all at the table.

●When dining in a Greek home, you will probably be offered seconds and thirds in an insistent way. Accepting more food is a compliment to your host.

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●Bad topics to bring up include Greek conflicts with Turkey, Macedonia, or other nations. In general, just avoid political discussions.

●3 Protocol

Greetings

●Remember that Greek people tend to be physically demonstrative. Expect your Greek associates to stay in relatively close proximity to you.

●In first business encounters, a handshake is typical.

●The greeting can take many forms in Greece; a handshake, an embrace, or a kiss can all be encountered at first meetings or among friends and acquaintances.

Titles/Forms of Address

●	Older people are greatly respected in Greece and therefore are always addressed formally
	(using titles, etc.).	Greece
●	The order of Greek names is the same as in North America: given name first, followed by
	surname.

Gestures

●The Greeks are an active and energetic people, and their mannerisms reflect this. Gestures tend to be strong and used frequently.

●Greeks gesture, not only with their hands and heads, but with their eyes and lips as well.

●Greeks may exhibit nervous energy through foot tapping or fidgeting. This may be a reason why Greeks sometimes play with worry beads (called kombologion). This fidgeting does not necessarily indicate boredom or impatience.

●Traditionally, Greeks indicated “no” with an upward nod of the head. (This movement is also used to signify negation in Greek sign language.) This is not as common with the younger generation. Recently Greeks have begun to use North American gestures for “yes” and “no,” which can be confusing.

●Anger is sometimes expressed by a smile.

●After giving or receiving a compliment, Greeks sometimes make a puff of breath through the lips to ward off the “evil eye.”

●Sometimes Greeks express thanks by placing their right hands over their hearts. The gesture is usually accompanied by a verbal expression of thanks.

Gifts

●Greeks are very generous; if you compliment an object too enthusiastically, it may be given to you.

●For business associates, you do not need to give a gift during the first encounter.

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●Avoid gifts that are too lavish or too skimpy, as well as gifts that are only a means of showing your company logo.

●If you are invited to a home, compliment the children of the household and give them a small gift; flowers or a dessert is also appropriate for the hostess.

●For further guidelines on gift giving, visit www.kissboworshakehands.com.

Dress

●Conservative business clothing is best.

●Women should wear dresses or suits in subtle colors.

Cultural Note

The Nazi occupation of Greece decimated the country’s Jewish population. Between 1492 (when the Jews were expelled from Spain) and 1941, the majority of the population in Salonika, the second largest city, was Jewish. When the Nazis captured Salonika in April of 1941, the entire Jewish population was transferred to concentration camps. About 96 percent of these Jews were slain in the camps—a higher proportion than in any other city in the world. The Nazis also did their best to destroy all evidence of Jewish Salonika. (For example, they took gravestones from the Jewish cemetery and used them to line a swimming pool.) Today, there is virtually no sign of the lost Jewish community of Salonika.