FLAG OF RUSSIA

Coat of Arms Symbol of state of Russia

CAPITAL : MOSCOW OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Russian official throughout the country; 27 others coofficial in various regions. ETHNIC GROUPS: 81% Russians 3.7% Tatars 1.4% Ukrainians 1.1% Bashkirs 1% Chuvashes 11.8% others and unspecified GOVERNMENT: Federal semipresidential constitutional republic. PRESIDENT: Vladimir Putin PRIME MINISTER: Dmitry Medvedev

POWER DISTANCE
Power distance index which is also known as PDI is basically a hierarchy system that lets one know if there is a big power separation between the poor and the rich or a boss and his or her employee. Russias estimated PDI is 93. This PDI is very high which means that Russia has a big power separation between the rich and poor which are also known as high power distance between people. One reason for is, is that Russia is very big. It has more land mass then any other country in the world. Russian may be like this because they used caste systems. If you are born into a family with power you will have power but if youre born into a family who is poor, youre not able to move up and you will continue to be poor.

PDI
Russia 93 China 80 India 77 USA 40 Australia 36 Great Britain 35 Norway 31

 Another thing is that everything is by the book. They deadlines are strict and solid and you usually dont have a personal relationship with your boss. Everything is business. In a high power distance country like Russia, parents and teachers are much respected. Most business CEOs or people with power are totalitarian. High power distance countries can usually make high profits.

UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
Uncertainty avoidance is how a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known or should we try to control the future or just let it happen.

Russias Uncertainty avoidance is estimated at 95 They have a very high uncertainty avoidance. They take risk, because if they think they have a good idea then they just act on instinct. They have so much power that they dont have to ask permission to do something because they are at the top of the hierarchy and people do whatever they say. It is due to population being homogeneous.

If you are working or doing business in a country with a higher uncertainty avoidance score than yourself then:

. Don't expect new ideas, ways or methods to be readily embraced. You need to allow time to help develop an understanding of an initiative to help foster confidence in it.
. Involve local counterparts in projects to allow them a sense of understanding. This then decreases the element of the unknown. . Remember that due to a need to negate uncertainty proposals and presentations will be examined in fine detail. Back up everything with facts and statistics.

INDIVIDUALISM VS COLLECTIVISM
Ties between individuals are loose; everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. This has no political meaning; it refers to the group and not the state. Russia scores 39 on individualism. They believe in collectivism. "We" is more important that "I" Conformity is expected and perceived positively. Individual's desires and aspirations are curbed if necessary for the good of the group. The rights of the family (or for the common good) are more important. Rules provide stability, order, obedience.

Doing business with a country which believes in collectivism

Note that individuals will have a strong sense of responsibility

for their family which can mean they take precedence over business. Remember that praise should always be directed to a team rather than individuals as otherwise this may cause people embarrassment. Reward teams not people. Understand that promotions depend upon seniority and experience-not performance and achievement.

 If Russians plan to go out with their friends they would literally say We with friends instead of I and my friends. Family, friends and not seldom the neighborhood are extremely important to get along with everyday lifes challenges. Relationships are crucial in obtaining information, getting introduced or successful negotiations. They need to be personal, authentic and trustful before one can focus on tasks and build on a careful to the recipient, rather implicit communication style

MASCULINITY VS FEMINITY

. In life the main priorities are the family, relationships and quality of life. Equal importance is given to both the genders. . Conflicts are ideally solved through negotiation . Men and women share equal positions in society . Professionals "work to live", meaning longer vacations and flexible working hours

 If you are working or doing business in a country with a lower masculinity score than yourself then:

. Recognize that people value their personal time. They prioritize family and take longer holidays. Working overtime is not the norm. . Small talk at social (or business) functions will focus on an individual's life and interests rather than just business. . Personal questions are normal rather than intrusive. . In business dealings trust weighs more than projected profit margins and the like. . Nepotism is seen positively and people openly show favoritism to close relations.

LONG VS SHORT TERM ORIENTATION

Short-term orientation cultures value the past and present resulting in respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one's 'face'. Russia scores 10 on the orientation scale. Which means that the country is a short term oriented country. Efforts should produce quick results. It is important to maintain personal stability and happiness in the present. Such states are: Russia, France and USA.

RUSSIAN CULTURE
Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are Russias traditional religions, deemed part of Russia's "historical heritage" in a law passed in 1997. Russian family

The family is dependent on all its members and usually have one child, both men and women work outside to bear the expenses. Live in small apartments.

Etiquette and Customs in Russia

When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek three times, starting with the left and then alternating. The typical greeting is a firm, almost bonecrushing handshake while maintaining direct eye contact

When close male friends meet, they may pat each other on the back and hug.

 Friends and close acquaintance refer each other by their first name only. Gift giving etiquettes

Gift giving usually takes place between family and close friends on birthdays, New Year, and Orthodox Christmas. . If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift. . Male guests are expected to bring flowers. . Do not give yellow flowers. . Do not give a baby gift until after the baby is born. It is bad luck to do so sooner

Dining Etiquettes
If you are invited to a Russian's house: Arrive on time or no more than 15 minutes later than invited. Remove your outdoor shoes. You may be given slippers to wear. Dress in clothes you might wear to the office. Dressing well shows respect for your hosts. Expect to be treated with honour and respect. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.

Russian Business Etiquette and Protocol

. Russians are transactional and do not need to establish long-standing personal relationships before they do business with people. . It is still a good idea to develop a network of people who you know and trust. The Russian word "svyasi" means connections and refers to having friends in high places, which is often required to cut through red tape. . Patience is essential. . It is best to err on the side of formality when you first make contact. . Sincerity is crucial as it is required to build trust, and trust is needed to build a relationship. . Most Russians do not trust people who are 'all business'. . An indication that you have successfully developed a personal relationship is being asked for a favor by that person.

Appointments are necessary to be made far in advance. You should arrive punctually for the meeting. Meetings take longer time than expected. Have all materials printed in english and russian. Have one side of your business card translated into Russian. Women should wear subdued coloured business suits with skirts that cover the knees. Shoes should be highly polished.

 Business lunches and dinners are very common, and evening entertainment can be lavish. These events frequently include heavy alcohol consumption and may also extend to visits to banya (Russian sauna ). They are very important as they help advance the vital process of building relationships. Refusing to participate in these activities may be taken as a clear signal that you are not seriously interested in doing business with your counterparts. Having a drink with your Russian partners is an easy way to establish good will.

ECONOMY OF RUSSIA

CURRENCY: RUSSIAN RUBBLE GDP: $1.850 trillion GDP GROWTH: 4.3% (2011) GD BY SECTOR: agriculture: 4.5%, industry: 36.9%, services: 58.6% INFLATION: 3.7% (February 2012)

Moscow International Business Center

Statistics
Russia is the world's second largest conventional arms exporter after the United States. Aircraft manufacturing is an important industry sector in Russia, employing around 355,300 people. Space industry of Russia consists of over 100 companies and employs 250,000 people. Russia comprises roughly three-quarters of the territory of the former Soviet Union. Russia is the 10th largest economy in the world. It has the 6th largest purchasing power. It has the 4th largest cultivation area. 3rd largest grain exporter.

Facts
Russia has the highest no. of billionaires in moscow. Mayakovskaya Metro Station is a famous station in moscow. And is the most beautiful metro in the world. Started in the year 1938. the bridges in Russia are one of the most beautiful architectures in the world.