http://businessculture.org - Find out about business culture in Greece. This guide is part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project which examined European Business culture in 31 countries looking at business communication, business etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance and social media guide.

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businessculture.org
Business Culture
in Greece
http://businessculture.org/southern-europe/businessculture-in-greece/meeting-etiquette-in-greece/
Content Template
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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Business
Culture
in
Greece
.......................................................................................................
4
Xenophobia: being a foreigner in Greece ............................................................................................ 5
General Education ............................................................................................................................... 5
Other Issues such as transportation infrastructure ............................................................................... 6
Cultural taboos ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Business
Communication
..........................................................................................................
8
Face-to-face communication ................................................................................................................ 8
Language Matters................................................................................................................................. 8
Business Relationships .......................................................................................................................... 8
Making contact ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Personal Titles ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Business
Etiquette
..................................................................................................................
10
Punctuality .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Gift giving ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Business dress code ............................................................................................................................. 10
Bribery and corruption ....................................................................................................................... 11
Business
Meeting
Etiquette
....................................................................................................
12
Business meetings in Greece ............................................................................................................... 12
Importance of business meetings ........................................................................................................ 12
Business meeting planning ................................................................................................................. 12
Negotiation process ............................................................................................................................ 12
Meeting protocol ................................................................................................................................ 13
How to run a business meeting .......................................................................................................... 13
Follow up letter after meeting with a client ........................................................................................ 13
Business meals .................................................................................................................................... 13
Business meeting tips .......................................................................................................................... 14
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Internship
and
placement
.......................................................................................................
15
Work experience................................................................................................................................. 15
Internship and placement advice ....................................................................................................... 15
Social security and European Health insurance card ........................................................................ 15
Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Do I need a visa? ................................................................................................................................ 16
Internship and placement salary ........................................................................................................ 16
Internship and placement accommodation ........................................................................................ 16
Cost
of
Living
...........................................................................................................................
18
Money and banking ........................................................................................................................... 18
Travelling costs ................................................................................................................................... 18
Work-­‐life
Balance
....................................................................................................................
19
National holidays ................................................................................................................................ 19
Working hours .................................................................................................................................... 20
Health insurance ................................................................................................................................ 20
Social
Media
Guide
.................................................................................................................
21
Search and Social Media Marketing for International Business ........................................................ 21
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Business
Culture
in
Greece
The following is a very short introduction to Greece. External links at the end of this page
provide you with more in depth information concerning different topics.
The following video gives you an overview of the general facts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSYMxsXOsD8
Greece is a Mediterranean country in Southern Europe, bordering with Bulgaria, the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Albania. It is bordered to the west by the
Ionian Sea, to the south by the Mediterranean Sea and to the east by the Aegean Sea. Greece
is one of the most mountainous countries of Europe. Greece consists of a large mainland; the
Peloponnese, a peninsula which is connected to the southern tip of the mainland by the
Isthmus of Corinth; and many islands. The “Kallikratis” reform, which entered into effect on
the 1st of January 2011, introduced seven decentralized administrations as separate regional
entities with elected governors and regional councils. Apart from these, there are 13 regions
and 325 municipalities. The country has a population of about 11 million inhabitants
according to the 2011 census. Athens is the capital city and Thessaloniki is the second largest
city.
Greek is the official language and Christian the primary religion, with 97% of the population
following the Greek Orthodox Church and the remaining 3% divided amongst the Catholic,
Jewish and Muslim faiths. The population is approximately 95% of Greek origin, 4%
Albanian and 1% other.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool mild winters. There can
be snowfall in some parts of Greece during the winter months but this is mostly limited to the
mountainous regions of the mainland.
Greece is in the Eastern European Time Zone and adheres to EET (UTC +2) during the winter
and EEST (UTC +3) for daylight saving time during the summer months.
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The ancient Classical and Hellenistic eras of Greece have left behind many ideas, concepts
and art to provide the foundation of what we call “western civilization”. The greatest
philosophers and mathematicians lived during these eras.
The history of Greece is a succession of invasions and dominations: the Macedonian Empire,
the Roman and the Byzantine Empire, which ended with the invasion of the Turks. The new
independent Greek State was declared in 1830 at the end of the Independence War.
In 1974, following a seven-year dictatorship, the country’s system of government changed
from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy. In 1981, the
country became a member of the European Union and in January 2001 entered the Eurozone,
replacing the Greek Drachma with the Euro as currency.
Greece is a developed country with an open economy that has a heavy reliance on the service
sector at 85%. The remaining national economic output comes from the industry sector the
second (12.0%) and the agricultural sector (3.0%). Although Greece is a significant
agricultural and fisheries producer within the European Union, the tourist industry forms the
basis of the economy. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Greece
ranks as the 7th most visited country in the EU country and the 16th in the world. Also,
merchant shipping represents 16.2% of the world’s total capacity.
The Greek economy has been in recession since the global financial crisis of 2008. The
current state of the economy is mainly the result of the European sovereign debt crisis and
only through implementing severe austerity measures and benefitting from two multi-billion
Euro rescue packages has the economy begun to stabilize.
Xenophobia:
being
a
foreigner
in
Greece
The Greek word philoxenia means hospitality and is defined literally as “love of strangers”,
which is something they are extremely proud of. Greece being a popular tourist destination,
welcomes foreigners with warmth. The Greek people are known for their friendliness and
openness to meeting new people and doing business with them.
General
Education
The Greek Educational System is under state supervision. It is divided into three levels which
include pre-school and primary education, secondary education (Cycle 1 and Cycle 2) and
tertiary education.
Pre-school education is provided in nursery schools as a preparatory stage, which contributes
to the integration of children in the primary school system.
Compulsory education in Greece lasts ten years beginning from nursery school until
Gymnasio (middle or junior high school). Attendance is compulsory for one year in nursery
school, primary school which lasts six years, up to the age of 12 and for three more years in a
Gymnasio until the age of 15. Graduates of Gymnasio get a certificate which allows them to
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move on to the optional higher-level secondary education (Lyceum) in the form of an
Integrated Lyceum or a Technical Vocational School.
Tertiary education is provided by Universities and Polytechnics, Technological Educational
Institutes (T.E.I) and Academies (for the military and the clergy). Most undergraduate courses
last for 4 years, except for the polytechnics and some technical and art schools where courses
last 5 years and medical schools where they last 6 years. Postgraduate courses last from 1 to 2
years while doctorates normally take 3 to 6 years.
All schools and HEIs in Greece are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Religious
Affairs. There is a minimum requirement of four years of study at university level in order to
get a Bachelor’s Degree, which is a prerequisite for entrance to Master’s and Doctorate
Degree programmes.
Other
Issues
such
as
transportation
infrastructure
Public transportation has improved, especially with the introduction of the Athens Metro,
which is one of the most modern and complex transportation projects in Europe. It provides
access to the Piraeus Port, historical sites, the centre and the airport. It is fast, comfortable and
very reliable. Tickets can be bought through automatic ticket machines, which are installed at
all metro stations and ticket offices.
The train and tram networks are also efficient and reliable public transportation systems. A
large network of buses is also available and taxis are used quite frequently, as they are
affordable with a minimum charge.
In Thessaloniki, the metro system is currently under construction and causing substantial
disruption to local traffic. Also, travelling to certain islands, mountainous regions and villages
may be difficult during the winter months.
In the last few years, transportation has become much more reliable in large cities and buses
are usually on schedule. However, delays cannot be avoided at certain times, due to traffic
conditions and other circumstances.
Buses and Trains
The intercity buses (KTEL) are very popular for domestic travel. They are a reliable, efficient
and inexpensive means of transportation throughout the country and can be used both for long
and short distances.
The national railway system (OSE) had been neglected, but is undergoing renovation and
increasing numbers of people are using it as an alternative way of travelling within the
country. The intercity fast train between Athens and Thessaloniki is recommended as the best
way of travelling between the two cities.
Air Travel
Greece’s main airport is Eleftherios Venizelos, which is situated on the outskirts Athens, the
country’s capital. It is a new and modern airport with the most advanced security equipment
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that provides direct connections to most countries of the world and is served by most major
airline carriers. Macedonia International Airport in Thessaloniki serves the region of Central
Macedonia and is the second most important airport in the country. Airports are situated in
many smaller cities and islands like Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Paros,
Ioannina and Kavala.
In the last fifteen years, significant infrastructure has been developed in Greece with the
construction of major highways and motorways connecting major cities (Egnatia motorway,
PATHE etc). These roads have reduced the driving time while making driving much safer.
Cultural
taboos
Greeks are very proud of their culture and history. They are open to discussions and enjoy
having conversations on cultural and historical topics, but tend to have strong beliefs on
issues pertaining to religion and politics; therefore it would be a good idea to not bring up
these topics. Subjects concerning Cyprus and Turkey should be avoided, since both are topics
that Greeks find difficult to change their views on and may get very emotional about. Also,
avoid criticizing Greece or the Greek people. Although they often like criticizing aspects of
their own society and daily life, they don’t accept criticism from outsiders.
In addition , there are certain hand gestures that could be misinterpreted by Greek people,
therefore it is recommended to avoid: the American ‘OK’ sign, which is usually considered as
an obscene gesture and the ‘moutza’, which is an open hand facing outward gesture, (often
used to mean stop in western cultures), which is considered offensive and insulting.
It is essential to understand and respect these issues when communicating with Greek people.
It will definitely contribute to building and sustaining personal and business relationships.
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Business
Communication
This section focuses on best practices and etiquette that may be relevant for dealing with business
contacts, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, working hours, dressing code, dining
etiquette, etc. Adhering to common business practices when communicating, contributes to
understanding the Greek culture, avoiding miscommunication and creating a positive image.
Face-­‐to-­‐face
communication
Greeks prefer face-to face contacts to telephone or written communication and personal
relationships are highly valued. Therefore, first impressions are important and can influence
your business relationship with your Greek counterpart. In general, physical contact and
maintaining eye contact is important; and has been measured as the strongest in Europe. Some
important issues to consider when communicating with Greeks are:
Greeks are verbal and oratory. They like having discussions on cultural and historical topics.
There are times when these discussions can become emotional and intense, depending on the
topic. It is advisable to avoid bringing up issues concerning Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM), Cyprus or politics. When speaking, Greeks often interrupt. Don’t be
offended since it is just a common aspect of the Greek way of communication.
Non-verbal communication is the way our body speaks through gestures, movements, eye
contact, facial expressions, and intonation of voice. Greek people are very expressive in their
use of body language to convey messages. Below are some that may be useful to know:
•
•
•
•
•
raising the eyebrow with a slight upward nod of the head means ‘no’, while tilting the
head to either side means ‘yes’;
winking at someone is often simply a friendly gesture;
avoid an open palm directed at someone’s face, as this is an insult;
touching is common and is seen as a friendly gesture, so don’t feel offended;
avoid the OK sign since it is considered obscene.
Language
Matters
Greek is the official language spoken by nearly 11 million inhabitants in Greece. English is widely
spoken and is taught in schools from the first grade of primary school through to university. The Greek
people are very keen on learning foreign languages and it is common to find people who can also
speak German, Italian, Spanish, and French. Younger managers are often fluent in English, but the
older generation may not know English at all; therefore, it is advised to ask if an interpreter will be
needed. Learning a few phrases in Greek would be greatly appreciated by your business counterparts.
Business
Relationships
Building strong, long-lasting relationships is important for the Greeks. Therefore, personal
contacts and networks characterised by trust, loyalty and strong bonds facilitate business
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operations and are vital for successful business deals. Personal networks may open doors and
solve problems that would otherwise be very difficult to resolve.
It is advisable that you get to know your Greek colleagues and clients well, by showing
interest in their lifestyle and joining in their social activities.
Being a family-oriented culture, the Greek business community is characterized by small,
family-owned companies. Business structures are traditional and generally hierarchical.
Making
contact
Greeks prefer personal contact. Men and women shake hands when meeting one another and
maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is a must. Good friends embrace and
kiss on both cheeks.
In general, Greeks stand close to each other when speaking, about an arm’s length. This
distance becomes greater when interacting with strangers and less when interacting with
friends and family. It may be considered rude to back away from someone while they are
speaking. Physical contact is commonly used to show sympathy and to emphasise the subject.
So, touching when conversing, between men and men or women and men, is rather common
and should not be misinterpreted.
Personal
Titles
The use of formal titles Mr. and Mrs. are used when first meeting someone and when
addressing someone with respect, particularly the older generation. The use of titles may
become less formal with and it is common to address someone by their first name when a
personal relationship has had the opportunity to develop.
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Business
Etiquette
Increasingly crucial to competitiveness, social responsibility is getting more attention from
Greek businesses. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies are being applied by
companies to become more competitive in the global market. In a study of 46 Greek
companies, the findings revealed that Greek companies have managed to become more active
especially on issues related to the environment, human resources and local communities
(Metaxas, Tsavdaridou, 2012). CSR is not only important for multinational companies, but
equally as important for SMEs because, on both national and European level, they account for
over 90% of total business activity, according to the Hellenic Network for Corporate Social
Responsibility (HNCSR).
Punctuality
Punctuality is not particularly important for Greeks. They tend to be late for appointments,
although they expect their counterparts to be on time for business meetings. Also for this
reason, scheduling an appointment is not always necessary, but is courteous. Greeks enjoy
socializing with friends and business associates. Dinners are a form of entertainment, which
take several hours and are usually followed by drinks.
Gift
giving
Gift giving in Greece is seen as a kind gesture. Greeks like to exchange gifts for Christmas,
birthdays, and name days. However, since gifts are generally reciprocated, a gift of great
value could put a burden on the recipient to spend an equivalent amount of money on you in
return. Therefore, a small gift would be greatly appreciated. When invited over for dinner to a
Greek home, flowers, sweets or a bottle of wine or liquor are the gifts most frequently
offered.
In Greece, gifts are not essential to business relationships and Greeks do not normally expect
to exchange gifts on a first meeting. Nevertheless, an occasional gift (mostly at Christmas and
Easter) will be very much appreciated. An excellent bottle of liquor or wine, office
accessories, fine chocolate, are examples of gifts often offered in business interactions. Gifts
are usually nicely wrapped and opened right away.
Business
dress
code
There is no specific dress code. However, it is advisable to dress conservatively in business
meetings, a dark coloured suit for men and professional outfit for women, preferably in dark
or subtle colours, avoiding provocative clothing. In some cases, depending on the situation or
business area, less formal clothing is acceptable. In the summer months, the weather is very
hot, especially in the big cities; it is acceptable to just wear a shirt with trousers and in most
cases to not wear a tie. Women can be lightly dressed, avoiding tight clothing. In Greece, first
impressions are based largely on the way one is dressed, so this can make a big difference.
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Bribery
and
corruption
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2012 ranks Greece in 94th place in terms of perceived
levels of corruption by their citizens. Corruption in Greece became prevalent after 1981;
specifically after entering the European Community and electing its first ever Socialist
government. Since then, a large number of major corruption scandals (some count over 150)
have been exposed in the Greek press. (M. Zoakas, 2010).
The Greek Government, in order to fight corruption in public administration, has created
inspection bodies, which investigate cases in central and local public sectors.
Bribery is considered a crime in the Greek Government and it is punished with severe
penalties. An OECD Anti-Bribery Convention was ratified by the Greek Parliament on
November 5th, 1998 and implemented on February 15th, 1999.
During recent years, the Greek government seems determined to fight corruption and bribery
through increasing the effectiveness of legislation and the introduction of severe penalties. In
addition, public participation and transparency mechanisms are also needed to improve
disclosure of relevant information.
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Business
Meeting
Etiquette
Business
meetings
in
Greece
Recognizing the proper etiquette that should be followed at business meetings in a foreign
country is essential. Is planning important? What values and habits should be considered?
How formal are meetings? The sections below examine the various issues of a business
meeting and cultural diversities in this area.
Importance
of
business
meetings
Greeks wish to be well informed about business meetings, so appointments are necessary and
must be arranged in advance. However, it’s possible that meetings can be arranged at short
notice, because Greeks are also known for their laidback attitude.
Punctuality is expected, but not critical as the Greek counterpart may also be late. It is
advisable to dress conservatively, preferably a suit with tie for men and a dress or skirt for
women.
In Greece, meetings are expected to have a set agenda that outlines most of the issues to be
discussed; however, the flexibility of the Greek attitude means that items that are not
specifically on the agenda can still be introduced for discussion during the meeting. Open
discussions and passionate debates are considered as both stimulating and essential for the
correct decisions to be taken. It is normal for many people to talk at once during meetings and
interruptions are frequent.
Informal meetings are also held frequently and these will not normally follow an agenda.
Traditional office working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. As first meetings usually
tend to be formal, you should be prepared for a strict routine of introductions, handshakes and
an exchange of business cards.
Business
meeting
planning
Appointments and all information about meetings must be confirmed in writing by fax or
email. An agenda is rarely sent out in advance. Avoid setting up an appointment during the
month of August, as many businesses will be closed for the summer holidays.
Negotiation
process
Greek business partners like to establish personal relationships before doing business. Greeks
need time to form an opinion and negotiations are usually conducted slowly, so you must be
patient. It is advisable to demonstrate your product or service and provide supporting
documentation. Greeks will test your knowledge and experience, so be prepared. Negotiations
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don’t start during the first meeting, since the first meeting is mostly for introductions. The
most senior person will tend to dominate the discussion and the negotiation process. It is
important to know the hierarchy of the company and who the decision maker is.
Meeting
protocol
When meeting, Greeks usually smile and shake hands while maintaining eye contact. On
entering the meeting room, you can greet your partners in Greek ‘kaliméra’ for good morning
or ‘kalispéra’ meaning good evening. When leaving, you should say goodbye to each person,
individually.
How
to
run
a
business
meeting
You should arrive punctually to a business meeting, but expect to wait for your Greek
counterpart. The host should introduce you to the other participants at the meeting. Business
meetings will usually start with general conversation. You should introduce the company you
represent with a brief but complete presentation. Also, meetings may often run over their
allotted time, so it is important to allow plenty of additional time between appointments.
Follow
up
letter
after
meeting
with
a
client
Negotiations and discussions can continue after the meeting, before reaching a deal or
establish a partnership.
It’s important to maintain personal contacts and exchange information about the negotiation
or the project periodically. If the negotiation is finished and a deal is reached, you may need
to prepare a written contract, which will be strictly followed and respected by your Greek
counterpart.
Business
meals
Eating out is a good opportunity to develop trust and get to know your business counterparts.
Business meals should be used mainly to cement personal ties. In Greece it is usual to discuss
business over a meal in a restaurant; however, since business dinners are social occasions, let
your host decide whether or not business will be discussed.
Business meals can provide a unique opportunity for the partners to spend some time together
and at the same time discuss about business, in an agreeable environment.
Prior to the meeting, it is common for the Greek counterpart to offer coffee, either in the
office or at a local coffee shop. You should not refuse your host’s hospitality, as this would be
considered impolite. A business meeting may be followed by a lunch or a dinner in a
restaurant. You should ask your counterpart to suggest what dish to taste.
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It is common to start lunch by ordering small plates of appetizers (mezedes) with sauces with
yoghurt and garlic (tzatziki), with fish eggs (taramosalada) or vine leaves rolls (dolmadàkia).
Famous dishes are: Greek mixed salads (salàtes) like horiatikì with Feta cheese, olives,
vegetables and tomatoes; and Moussakà, stewed meat with potatoes and aubergines. Desserts
are plentiful with specialities like Baklavà, layers of filo pastry with honey and walnuts. You
will probably be offered something to drink: ouzo is an anise liqueur which is traditionally
served as an aperitif and meals are always accompanied by Retsina or other Greek wines.
Lunch often starts at 2pm and dinner from 8pm onwards, with meals lasting two or three
hours.
Business
meeting
tips
The following are some useful tips to remember when travelling to or working in Greece:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Greeks like asking personal questions because they want to get to know you before
doing business.
Set appointments with the right people. Make sure it’s the person who makes
decisions.
Meetings are not as structured as in other cultures and agendas will be used only for
more formal meetings.
Several people may speak at once during meetings; this is considered normal
behaviour as it indicates that the discussion is interesting.
Punctuality is not as strict as in some other countries, so people may arrive late for
meetings.
Appearance is important and smart clothes should be worn.
Although English is widely spoken, you cannot assume that everything you say will be
understood, so ask if an interpreter will be needed.
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Internship
and
placement
Work
experience
The following placement options are available in Greece.
•
•
•
Erasmus student placements are part of the Erasmus programme and are found through
Universities’ careers offices or international relations departments.
Internship placements in various industries. The host organisations for student placements
may be enterprises, research centres, training centres as well as other organisations.
IASTE or within the framework of Marie Curie – for Master’s or PhD students working
within a specific research field
The characteristics of the individual placements are:
•
•
The home HEI must give full recognition for the period spent abroad
The student must be provided with a Training Agreement, endorsed by the home HEI and
the host organisation; this should explain the programme of the placement period.
The period of the placement must be mentioned on the placement contract, which must be
endorsed by the home HEI, the sending consortium (if applicable), the host organisation and
the beneficiary.
Summer Placements can be found through University Career Offices. They are responsible
for promoting the Programme of Summer Placements both among employers and students.
The implementation period is June to August with a minimum and maximum duration of 4 to
10 weeks.
Student placements are an opportunity to gain first-hand work experience in a Greek
organization, during your semester program.
Internship
and
placement
advice
There are many practical issues that must be looked into before deciding on a work
placement. All arrangements must be made with the training organization, home and host
University. It is advisable to plan ahead of time since Greece is a rather bureaucratic country
and you may need more time than usual for paperwork to be completed.
Student mobility grants for placements are offered as part of the Erasmus programme and
enable students at higher education institutions to spend a placement of between 3 to 12
months in an enterprise or organisation in another participating country. These grants are
given to students through their home University and their University Erasmus coordinator
should take care of all the practicalities.
Social
security
and
European
Health
insurance
card
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Public health facilities in Greece are limited in some areas, especially on the islands and
remote areas. For this reason, public authorities are going to invest in building new medical
facilities with high tech equipment.
EU students should have the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has
replaced the E111 and covers basic medical care whilst visiting European member states. It is
advisable to take out private medical insurance to cover any unexpected healthcare needs that
are not covered by the EHIC, while you are in Greece.
Safety
Greece is a safe and friendly destination. However, it is always advisable for students
studying or working to be cautious when in crowded places, since pickpocketing and
incidents of petty theft are common. It is recommended to leave any valuables in safe custody
at your hotel or apartment.
•
•
•
•
The European emergency telephone number is 112.
Police number: 100
Ambulance: 166
The electricity voltage in the country is 220 V; 50 Hz.
Do
I
need
a
visa?
EU nationals do not need a visa to visit Greece, only a valid passport or identification card
(issued by the home country).
According to the Greek Immigration Law, all non-European Union students should acquire a
student visa, which is valid for 3 months. If their stay exceeds this period, they have to apply
for student residence permit.
Students who are accepted for a semester or a full degree program at a university in Greece
can apply for a visa to study.
Internship
and
placement
salary
Student placements and internships are usually not paid, but this depends on the industry.
There are training jobs available in the hotel and restaurant industry with a relatively good
salary and conditions.
Internship
and
placement
accommodation
Accommodation may be offered by some institutions but, due to the limited number of places
available in Student Hostels, it is very difficult to find a place. Rooms and apartments for rent
are available in private buildings throughout Athens and Thessaloniki, with the average cost
of renting a one-room apartment being approximately €300 per month.
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Students searching for accommodation can visit numerous websites that advertise student
housing and shared accommodation. It is also a good idea to ask the University’s Erasmus
office for any information, before trying to search on your own. Also, word of mouth is
sometimes the best means of finding appropriate housing and if you know someone who lives
in Greece, you should consult this person.
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Cost
of
Living
The cost of living in Greece is average compared to other countries. For Greek residents,
living costs are considerably higher as salaries have dropped and unemployment levels risen
since the economic crisis.
Nevertheless, there is a variety of accommodation available to suit all budgets. An average
international student in Greece will spend about €500 to €800 per month on accommodation,
food, clothing, entertainment, transportation, and telephone, depending on where they live and
their lifestyle.
Money
and
banking
The official currency of Greece is the Euro. Everyday payments are settled in cash, using
electronic debit cards and credit cards. Most stores accept credit and/or debit cards. However,
in small neighbourhood stores, only cash is accepted.
Greece has plenty of local and foreign banks to choose from. As a placement student in
Greece, you may need to open a local bank account. This requires a tax number, a valid
passport and may require a residency permit, depending on the branch and employee you are
dealing with.
Banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2.30pm and on Friday from 8am to
2pm.
Travelling
costs
The travel costs to and from Greece are usually paid by the student.
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Work-­‐life
Balance
In today’s demanding economy, it is a huge challenge for workers, especially working
couples, to find a balance between work and life. According to OECD findings, Greek people
have one of the highest work rates among the OECD countries with individuals working
2,109 hours a year, which is much higher than the OECD average of 1,749 hours. The Regus
Survey (2010-2012) on Work-Life Balance shows that, in “comparison with 2010, Greek
workers’ life has significantly deteriorated. 74% of the employees are forced to work more
hours than in 2010, while workers living in other countries work on average 59% more than
the previous year due to the crisis”. It appears that the unemployment and economic
instability has affected negatively the psychology of Greeks, and their personal lives. Greek
people have to try really hard to reconcile work with their personal life; therefore, facing
problems with their personal and work-life balance.
According to the European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO), Greece, Portugal,
Spain and Ireland are countries that lack flexibility regarding working time for parents
employed full time. This is more evident in Greece, since most women have responsibility for
taking care of their house and family along with their work. Women in Greece feel that they
don’t have enough time for hobbies and interests.
National
holidays
Greece celebrates both national and traditional holidays:
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1st January – New Year’s Day
6th January – Epiphany
Kathara Deytera – First day of Lent, moveable depending on when Orthodox
Easter is celebrated
25th March – Annunciation and Independence Day, the anniversary of the
declaration of
the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, in 1821.
Good Friday – moveable depending on when Orthodox Easter is celebrated.
Easter – moveable
Easter Monday – moveable depending when Easter is celebrated.
May 1st – Labour day
15th August – Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
28th October – OCHI day, celebration of the Greek refusal to the Italian
ultimatum of
1940.
25th December – Christmas
26th December – day after Christmas
There are some holidays that are celebrated only by Schools and Universities:
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30th January – Commemoration of the patron saints of education.
17th November – Anniversary of the 1973 students’ protests against the junta of the
colonels (1967–1974).
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Many municipalities have a Saint which they celebrate on a specific day with a holiday for the
city when all schools, offices, banks, and stores are closed.
For Example: 26th October – St. Demetrius Day is celebrated in the city of Thessaloniki.
Working
hours
The length of a typical working week in Greece is 8 hours a day, 5 days a week starting at
between 8am and 9am. Greeks do spent more time working as, according to Eurostat,
employees in Greece work on average 42 hours per week compared to a European average of
40.3 hours per week.
Part-time work is increasing, due to the current economic situation in Greece and increasing
numbers of companies are reducing working hours for their employees.
Banks are open from Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2.30pm and on Friday from 8am to
2pm. Shops open from 9am and close between 2.30pm to 3pm on Monday through Saturday;
they also open in the evenings from 5pm to 9pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Recently, a law has been passed to allow shops to also open on Sundays, but only shops in
tourist areas have begun to take advantage of this legislation.
Large department stores and the shops in Malls have much longer opening hours, 10am to
9pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
Health
insurance
Reform in Greece’s healthcare system has been a major priority for the government. Although
it is not considered satisfactory by the Greek people, the World Health Organization ranks
Greece as having one of the best health care systems in the world. The Greek healthcare cost
is the lowest among the EU countries, while the government’s GDP allocation on health is
also low. The system is both publically and privately funded, comprised of the National
Health System (EOPPY-IKA) and various other social insurance funds.
Public hospitals tend to cluster in big cities and they are limited to certain areas. These are
probably some of the reasons why Greeks have the perception that they have a low quality
healthcare provision, despite the fact that hospitals in the metropolitan areas are of excellent
standards. Greeks have access to medical care by paying a monthly insurance contribution,
which is mandatory.
If your stay in Greece is for a temporary stay or short term visit, access to the healthcare
system will be covered through the European Health Insurance Card and/or private medical
insurance that you will have taken out. However, for longer stays and living in Greece, you
may need to apply for an E106 or E121 in your home country.
If you travel to Greece it is recommended you should have full travel insurance or private
health coverage, especially if you intend to stay any length of time.
If you are working in Greece and pay regular contributions to social security, you will be
entitled to full or subsidised healthcare benefits. In this case, private health insurance may
cover the portion of the bill that is not covered by the government.
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Social
Media
Guide
Currently, there are about 4 million Facebook users in Greece, with a penetration of about
36% of the population. As far as the use of social media in business is concerned, a recent
survey found that 90% of workers admit to using social media (Nikolaou, 2010).
Facebook and LinkedIn are the most widely used social media amongst workers with a
penetration of 90% and 63%, respectively. LinkedIn is the most popular social media
platform for professional use with 79% penetration in companies’ staff and it also appears to
be the most preferable site for job seeking. Google+ and YouTube are also popular social
media networks, according to the Passport to Trade online survey conducted in 2012.
Interestingly, 16% of workers include a personal blog in their social media usage. Social
media is mainly used for personal purposes such as communicating with friends rather than
for business purposes. Social media usage for marketing and customer service purposes is still
very limited. Among younger business professionals and businesses whose customer base is
young people (cafes, restaurants, clubs, etc.), social media usage is more frequent.
As far as the do’s and don’ts in social media are concerned, most Greeks prefer to use their
real name and believe that speaking to people you do not know in real life is not acceptable.
The majority also thinks that it is inappropriate to criticize others in abusive terms, to swear
and use foul language and to post pictures of people without permission.
As far as the SMEs are concerned, 30% use social media for business purposes, which can be
considered a relatively high ratio, and. LinkedIn, Google+ and Facebook are the preferred
networks. Most companies use social media in order to generate consumer interest and to
develop business partnerships.
Search
and
Social
Media
Marketing
for
International
Business
Learn how to use social media for business from one of Salford Business School’s latest
business management courses. The course was jointly researched by the Passport to Trade 2.0
project team and prepared in collaboration with some of the leading digital marketing
agencies in the UK.
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) can help businesses and individuals to make the
best use of search and social media platforms. The course is called Search and Social Media
Marketing for International Business and is applicable to students looking for placements
abroad as well as businesses thinking about new trade links; it comprises the following
twelve topics:
How to develop a personal brand online (1/12)
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Whether you are a student beginning a job search
or a business person planning a new business
venture, personal branding can make a difference.
Learn about personal branding and why it is
important for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=l9LYw0mgtn4&feature=player
_embedded
How to use Twitter (2/12)
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Learn the basics of using Twitter to develop an
individual or business profile.
Remember to use hash tag #SSMMUoS to share
your learning journey on this course so far!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9CVY3pp91Dc&feature=playe
r_embedded
How to use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) (3/12)
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Learn the principles of SEO to ensure that your
website and any social media profiles are found by
individuals searching for your name, products and
services.
These basic principles of SEO include keyword
research, on-page optimisation and off-page
optimisation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zw27cRcwtM0&feature=player
_embedded
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How to use social media for international business development (4/12)
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Social media networks break down the traditional
country barriers, but do you know which networks
are relevant for the country you are interested in
trading with?
Find out in this video how to identify the relevant
networks and what social media strategies you might
be able to use on these networks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Bx-B56AHS4c&feature=
player_embedded
How to use Facebook (5/12)
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Facebook is currently the largest social media
network in the world and it can benefit you as a
business as well as an individual.
Learn how to develop a Facebook business page and
see how other businesses use it and what strategies
work for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=UmRGn-vdcO8&feature=
player_embedded
How to use YouTube (6/12)
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YouTube was identified as the second largest
social network amongst younger internet users as
part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project.
Learn how to optimise your video content in order
to reach wider audiences for your profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=G2
0OVpmTBss
How to use LinkedIn (7/12)
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LinkedIn is one of the three main professional
social networks – the others being Xing and
Viadeo which are also popular in several
European countries.
Learn how to make the most of LinkedIn for your
profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=N6e_EAUQqic&feature=playe
r_embedded
How to use Google+ (8/12)
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Google+ is the second largest social network as of
January 2013.
It is one of the fastest growing social networks and
one that has the biggest impact when it comes to
search engine results integration for anyone who
uses Google as their main search engine.
Learn how to make the most of Google+ for you
and your digital profiles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=8ti
3SPHkEWw
How to use copywriting online (9/12)
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Copywriting is a process of translating technical
specifications and product descriptions into
engaging and understandable customer focused
text.
Learn about the basic techniques in structuring
your online content here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5f1hx_f2ONI&feature=player_
embedded
How to stay legal on social media (10/12)
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Everything and anything you do and say online
can be potentially viewed by anyone who has
internet access.
Always respect the law and familiarise yourself
with new options offered to you through a creative
commons licence which is popular online.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eQxDpiHsdk&feature=player_embedde
d
How to use monitoring and reporting (11/12)
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Whether you are an individual or a business
spending time on social media – there has to be a
return on your engagement online.
How do you justify your engagement on social
media to your boss? Listen to the industry experts
in this area and see what you might be able to
measure in respect of your on-line engagements.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LbEq7jsG0jg&feature=player_
embedded
How to blog (12/12)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=OqVjR7oI8Rs&feature=player
_embedded
businessculture.org
•
Blogging is a process of writing text and sharing
content with others. It can help your customers or
friends to keep in-touch regardless of social media
platforms.
Think about the voice you might want to adopt
and who your audience might be. Share your
thoughts with us by writing a blog post about this
MOOC.
Tweet us the link to your post on the
#SSMMUoS Twitter hash tag.
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Passport
to
Trade
2.0
Project
Partnership
Five Universities:
Lead partner: Salford Business School,
University of Salford, United Kingdom
Elena Vasilieva
Aleksej Heinze
Alex Fenton
URENIO research unit at Aristotle University
of Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Kakderi
Nitsa Papadopoulou
TSE Entre Research Centre
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
Satu Aaltonen
Elisa Akola
Institute for Information System Research
University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
Verena Hausmann
Susan P. Williams
Petra Schubert
Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania
Adriana Grigorescu
Leonardo Badea
Three Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Spin, Italy
Carmine Antonio Donato
Dorella De Tommaso
Technology Development & Innovation – TDI LTD
Bulgaria
Milanka Slavova
Ivan Stoychev
TIS Praha, Czech Republic
Anna Klosova
Richard Adekeye
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