+ Italians have a much greater loyalty to their city than to their state or their country. This bond to one’s hometown is indicative of the value Italian’s place on relationships.

+ Friendships in Italy are never taken lightly. They require total support, acceptance and availability. To be a friend is to be ready and willing to offer support or aid, no matter what you are doing.

+ The important Italian concept of bella figura, literally a “beautiful figure,” is otherwise interpreted in English as projecting a good, impressionable image to others. Italians unconsciously assess another person’s age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting, often before any words are exchanged.

+ Clothes are also seen as an indicator of social standing and success, which is incorporated in the bella figura concept. Italians take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the highest standard they can afford. Expect to be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.

+ Italians deeply revere and respect mothers and motherhood. Women are the backbone of the family and oftentimes they are in charge of finances.

+ Italians are impressed by international experience. It is a good idea for any businessperson to show that he or she is at ease conducting business in a foreign country and understands cultural nuances.

+ Italian communication is eloquent, wordy and can easily become emotional. Italians often discuss subjects in a roundabout fashion, so be conscious of indirect and non-verbal modes of communication.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles

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