Business in Ireland
Sidney Steinsberger & Kennedy O'Leary
Business Communications
The Irish enjoy telling stories and value people who have a flair for amusing conversations. They are very warm and enjoy making jokes during the conversations.
Religions and Ethnic Groups
The religion of Ireland is mainly Christianity and the ethnicity is mostly Caucasian Irish people.
Greetings and Language
The most common greeting in Ireland is saying "good morning" to everyone in the room, accompanied by a warm handshake while maintaining eye contact. "How are you" is also casual. The Irish usually avoid physical contact, other than a handshake and slap on the back for a job well done. Patting, hugging, or touching is not socially appropriate. The most common language in Ireland is English and Irish.
Dinner Etiquette, Business Negotiations, and Dress
- For dinner, the knife remains in the right hand while the fork is in the left. When the meal is over, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate. When not eating, hands remain in your lap.
- Business meetings begin with a period of small talk to build rapport before proceeding with the agenda. They are usually set in semi social settings such as pubs or restaurants to keep the mood loose and relaxed.
- Appropriate dress attire consists of smart and conservative with formal suits mostly in tweeds, wools, and subdued colors. Raincoats are a must. Jewelry is generally understated as it can be seen as statement of status and wealth.
Pub or Social Setting
Example of an Irish Lad
Hands are placed in lap
Assessment Questions
1. 727 million people are in Europe
2. Europe and the US account for 40% of the global economy
3. $1.5 trillion is traded and invested per year in the US and Europe
4. Europe consists of 4 sub-regions
5. Europe is the world's third smallest continent