When it comes to turning up for a meeting, Hungarians are very punctual. They will normally start a meeting with a deep conversation and might not follow the pre-agreed agenda. Hungarians usually have great ideas, but these are hardly implemented according to the schedule. Hungarians prefer to do something well done, rather than doing in a fast, rushed fashion.
Furthermore, Hungarians like being treated as individuals, and not like a group. They will be very productive if you treat them accordingly. Hungarians will also try hard and put an additional effort to implement the projects on time. If you wish to check the progress of the work done, it is better to do it face-to-face, or at least to keep in touch via telephone.
Planning a business meeting:
- Propose alternative dates, in order to accommodate and respect the schedule of your partner(s)
- Confirm what is the topic of the meeting, why do you need it and who you would like to see
- Get a written confirmation of the place and time of the meeting
- Schedule the meeting between 9am -1pm, or after lunch.
- Agree with your partner, what language will be used during the meeting
- If needed try to get an interpreter
Negotiation process:
- The meeting will begin with a lot of networking
- Coffee, tea or some drinks will be offered
- Little attention will be paid to the meeting agenda
- Hungarians are more direct than polite
- There will be exchange of ideas
- Be ready to answer many questions
- Negotiations within the public sector will take longer than the ones taking place in private one
- Don’t rely on a verbal agreement, as the agreement will only come into force when it is a written contract
After the meeting:
- Only when the final decision is made, actions can be taken
- A contract is valid only when it is signed and partners shake hands
- A copy of the contract should be also written in the Hungarian language
- Make sure you include the deadlines, actions, milestones and responsibilities in the written document
Overall, if not face-to-face try to keep in touch with your Hungarian counterparts via telephone, because it is very important for them to be treated as an individual and in a customized fashion.
After you meet your partner and discuss all the details of the deal, they will be more confident and the contract(s) will be signed faster.
Do you want to know how to run meetings and projects in North American and European cultures, Latin and Arab cultures and Asian cultures?
Click on the link below in order to learn about time perception:
3 Perceptions of Time That Can Make or Break Your Project
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