Module 1 : Understanding cultural differences

1. Intercultural awareness, the key to success in international business

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• The basics of effective intercultural management
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Slovak culture

• An outstanding natural and cultural heritage
• A tradition of Catholicism
• From Czechoslovakia to the Slovak Republic
• A uniform society with distinctive minorities
• The challenges of European integration

3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships

• The Slavic tradition
• Courtesy and a respect for age
• The cult of friendship
• A well-entrenched rural and communal tradition
• Prudence and self-control
• A rigid view of time

4. The Slovak corporate world

• The continuing impact of the Soviet system
• Punctuality, hierarchy and formality
• Concerted decision-making
• Working methods and the notion of quality
• Professional relationships

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Slovaks

1. Effective communication with the Slovaks

• Avoid talking needlessly
• The importance of eye contact
• The role of non-verbal communication
• Russian or Slovak?: Some pitfalls to be avoided

2. Adapting your working methods

• Moderation, a spirit of initiative and professionalism
• Managing and leading
• Actively encouraging feedback
• Encouraging joint decision-making
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Slovaks

• The importance of out of work activities in the business world
• Reliability and coherence
• Demonstrating your professionalism
• Time, priority and deadline management
• Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications
• Organising the post-negotiation phase

4. Final handy tips

• Caution, patience and humility
• Protocol and etiquette
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
• Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
• Humour: a double-edged sword