Business
Business Etiquette
It is customary for business visitors to address new acquaintances by their first names followed by ‘Bey’ (sir) or ‘Hanim’ (lady). Ottoman society was extremely hierarchical and this system still remains entrenched in Turkish business practice, however, hosts (many of them women) may appear modern. The boss will often have a vast, luxurious office in which to entertain, while employees just outside the door are squashed into cramped spaces and have little authority delegated to them. Secretaries are rarely empowered to take important messages or even know the boss’s schedule, so when telephoning, it is usual for callers to be told to ring back ‘one hour later’ or fax your queries. Once the appropriate contacts have been made, however, business visitors are usually treated with personal warmth and courtesy.
Business meetings could be formal or take place over dinner, and punctuality is always expected. Relations between business equals can be lavishly generous and although one is expected to make at least a gesture of resisting, the boss will almost always insist on taking visitors to the most expensive places in town and footing the entire bill. Turkish people do, however, adore having their photos taken with visiting dignitaries, even more so if it appears in print somewhere, so visitors should bring a camera. When visiting people’s homes, flowers or sweets are more appropriate than alcohol, as the host might not drink. If they do drink, however, good whisky is a sure-fire hit.
Business dress is the same as in Europe or North America, although women are advised to wear business suits with skirts below the knee. Visiting businesswomen will usually be treated with the same respect as male colleagues. However, women should be aware that after-dinner invitations to accompany the men to a revue bar or belly-dancing club in fact means going to an upmarket brothels, and a woman’s company will be resented. Women are advised to clarify the nature of the establishment before going.
Business hours are technically 0900-1700, Monday to Friday, although many employees are still expected to put in a ten-hour working day.
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Business