Build your wealth in Ukraine

Effective communication is a key factor to your business success in Ukraine. Knowledge of basics of Ukrainian culture will let you feel confident, look intelligent and be persuasive with locals. Once you set correct Ukraine-related expectations, nothing will become disappointing or irritating.

Although Ukraine is a part of Europe geographically and historically, we are not classical “Europeans”. In our emotionality we are more similar to Southern Europe. The cartoon below, although devoted to Italy, will help you to understand Ukraine as well.

In general, Ukrainians lack discipline and responsibility, but they are very adaptable to different people and situations. Friendship goes before business in Ukraine. So be prepared to set personal relations with people you are going to work with.

Ukrainians are more emotional than analytical and more people-oriented than focused on results.

Ukrainians are not about planning, they love to be spontaneous in their private and business lives.

The nation is polychromic, which means that we do not control time well. This means frequent delays, rescheduling and cancellation of meetings.

Most of Ukrainians lack objectivity, their judgments are strong and 100% right.

You usually need to high your expectations with a grain of salt. Average Ukrainian tends to promise a lot, sometimes more than he/she can do.

Interestingly, Ukrainians usually start conversations with unimportant things. The most critical things go at the end, when the personal contact is established.

Aural agreements means much more than written. It is known, that Ukrainians never read just look through agreements they sign.

In their relations with foreigners Ukrainian people becomes especially courteous in case if they speak foreign language or have a translator. Only less than 10% of population – primarily the youth of Kyiv and other big cities – can communicate in English.

Generally people are very smart. 90% of Ukrainians have higher education. People over 35 (56% of population) received soviet education which was quite strong, although too theoretical. Serious reforms in education started just few years ago. Thus, Ukraine has ample of technically advanced people with strong knowledge in math, physics, chemistry, and engineering, but lacks professionals in the field of business administration, finance, human resources, international trade.

And, of course, we are the best nation in the World!

I have collected short list of memorable and proven advices which may help you in your day-to-day communication with Ukrainians:

Overall

Greeting

Business Meeting

Restaurant