Croatia

Croatia is perceived by most Europeans as a well-known holiday destination. Croatia has one of the most indented coasts in the world. It owns 1,246 islands, islets and reefs, of which only 48 are inhabited. The Dalmatians, white dogs with black spots, were named after Dalmatia. However, the Croats are also rightfully proud of many of their inventions. They contributed to the development of civilization with the invention of dactyloscopy (Ivan Vučetić) and with the word “psychology”, which was first used by Marko Marulić. Only few people know that the tie was originally worn as a fashion accessory by Croatian soldiers in France in the 17th century during the visit of King Louis XIII of France, who later also began to wear it.

Croatian people are among the nations that are warm-hearted, hospitable and interested in the people around them. This may seem to more individualistic cultures like a burden and an intrusion into the personal life. In certain areas, communication is more emotional and louder, which may seem like an argument on the outside.

Building relationships is just as important in the business environment as in other Balkan cultures, and co-workers invest time to get to know each other. The foreigners who work with the Croats state the following cultural values: family, respect, avoiding conflict, focusing on tasks, self-confidence. Taking into account its history, the Croatian business culture also belongs to the so-called hierarchy cultures. In practice this means that the team leader is a leader, whose task is to provide clearly defined instructions and recommendations. That is why they have become team leaders and, professionally, they should be at a higher level than the other team members. It goes without saying that everyone is expected to respect the given powers and work hierarchy. The Croatians are not reluctant to present their social status at work and in private life. They care about their appearance and the quality of business clothes is important to them. The Croats do not belong to the cultures that make hasty decisions.