Culture and Heritage

Meetings and Greetings

When you meet a person for the first time, shake hands with him while saying “Gamarjoba” which means “Hello”.
When talking to close friends or family only first name is used.
It is common to address people with the words “Batono” (which means “Sir”) and “Kalbatono” (which means “Madame”) followed by the first name of the person. This gives an official and respectful tone to the conversation.
Most of the people expect to be addressed with appropriate title followed by the last name

Etiquette of Giving Presents

As in most of the European countries and Northern America, usually people give presents to each other on Christmas and birthdays in Georgia as well.
In Georgia people also give presents on Saints days to those who are named after the saint whose days is celebrated. For example, on Saint George day gifts are presented to those who are called George / Giorgi and on the day of Saint Nino women named Nino receive presents.
In Georgia people also give presents on Saints days to those who are named after the saint whose days is celebrated. For example, on Saint George day gifts are presented to those who are called George / Giorgi and on the day of Saint Nino women named Nino receive presents.
It is not necessary to give expensive presents. More attention is paid to the aim and the idea behind the gift.
If you are invited to a Georgian house, take with you some flowers, sweets or chocolate for the hosts.
Gifts do not need to be wrapped elaborately.
Small gifts for kids are always appreciated.
It is not necessary to open presents immediately.

Dining Etiquette

Table manners are generally simple and not complicated.
At first, meals are served to be shared and enjoyed together.
Your Georgian host will makes sure that you feel comfortable and that you are well-fed and happy.
If you are uncertain about some behaviors either watch what others do or you simply ask.
Dining etiquette is international, where the fork is used with the left hand the knife with the right hand.
Make sure not to rest your elbows on the table.
Usually the oldest guest (and most honorable) gets served first.
If able, taste all the varieties of food.
Second and third dishes will also be served, and your consent to try it will delight the host, so first try to take small portions.
Try to finish all the dishes on your plate.
Anticipate to have live conversation during the meal.

Greeting

The culture of the business community in Georgia is significantly less formal than in the other countries.
Shake hands with everyone when arriving and leaving work.
Keep eye contact while greeting people.
It’s better to start shaking hands with those in higher status.
Out of politeness better wait the lady to reach out her hand.
Usually academic and professional titles are used with family names.
Do not call people with only the first name, unless you are invited to do so.

Business Card Etiquette

Business cards are exchanged without any formal ritual.
It would be a nice gesture if you have made one side of your business card in Georgian.

Communication Style

General Georgians are friendly in their character.
This means that feelings take precedence over the facts; it is important to appreciate that you may not get the whole truth if they carry the bad news, and note to consider and be sensitive towards the feelings of others when it comes to bad news.
The same thing happens in establishing a business relationship, Georgians usually give you positive responses, even if they know they are far from the truth.
You will also find the cultural influence when you ask a question in a negative way, you will see the Georgian gives a positive response to it.
Georgians are not afraid to express their feelings, no matter if the feelings are bad. Do not be surprised if people express their anger or extreme frustration at work.
When discussing a topic, you will find Georgians talking passionate, raising their voices and increasing the movement of their hands.
Direct eye contact is a matter of trust, when you take your eyes away, it might be interpreted as a sign of not telling the truth.
Although Georgians friendly in general, they might also be sharp.

Job Interviews

Usually any job interview starts with an introduction, and it will follow the order of seniority. Be prepared to give an overview about you and your experience together with the purpose of your visit.
Send your full CV in advance to all attendees of the meeting. It may be fruitful in saving time and giving a comprehensive introduction about you.
Usually the first business meeting will not determine whether you can work together. So do not expect to make any contracts in the first meeting, there is a need for more time and patience.
Interviews could take place during the lunch or dinner, during which you will discuss topics not connected to work, so the advantage of this opportunity to inform your Georgian host about your personal level.
In most cases the decision is made by the company’s top officials; and unless you have a meeting with the head of the company or its owner, keep in mind, that all the outcomes of your interview is passed to the decision maker.
Interview can be interrupted several times, but do not interpret this as a lack of interest, Georgians do not see any problem in doing more than one task at the same time.

Tbilisi - Georgia