Croat culture,customs,communication,interaction(handbook for foreigners)

**Rastko** · 04-24-2013, 10:17 AM

Culture

Religion

Roman Catholic (95%), Orthodox.

Cultural classification

Multi-active, dialogue-oriented

Languages

Croatian,English, German is also widely spoken

Values and core beliefs

In the northern part of Croatia, including the capital, Zagreb, people tend to be less entrepreneurial and more civil servant types. They are more subdued than the Mediterraneans, and boasting is considered bad form. Along the coast, life is louder, people are more temperamental, more entrepreneurial, more charismatic, and enjoy blowing their horn. They have a lot of vitality and are more adventurous. The two have in common their official Croatian language (keeping their dialects for home use), a fierce love of their country and a great pride in its beauty, and their religion, which is Catholic. In the cities people tend to be more secular, in the country more religious as is the case everywhere, but whether they are religious or not has nothing to do with the fact that they are emphatically Catholic, because it is part of their national identity. If you are not sure whether a person’s family name is Croatian or Serbian, ask them whether they are Catholic or Eastern Orthodox – that clinches it. Nevertheless, none of the fighting between the former Yugoslavs was ever really about religion.

Cultural black holes

The Croatian cultural black hole is their lasting hatred of the Serbs. It is an animosity that dates back to the tribal period. Centuries of subjugation politically emasculated the Croats’ elite, who offered intellectual opposition as opposed to fighting for power. They fear and despise the more numerous Serbs, whom they regard as Oriental barbarians.

Concept of space

Croatians are tactile and demonstrative. The comfortable conversation distance is much shorter than in northern Europe. Like Hungarians, they are used to being crammed together in small spaces, and they are mostly very close to their families, in the literal as well as every other sense – for better or worse. Occasionally one still encounters the Austro-Hungarian hand-kissing behaviour, but this has largely been superseded by post-communist surliness.

Concept of time

Croatians are not particularly punctual, but they will make a special effort if they consider a meeting very important. Senior people make younger ones wait longer.

This diagram shows multi-active and reactive concepts of the use of time, which are largely similar. Instead of getting down to immediate action, cultures such as the Japanese or Hispanic prefer to “pool” tasks and issues and “walk around the pool” for some time to contemplate a course of action which will take into account the inter-relating factors between the different elements. Nothing should be decided or determined piecemeal; action should only begin when an all-embracing solution has been constructed. Such an attitude to time leads (in the eyes of linear-actives) to annoying delays, procrastination and mañana behaviour. Linear-active cultures are interested in speed. Multi-active cultures and reactive cultures give priority to getting it right.

Self image

Like the Slovenes, Croatians want to be seen as West Europeans, not Central European(I would say Balkan) or, worse, East European. They claim that Serbian propaganda about Croatian atrocities against Serbs and Jews during World War II has given them a bad name.

**Rastko** · 04-24-2013, 10:18 AM

Culture: communication

Communication patterns

Croats possess strong opinions especially in the political sphere, but also concerning social and business matters. They are somewhat restrained in expressing them, however, and are less open than the Serbs, who often demonstrate their views forcibly or even in a fiery manner. A high level of education often enables Croats to pursue their argument in a sophisticated manner. Their linguistic skills are considerable. They shun rhetoric, choosing their words carefully for best effect.

In the diagrams depicting communication patterns, the depth of the initial segment generally gives some indication of the relative verbosity of the speaker.

Barriers to the speech flow or progress of the meeting are shown by orange shaded divisions.

At the end (on the right) there is usually a comment on what the outcome was (e.g. clarity, inconclusive, etc).

Body language and non-verbal communication

Dalmatian Croats are more demonstrable in their body language than those north of the Dinaric Alps. Dalmatian gestures are similar to those of northern Italians. Physical closeness and good eye contact are acceptable – less so in northern districts and in Zagreb. In all areas it is frequent to use body language (facial or with shoulders) to express cynicism.

Listening habits

They are not the world’s best listeners, inasmuch as they are suspicious of any arguments coming from an eastern direction and lapse into cynicism easily. They are, however, swayed by sophisticated and rational discourse, especially from a Western source. They may interrupt interlocutors, but generally do so in a courteous manner. Their quick minds cause them to evaluate speakers and formulate their reply while listening. Dalmatian Croats have a similar listening pattern to that of Italians. Further north they are influenced more by cold facts.

In the diagrams depicting listening habits, the orange zones indicates the areas of receptive, uncomplicated listening.

The yellow zones indicate the areas of complication or conlflict.

Audience expectations at presentations

• They want logical arguments spiced with a little verve
• They are suspicious of rhetoric or too much charisma
• They “lean West”
• Speakers should be well-dressed
• They like reference to “new Croatia”
• They appreciate humour
• No confusing them with Serbs
• They expect sophistication
• They are fairly international
• They warm to a speaker slowly (not before trust has been established)

**Rastko** · 04-24-2013, 10:23 AM

Culture: interaction

Concept of status

Perception of status is important to Croatians. They appreciate a high level of education and sophistication. They also respect money, power and influence. They strive to get qualified first, then use their education to achieve material ends. Trappings of status such as fine clothes, homes and cars are eagerly sought. Once money is available there is a tendency towards consumption.

Gender issues

Women are generally well-educated and find influential positions in business and politics. They are conscious of their reputation for physical attractiveness (as are female Serbs). Many of them excel in music and the arts. They are often gifted linguistically.

Leadership style

Croatia was used by the Habsburgs as a defensive outpost against the Ottoman Empire. Croatian loyalty was to the Habsburg Emperor and to the Catholic Church. Leadership until independence emanated chiefly from Imperial or Church officials. During 45 years of Communism, leadership was invested in Communist party officials, often Serbian. Tito, however, was a Croat. In present-day Croatia some former Communist luminaries (now converted to a market economy) still linger in the halls of power. The many opportunities offered by tourism, however, are leading to the creation of an entrepreneurial class of managers who embrace Western principles. Meritocracy is on the rise, though respect for status and hierarchical rank remain.

Language of management

Croatians are proud of the richness of their Slavic tongue and wield it effectively to manage staff and followers. Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast have different dialects. Overall there is a general respect for linguistic fluency and correctness. This, combined with a high level of education, facilitates motivation through elegant discourse.

Motivation factors

Croats are proud of their country and expect recognition
They expect you to know something of their culture
They consider themselves cultured and expect you to match their level of sophistication
If you can gain their trust they will work well with you
Distinguish them clearly from Serbs and Slovenes
If you speak “Serbo-Croat”, make sure you use the Croat version
They like entrepreneurial ideas
Indicate you can be relaxed about certain laws and regulations
They sometimes lack self-confidence, so it is wise to encourage them
Socialise if they show they want to
Emphasise their “Westernness”

General behaviour at meetings

Croatia’s trading partners are mainly Italy, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Austria. Relations with neighbouring countries are partly very good (Hungary), periodically strained but not seriously so (Slovenia and Italy), and non-existent to reluctant (Yugoslavia). Bosnia is a special case, because it is not one country. Feelings towards foreigners are generally positive if they come from the West. If you are English or French, however, you will be met politely and be welcome to do business, but do not expect to be loved. Those two countries are perceived as being at the bottom of all the woes that have befallen Croatia in the past hundred years, and their continuing friendliness toward the Serbs does not help a bit. Still, if one can establish trust, this should not get in the way of business negotiations.

Croatians are very eager to join the rest of Europe, where they feel they belong. They learn foreign languages, they travel as much as they can, and many of them have spent some time abroad. Therefore quite a few of them know what business transactions should look like, given a chance. This is especially true of the coastal people, the Dalmatians, who have close ties with the United States,. Unfortunately very often those are not the people who are in charge. In short, there is a great variety of possibilities, so you will have to exercise your judgement about the kind of people you are talking to. It is best to find out about their background first, to see which culture they feel comfortable with.

Expect some delay in getting down to do business. There will be lots of refreshments and lots of digressions. It is best to prepare a strategy for keeping close to the agenda. Sub-discussions between those present may develop, and sometimes everybody will talk at the same time. Croatians are not the best listeners in the world. And they have the tendency to disagree with each other, which can slow down negotiations, unless the power structure in the group is such that everybody simply has to follow the leader.

They will probably not use humour during a business meeting, but they will everywhere else. Their sense of humour is of a cynical, disenchanted kind, which they have in common with all Eastern Europeans. That, along with a certain lack of confidence, visible or not, is the result of never having been able to do what they wanted, because there was always someone there to stop them, often in a life-threatening way. A lot of Croatians have become fatalistic and have given up trying. They should be encouraged in trying positive thinking, indispensable in business.

Meetings are usually held in a formal manner with use of titles. There is a general respect for hierarchy, as applied to seating arrangements and who takes the chair. No commitments are entered into early on. Trust must be established first. Croatians often say things that will please the other side. In general one takes statements with a pinch of salt. Deceit is not in fact intended, but Central Europeans tend to observe certain courtesies in communication.

Multi-active people are not happy with the bullet point approach, which they see as premature conclusions reached by their linear colleagues. They prefer to take points in random order (or in order of importance) and discuss them for hours before listing bullet points as conclusions. When they see them at the beginning they feel they have been manipulated.

Negotiating characteristics

A fair amount of small talk will precede definite proposals
Actual meetings are rarely arranged unless some form of socialising has taken place first
Agendas are followed in theory, but digression is common, especially with Dalmatians
People from Zagreb are somewhat more linear in their discourse
The style is generally sober with occasional flashes of sentiment
Humour is left outside most business meetings
In view of their previous oppression by others, Croats expect to be treated generously and think Western partners will offer concessions when their own resources are inadequate
Reluctance to accept responsibility is frequent (a carry-over from Communist times)
Normally only the chief negotiator takes decisions
Apart from those who have spent a few years in the US, Croats have little experience of Western business procedures and methods. They often appear naïve
Older men often use clichés from the communist time – old habits die hard
Bluffing is fairly frequent
Negotiations are tenacious enough, but rarely openly forceful. In the end they “get what they can”
Meetings occasionally end in ambiguity. It is advisable to ask for frankness when this happens

Contracts and commitments

Croats normally make efforts to keep commitments, though they sometimes fail to do so, through attempting to bite off more than they can chew. They expect Westerners to show a certain flexibility when they are in difficulties. As business, especially tourism, develops, there is an increased adherence to contracts. After the fractures they have suffered, Croats cannot afford to lose any business that comes their way.

Manners and taboos

There is nothing Slavic, Latin, Hungarian, Germanic or Middle Eastern that seems totally strange to Croats. Having been invaded and occupied many times, they have learned to eat many different foods and have a feel for all the diverse mentalities. As in other Central European countries, ladies enter a room first, but follow a man into a bar or restaurant. A handshake has to be firm. Eye contact is important and it is advisable to remove sunglasses while conversing with someone.

In Croatia, the visitor will be entertained pretty lavishly, and not get enough sleep. Their hospitality is sincere and generous. They will also be eager to show you as much of their beloved country as possible. Their national anthem is not of the rousing martial kind, but it is simply “Our Beautiful Homeland” which the song proceeds to describe. Informal parties usually end with everybody singing. Sometimes there is even nothing else going on. In Dalmatia especially, you can often see a group of people in a café just singing, harmonising beautifully, sounding perfectly professional. In those parts, anybody who cannot carry a tune considers himself seriously handicapped.

Do not ever call Croats Yugoslavs. Do not ever call their language Serbo-Croatian. Be equally careful not to refer to them as being part of the Balkans, geography notwithstanding. If you have to talk about world War II, you would do well to remember that while their Nazi puppet government did whatever the likes of them did in most occupied countries, it did not enjoy widespread support, and Croats made up the bulk of the fabled Yugoslav resistance, which was actually started by them. And if you talk about their recent war, never call it a civil war or a religious war, because it was neither, and Croats are very tired of hearing that it was. Croatians have a lot of old-fashioned customs which originated in their peasant past. Folklore and folk arts live on and festivals take place regularly. They are happy to share these events and parties with strangers. Often they take place in the country. As for eating and drinking, there is a lot of it. Alcohol is consumed sitting down with enough time allowed to do it properly. The Croats are more wine-oriented than the beer-loving Czechs and produce reasonable wines.

Soccer is the most popular sport, though skiing and hiking are common. Socialising with friends in wine cellars and taverns is a way of life. As for coffee, Croats prefer espresso or cappuccinos (Serbs drink Turkish coffee).

Music has long occupied an important and distinguished place in Croat life. A national musical tradition began to develop in the 19th century.

How to empathize with them

Do not talk down to them. In business and investment, make them understand that you are not trying to take over, as there is some fear in certain circles that foreign investors are trying to “buy up Croatia”. Express appreciation for their cultural and artistic patrimony, and the beauty of their country. Show them that you understand that they are truly European. Eat and drink with them as much as you can, which may not be as much as they do. Expect to be exposed to some soul-searching. Personal contact is important. If mutual trust is established, you may make some good friends, business is likely to benefit and you may be in for an enjoyable time. Croats appreciate visitors and partners who know who they are, especially their culture, arts and sports.

**~~Shkembe Chorba~~** · 04-28-2013, 03:03 PM

Is it true that Croats wants to be viewed as Western Europeans, and not being called Balkan ?

**Sisak** · 04-28-2013, 04:04 PM

^I feel that we are right where we need to be

**Sisak** · 04-28-2013, 04:07 PM

Nice thext about Croatian girl - Croatian girls love "big players"
http://www.returnofkings.com/4509/ev...croatian-girls
Everything You Need To Know About Croatian Girls

By Roosh

1. Croatian girls are tall, tan, and thin. They primarily have a Mediterranean complexion of light olive skin, brown hair, and brown eyes, though blondes are not uncommon. Their long necks accentuate graceful, model-like figures. They have round asses but generally small breasts. They are, hands down, the most beautiful girls I’ve seen in my European travels, blowing away just about everywhere else except for pockets in the Baltics. They are both sexier and hotter than Polish and Ukrainian girls.

2. While Croatian girls are feminine, they seem ready for Westernization. Girls openly complain about wearing heels. If god came down from the sky and told them they didn’t have to be feminine anymore, the streets would be littered with makeup kits, shoes, and other beauty accessories. There’s a lazy “Why bother?” vibe I picked up, meaning it’s no surprise that there’s a high acceptance of hipsterism and the sloppy dress that it entails.

3. Most girls are sweethearts, but several negative personality traits will reveal themselves to you after a while. Girls can be crass, picky, lazy, and, most importantly, critical. Croatian girls are the pickiest I’ve encountered, with many girls openly criticizing me early in the approach about my physical flaws or chosen line of conversation. Not only will they constantly judge you, but they will do so in undiplomatic terms. The more confident the girl is, the more you’ll encounter these negative personality traits.

4. They are hypergamous by nature. Girls with boyfriends will be completely open to an approach, not dropping that fact until late in the game. For this reason I’ve made it a requirement to ask about the boyfriend within 15 minutes. Whether that’s good game or not, it made the difference for me in not getting strung along in text messaging hell with girls who wanted to play the field while in a relationship. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Croatian girls have boyfriends, but of course there are still many single girls around.

5. Almost all girls speak English. Everyone has to learn it in school from a young age.

6. Foreigners are well-liked. It’s not that Croatian girls don’t like their own dudes, but they feel that their country is boring and dull. They want to meet guys from exciting places like United States and England.

7. They offer a much better ROI than Ukrainian girls. In Ukraine you have the tough Eastern mentality, transactional female natures, rectum cities, and language barriers. In Croatia you have a pleasant capital city with English speakers and girls who are easier to get into bed. It’s a no-brainer to pick Croatia over Ukraine, though the verdict is still out on who makes a better girlfriend. Beware: the word is out on Croatian girls and you will have to deal with other love tourist competition in the next five years.

8. My game in Croatia automatically turned cocky because of the amount of attitude I encountered. The attitude wasn’t automatic, but it happened enough where I had to turn on the parts of my game that I haven’t used since America, especially when it came to getting cockblocked or bitched out by a fat friend. As long as you stay out of the snobbiest venues in the city, you shouldn’t have too many problems with this.

9. Isolation away from friends is key. Once you master isolation, you master banging Croatian girls. The move that helped me isolate and led to the most bangs was “Let’s go for a walk.” You must resist all her attempts to de-isolate in the form of bringing girlfriends along. If you’re going for a fast bang, there is no benefit to trying to wow her social circle.

10. The older women (approaching 30) put out many spinster characteristics that are similar to their American counterparts. Their attitude is rougher, they play a lot of games, and they constantly test you. At an age where they should have a softer vibe in the hopes of competing against their younger counterparts, they can be a pain in the ass to deal with. I preferred to work in the 19-23 year old range.

11. Hot women over 24 are looking for rich dudes, even sponsors. You’ll be able to smell them a mile away: impeccably dressed and done-up with the highest heels but wearing a constant bitch face. They don’t care if the guy is in the mafia or in the board room as long as he’s a big fish. As Western culture infects Croatia and destroys the nuclear family, I predict you’ll have a lot of attractive older women waiting for a wealthy man to marry them. Ten years down the line, this may set up an excess supply issue that facilitates Croatian mail-order bride businesses.

12. Ignore reports on the internet that Croatian sea resorts during the summer are a great place to bang local girls. I found this to be hype. The sea resorts are huge sausage fests (both foreign and domestic sausage) and the girls know their value. It’s not uncommon for them to be surrounded by gangs of friends. While you can still do it, it’s far easier to bang a girl you meet in Zagreb in the middle of summer using day game than to compete with a bunch of horny, drunk guys on the seaside.

In spite of the many downsides you’ve just read, the average men will appreciate the talent in Croatia more than my diminishing favorite, Poland. My experience in Croatia did take away the glow I had on Polish girls because the quality I banged in Croatia was indisputably higher. The only question is if the party will continue as more love tourists head to Zagreb.