As an Italian American, I am pre-disposed to think Italy is a beautiful country. I
have vacationed in Italy twice. My first visit was with my family for two months during
the summer when I was eleven. My most recent trip was four years ago with my
husband, son, and parents to attend a vow renewal for my aunt and uncle’s 25th wedding
anniversary.
The recent trip was exciting since our family had a chance to take a vacation to
Italy, attend a wedding, and utilize my father as a tour guide and translator. It was also
our last family trip as a trio, since I was five months pregnant. We stayed for ten days
and traveled from picturesque Umbria to historic Rome. Italian culture is vastly different
from that of America.
I believe a major difference in the cultures of America and Italy are the dedication
to family and the separation and appreciation of work and social time. Americans live
very busy and rushed lives and do not often take the necessary time to disconnect from
work and technology and enjoy their loved ones. Italians have a saying, “la vita e bella”
translated as “life is beautiful”. Their ability to enjoy life is proof of this saying.
Using my knowledge of Italian and American culture I would assume there are
differences in the business world, particularly relating to women. While women are
embraced as beautiful creatures in Italy, there is a mentality among many Italian men of
hierarchy and where women belong – the kitchen. According to
worldbusinessculture.com, females have leadership opportunities in Italy (although
primarily in family owned organizations) and female business people from overseas are
treated with respect and courtesy (worldbusinessculture.com). One key factor that I feel
would represent an advantage for me would be learning the language prior to conducting
business. While I believe many of the business people in Italy speak English, speaking
the language of the country I was conducting business in would demonstrate my respect
and intelligence for the people and country.
Works Cited
"Women in Business in Italy; Italian Women in Business : World Business Culture." International
Business Culture: Cultural Differences in Business - World Business Culture Home Page. Web. 10
June 2010. <http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Women-in-Business-in-Italy.html>.