Pointers for grasping Russian heritage

Cultural mentor of Russian origin elucidates the intricacies of comprehending Russian ethos, socially, culturally and actively.

Topics of this article:

• Guidelines for understanding the RussiansThe cultural element of timeThe Russian ethos of activityThe cultural component of communicationThe Russian ethos of authorityThe cultural element of regulations

Pointers for understanding the Russians

The heading appears ambitious, so I’ll commence with the disclaimer. I do not intend to school you on how to comprehend every single Russian individual residing in Russia and beyond. My aim here is merely to guide you in understanding the typical Russian mindset, grounded in cultural variables of surroundings, time, activity, communication, space, authority, individualism, regulations, competition, modification, and thought.

A considerable portion of our routines, principles, and actions can be neatly classified under each of the aforementioned cultural variables. The collective sum of these variables more or less delineates our individual cultural blueprints. Not all Russians possess the same cultural blueprint. However, there are notable resemblances among individuals hailing from the same cultural background – just as there are distinctions among others.

The suggestions below underscore the distinctions between your cultural blueprint and that of the majority of Russians. For the sake of conciseness, I will select five variables that I consider among the most crucial.

The cultural element of time

If you have previously collaborated with Russians, you likely concur that most Russians perceive time as flexible. They acknowledge the value of time but do not feel compelled to rigorously manage or control it. Consequently, meetings often exceed scheduled durations, and deadlines have a propensity to shift.

Majority of Russians also embrace a multi-faceted approach to time – meaning they prefer engaging in numerous projects and relationships simultaneously. Hence, you may frequently observe your colleagues juggling several tasks concurrently. Consequently, your team members will not hesitate to visit your office at any time to seek advice or discuss matters.

The Russian ethos of activity

Most individuals in Russia prioritize establishing connections first and focus on achieving objectives subsequently. This signifies a strong inclination towards being and is why fostering rapid friendships with Russians is often challenging (they take their time acquainting themselves with you and developing trust to consider you a friend); forming relationships with potential business associates will demand considerable time and effort; and gaining the confidence of each new acquaintance is imperative.

The cultural component of communication

Many Russians excel in a high-context style of communication, emphasizing symbolic gestures, non-verbal cues, and eloquent language. Therefore, you may encounter instances where your associates engage in lengthy conversations that could have been concluded in a shorter time frame. Consequently, you need to be attentive to potential misinterpretations of symbolic and non-verbal signals.

Russians also exhibit formality in their communication; employing a patronymic (father’s name) when addressing an elder or a person of higher hierarchy is customary.

The Russian ethos of authority

Many Russians attribute significant importance to power structures, emphasizing the acknowledgment of power and status discrepancies among different individuals.Individuals. In cases where seating arrangements or speaking turns were disregarded, relationships have been observed to become tense. Fortitude isn’t just something you cultivate at the gym; it’s an admirable trait in Russian society.

This is why it’s crucial to understand the complexities of power dynamics in Russian culture and how the hierarchy impacts interpersonal connections. This factor also contributes to the lack of initiative in the workplace – the belief is that the leader possesses superior knowledge and authority to dictate.

The cultural aspect of regulations

Friendship holds immense significance in Russian culture, and a Russian companion will always be willing to go the extra mile for you (even at three in the morning). In return, you are expected to show the same level of dedication to a friend, which is where the distinctiveness in attitudes towards regulations in Russia stems from.

Russians place their sense of duty primarily towards their families and friends. Consequently, regulations are viewed as flexible when it comes to accommodating the needs of friends or family. This inclination also significantly influences the creative tendencies of Russians; hence, their proficiency in repairing what others may perceive as irreparable. Russians believe that each situation warrants a unique approach and that regulations merely indicate intent and serve as loose guidelines. It’s no surprise that the informal, underground economy is thriving in Russia.

What have been your encounters with these factors?