The negotiation process may take longer than expected or anticipated. Turkish business people do not like to be put under pressure and do not like deadlines. Therefore, any attempt to hurry the process will only produce negative results. Being patient is an asset when negotiating with Turkish business partners.
An interesting Turkish perspective on cultural difference in the workplace appeared in Sabah newspaper in 2012.
“A CEO who comes over from the US may compliment your wife or daughter [on her looks], but this is very ill-advised in Turkey. In their culture, it’s seen as a good thing. Foreign CEOs must be careful when talking about topics like family, football and politics. They shouldn’t be deceived by our criticism of ourselves, because the same criticism from a foreigner may not be taken well.”
Zafer Parlar, who works with foreign businesses arriving in Turkey, quoted in Sabah newspaper, 22.04.2012.
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