сочинение на английском

The People

Russia has had a long history of totalitarianism, which has resulted in a rather fatalistic approach to living. The desire to work individually under personal initiative was suppressed by the Czarist and Communist states. With the advent of perestroika (restructuring), the Soviet/Communist value system has been scrapped, but the pace of reform has been slow and many are finding it very difficult to adapt to the Western values of individualism and profit maximization. Older Russians are generally quite pessimistic and don't have much faith in a better life in the future. Younger urban Russians have adopted a more Western outlook on life.

Meeting and Greeting

Initial greetings may come across as cool. Do not expect friendly smiles.
A handshake is always appropriate (but not obligatory) when greeting or leaving, regardless of the relationship. Remove your gloves before shaking hands. Don't shake hands over a threshold (Russian folk belief holds that this action will lead to an argument).
Body Language

Russians are a very demonstrative people, and public physical contact is common. Hugs, backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures are common among friends or acquaintances and between members of the same sex.
Russians stand close when talking.
Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.
Corporate Culture

Russians appreciate punctuality. Business meetings generally begin on time.
Under Communism there were no incentives for bureaucrats to perform well or to even be pleasant toward clients; this meant that the usual answer to any question was "No." This practice is still found in Russian society today, but "No" is usually not the final word on an issue. One has to bargain and be persistent to get what he or she wants.
Business cards are handed out liberally in Russia and are always exchanged at business meetings. The ceremony of presenting and receiving business cards is important. Don't treat it lightly.
Representatives of the Russian company or government body are usually seated on one side of a table at meetings with guests on the other side.
Your company should be represented by a specialized team of experts. Presentations should be thoroughly prepared, detailed, factual and short on "salesmanship."
Russians usually negotiate technical issues very competently, directly and clearly but, being newcomers to capitalism, often do not fully understand Western business practices and objectives. You may have to explain the reasoning behind some of your demands.
Russians find it difficult to admit mistakes, especially publicly. They also find it difficult to risk offending someone by making requests or assertions.
Trying to do business in Russia over the telephone is generally ineffective. The Russian telecommunications system is inadequate, but improving quickly. The telex is widely used.
Personal relationships play a crucial role in Russian business.
Business negotiations in Russia are lengthy and may test your patience. Plan to be in for the long haul.
No agreement is final until a contract has been signed.
Dining and Entertainment

When dining in a restaurant, arrive on time.
Russians are great hosts and love entertaining guests in their homes. They will often put more food on the table than can be eaten to indicate there is an abundance of food (whether there is or not). Guests who leave food on their plates honor their host. It means they have eaten well.
If you're invited for dinner, don't make other plans for later in the evening. You are expected to spend time socializing after the meal.
An invitation to a Russian dacha (country home) is a great honor.

Russia is a great powerful country. It  has its own codes of social etiquette. Both business travelers and tourists  need to know them. When you  meet a Russian for the first time, you must shake hands firmly  and have eye contact. If you look  away it can be considered rude and indifferent. When pointing, do not use a single finger but point with your whole hand. 
You must smile only when you mean it and are  pleased to meet someone.You mustn't whistl indoors - it is a bad sign. The thumbs-up sign is acceptable as a positive gesture. 

In  churches, women should cover their heads. Men should remove their hats when entering any buildings. If you are invited to Russian house you must buy a gift - swets, wine or flowers. Entering a home you must remove your outdoor shoes - your hosts may offer you a pair of slippers.  Russian schedules often change. You must know also that Russian meetings never start in time. Russians are great nation. You must respect us and our traditions.