Includes index. Includes bibliographical references (page 165) and index.
Contents:
Front Cover; Title Page; Copyright; About the Author; Contents; Map of Greece; Introduction; Key Facts; Chapter 1: Land and People; Contradictions, Continuities, and Contributions; Geographical Overview; Hellenic Republic or Greece?; More Than Just a Language; A Brief History; Government and Politics; Chapter 2: Values and Attitudes; Romiosýni Intertwined with Hellenism; Family First; Hierarchy; Personal Relationships; Generosity; Attitudes Toward Foreigners; Conspiracy Theories; Wealth, Money, and the Voleménos; Patriotism; Arpa-Cola: Last-Minute Culture. The High Wire of Deadlines Women; More Than Love; Nostalgia: A Very Greek Condition; Chapter 3: Customs and Traditions; Holidays and Festivals; To Remember: Saints' Days; The Greek Year; The Greek Orthodox Church; Other Religions; Chapter 4: Making Friends; Openness; Distinguish Your Orders from Your Requests; Gestures and Physical Contact; Whispering; Timekeeping; Hospitality; Who Pays?; Romance and the Foreigner; Gift Giving; Visiting; Verbal Greetings: A Wish for Life; Alcohol; Philótimo; Chapter 5: Daily Life; Town and Country. Water-A Vanishing Commodity The (Un)Civil Servant Mentality; Growing Up in Greece; Education; The Daily Round; Economic Priorities; Banking and Payments; Shipping; Standards of Living; For Richer, For Poorer; Chapter 6: Time Out; Paréa: A Fraternity of Friendships; Greek Cuisine; Tavernas, Restaurants, and Coffeehouses; Kouvendoúla: The Art of Idle Talk; Smoking; Shopping for Pleasure; Theater and Cinema; Museums; Archaeological Sites; The Parthenon; Churches and Monasteries; Open Markets; The Exohikó-the Ancestral/Country Home; Sports. The Olympic GamesChapter 7: Travel, Health, and Security; Buses; Taxis; Trains-A Secret World; The Metro and Trams; Boats; Cars: A Health Warning; Walking, Not Walking; Health; Security; Chapter 8: Business Briefing; The Greek Economy; Business Culture; Teamwork; Presentation and Listening Styles; Meetings and Negotiations; Leadership and Decision Making; Etiquette; Punctuality; Eye Contact; Contracts and Fulfillment; Managing Disagreement; Women In Business; Chapter 9: Communicating; Language; Body Language; The Media; The Internet. Telephone Mail; Conclusion; Appendix 1: Key Comparative Values; Appendix 2: The Greek Alphabet; Further Reading; Index; Acknowledgments.
Summary:
"When you enter Greece's mountainous peninsula, with its long coastline and unique archipelago, you are returning to the cradle of Western civilization. And while the ancient Greeks fashioned our political, ethical, aesthetic, and scientific values, their descendants down the ages have continued to set trends and shape world events. The Greek character is a product of the landscape. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the physical features of the land forged the pronounced individuality and strong local patriotism of the warring city-states of antiquity. Their shared history and language formed the basis of a powerful world culture. Today it is coming to terms with its recent economic and political upheavals. The Greeks have repeatedly proved they can adjust and shift their expectationss ; the new generation knows the old ways have gone and is bracing itself for unpredictable challenges. Culture Smart! Greece will equip you with essential information about the background, values, and attitudes of the people you will meet and give practical advice on how to deal with unfamiliar situations. Life in Greece operates on many criss-crossing levels, offering plenty of possibilities and a variety of lifestyles. Visitors emerge from their Greek experience enriched for life, with an enduring affection for this beautiful land and its gifted people."--Publisher's description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.