While direct business communication is valued in Slovakia, there is also an emphasis placed on finessing what is being said so, that information is delivered in a sensitive way.

Often, the level of the relationship will determine how direct someone is. For newly established and more formal relationships, a great deal of emphasis will be placed on diplomacy. But once a relationship has passed through the initial phases, people feel more comfortable speaking frankly with each other.

Since tradition is valued, it is often helpful to give a bit of historical background or context, before starting a meeting or new program.

Slovaks do not need a tremendous amount of background information to feel comfortable proceeding with a transaction, although, they do require some information and may ask questions until they feel comfortable and are able to proceed satisfactorily.

Body language, body posture and tonal delivery are important enhancements to the verbal message, adding emphasis or additional meaning to the words.

Organisational cultures differ widely in Slovakia, but generally meetings are conducted by the most senior person present, who sets the agenda, the content, and the pace.

The purpose is usually to communicate information and decisions, that have already been made rather than to brainstorm or discuss.

Employees may be called on to corroborate or clarify facts and statistics, but will not usually be asked to collaborate.

Meeting schedules are not very rigid in Slovakia. There may be an agenda, but it serves as a guideline for the discussion and acts as a springboard to other related business ideas.

As relationships are highly important in this culture, there may be some time in the meeting devoted to non-business discussions. Time is not considered more important, than completing a meeting satisfactorily, so meetings will go on until they come to a natural ending.

Fortifications on many hilltops bear witness to Slovakia’s long history of invasions. Bratislava, with a rich heritage of medieval and baroque architecture, was in the past a coronation place for the kings of Hungary.

Slovakia gained its independence in January 1993, when Czechoslovakia split into two constituent republics.

Monday - Friday: 7.00am – 7.00pm.

Saturday: 7.00am – 12.00pm.

Legally permitted opening hours:

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Saturday: 7.00am – 12.00/1.00pm.