Participants in training environments in Italy may exhibit some of the following behaviours:

• Getting around procedures and rules (flexibility and creativity)
• Interpersonal communication skills (simpatico and bella figura) are seen as a high-quality 'currency' for advancement and success
• Lack of structure in meetings is normal and this may impact on the training room environment.
• People may arrive late and leave early with only a simple apology (Scuzzi)
• Importance of eloquence, rhetoric - this may produce over-long responses to questions or in discussions.
• Avoidance of performance appraisal systems (bruta figura) -- this may pose a problem in terms of giving negative feedback
• Punctuality not valued above commitment to relationship
• Humour prized (in gamba) but not at first meetings

Some of the core values and beliefs that may be 'running this behaviour' are:

• Importance of personal alliances (una parte della famiglia).
• Importance of educational status (Dottore/Dottoressa/Ing).
• Formality of business relations (lei vs tu).
• Socialising at work (importance of lunch and coffee-machine).
• Pride in cultural achievement and regional identity.
• Executives work late.

Some Do's may be:

• Be flexible with time and activities.
• Allow individuals to speak their piece but with respect to time concerns and fairness to others.
• Use groups and pairs, task setting for training activities and role-plays.
• Use simulations that are directly relevant to the groups background.
• Use some humour but be aware of what does and does not translate.
• Be aware of each individual's status within the group - they will all be!

Some Don'ts may be:

• Make humorous references to anyone in the group or any popular Italian figure.
• Avoid references to religion and politics.