Country Briefing: Italy
International Human Resources Management – IG 106
Day and Date of Submisssion
Country Briefing: Italy Country Overview Geography. The major area of Italy is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The neighboring countries of Italy are Switzerland, France, Austria and Slovenia (“Kwintessential”, 2010). The total area of Italy is about 301,340 sq km and that includes both land and water (“Central intelligence agency”, 2013, para 4). The area is “slightly larger than Arizona” (“Central intelligence agency, 2013, para 5). The climate is mostly Mediterranean, it is “alpine in far north, hot, dry in south” (“Central Intelligence Agency”, 2013, para 9). The most vigorous volcano “Etna” in Europe is in eruption since 2012 which results in menace to nearby Sicilian villages. The area also includes risk such as “landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, flooding, and land subsidence in Venice” (“Central Intelligence Agency”, 2013, para 17).
Significant dates. The civil holidays are Liberation day which is celebrated on April 25th, Labor Day on May 1st, Republic day on June 2nd and the Religious holidays are Besides Christmas, New Year and Easter, Ferragosto is one of the festivals celebrated on August 15th, it is second New Year’s Eve, another festival named Immaculate Conception is the feast celebrated on December 8th, and December 25th is celebrated as St. Stephen’s Feast (lifeinitaly, Demographic profile. May include population, age groups, literacy rates, etc.
Socio-economic conditions. May include income equality/inequality, average household income, crime rates, corruption rates, unemployment rates, any regional/social conflict or disparity, etc.
Cultural Overview
Primary language(s). May include percentages of each, prevalence of bilingualism, percentage who claim English as a second language, etc.
Primary religion(s). May include percentages of each, any related conflict, etc.
Non-verbal communications. May include personal space, gestures, other body movements, dress, eye contact, touching behaviours, etc.
Time. May include punctuality norms, importance of appointments, etc.
Social and workplace hierarchy. May include any formal/informal social structure, respect for elders/professors/diversity, role of authority, etc.
Cultural values. May include honesty, plagiarism, views of bribery, gender roles, individualism, gift giving, etc.
Educational system. May include teaching and learning styles, emphasis on education, academic standards, “expected” marks, cheating, adherence to copyright laws, etc.
Information sharing. May include types of information normally shared/not shared at work or socially.
Dietary issues. May include foods not eaten, foods
