essay on business italy

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Italy - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to art, science, and politics over the centuries, presents a wide range of topics for exploration. Essays on Italy could delve into its complex history, from ancient Rome to modern Italy, its famed Renaissance period, or its culinary and fashion traditions. Additionally, discussions might extend to Italy’s political landscape, its role within the European Union, and its regional diversity. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Italy you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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Employment Basics

Business culture and etiquette in Italy

As a newcomer, it is essential to understand business etiquette in Italy. Learn about the hierarchy, diversity, and typical conduct within the workplace.

By Gary Buswell

Updated 15-5-2024

Whether you’re looking for a job in Italy or starting your own business , it helps to understand the norms and practices regarding business culture and etiquette in Italy . Italians have a distinct way of behaving professionally and conducting business, which may differ in some respects from other countries, even within Europe.

Learn how you can avoid faux pas in your Italian workplace by exploring the following topics:

An overview of business in Italy

Time and space in italian business, business structure and hierarchy in italy, diversity in the italian workplace, women’s participation and representation, women’s income and the gender pay gap, attitudes toward women in the workplace, business strategy, planning, and decision-making, italian business meetings and negotiations, business networking, business socializing, communication, business cards, social provision through businesses in italy, businesses in the italian community, corruption and fraud in italy, useful resources.

With the third-largest economy in the European Union (EU) as well as a rich cultural history and appealing climate , Italy attracts many international professionals to its shores.

In addition, the Italian government wants to increase foreign investment in the country – something which has stalled in recent years – through the EU-funded Resilience and Recovery Facility (RRF) .

Italy has several thriving industries, with the best-performing ones including:

• Retail (notably clothing and fashion)
• Manufacturing (especially car manufacturing )
• Science and technology
• Construction

Starting a business in Italy

Foreign-owned businesses play a significant role in Italy’s economy, accounting for 18.4% of the country’s turnover in 2015. It also has a sizable international workforce, around 10% of all employees . The country’s economy is recovering steadily from the COVID-19 pandemic, although growth is slower than in many other EU countries (predicted at 1% for 2024 ).

Italy has a lower employment rate (around 60% in Q3 of 2022) than the EU and the Organization for Economic Development ( OECD ), which is almost 70% . On average, workers also earn slightly lower wages and salaries . However, the Italian cost of living is cheaper than in France , Germany , or the United Kingdom (UK) .

Italian business culture

Business culture in Italy is a mixture between a clear hierarchy in the organizational structure and fairly informal business practices and communication. For example, top management tends to make executive decisions, but meetings are relaxed and open to discussion. Disagreeing with superiors is neither uncommon nor rude if you have a valid point.

The vast majority of Italian businesses are small or medium-sized, with many of them family-run. Business relationships are generally personal and respect values such as trust, loyalty, and familiarity. This is particularly true in the south of the country.

Bigger Italian cities in the north, like Rome ( Roma ) and Milan ( Milano ), have many multinational firms, meaning that the culture is more globalized , formal, and diverse. It could also add to cultural differences between workers.

The standard working week in Italy is 40 hours long. According to Italian labor law , anything above this is overtime. Eurostat data (2021) shows that paid employees work a slightly shorter week (35 hours), while self-employed business owners tend to work longer (46 hours). This is similar to other EU averages. The typical working day starts around 09:00–09:30 and finishes at around 18:00–18:30, with lunches taking up to two hours. The standard minimum is four weeks of holiday per year.

Italy scores well for work-life balance on the OECD Better Life Index . For example, only 3% of Italian employees work extended hours compared with an OECD average of 10%. Italian laws don’t provide for annual leave. However, collective agreements ( contratti collettivi or accordi collettivi ) between unions and employers generally protect employees.

Interestingly, flexibility is more valued than punctuality in Italian business culture. It’s not uncommon for people to turn up late for meetings or for these to overrun – especially if it’s a lunch meeting involving fine Italian cuisine . However, ensure that you arrive on time for job interviews or important appointments if you are an employee .

As with many countries, remote working has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency remote working measures ended in August 2022 . Still, many companies are still utilizing home-working methods for staff to reduce running costs and offer flexibility. For many, it has become a hybrid arrangement, with workers splitting their time between the office and remote venues.

Italy has plans to launch a remote work visa , similar to the one in Spain , which is great news for digital nomads .

The tradition of the smaller family-run enterprise in Italy has influenced the business culture when it comes to hierarchy. Most firms put the decision-making capacity in the hands of owners and executive staff.

Leadership styles can be charismatic but depend on the personalities of owners and senior staff.

Other employees are free to voice opinions in meetings. Still, it’s the top-level players who usually take credit and responsibility. Generally, relationships between employees at different levels are relaxed and informal.

You will also find that older people in the workplace often command respect. Again, this attitude reflects the broader Italian culture and the tradition of generational family-run businesses. Indeed, you’ll find these views more prevalent in southern Italy and smaller companies.

However, the business culture is changing, especially in multinational companies in urban areas. Also, newer startups typically have a flatter organizational structure with decentralized decision-making policies.

Workers in Italy are protected against discriminatory practices by the following legislation:

• The Italian Constitution
• The Civil Code ( Codice Civile )
• The Workers’ Statute ( lo statuto dei lavoratori )
• Various labor laws at a national and EU level

Approximately 10% of the labor force are international workers. They are spread across sectors and job levels, although there are more numbers employed in lower-wage sectors such as:

• Agriculture
• Hospitality
• Personal services

Italy ranks sixth in the EU for the employment rate of workers with disabilities. Several employment laws promote workplace integration, including quota systems where large employers must recruit a minimum percentage of disabled employees.

The 2023 Rainbow Map , measuring LGBTQIA+ rights and freedoms, places Italy in 33rd position out of 49 European countries . Also, when it comes to rights, laws, freedoms, and public attitudes toward the community, the country scores 65 out of 100 on the LGBTQIA+ Equality Index .

Therefore, although LGBTQIA+ workers have legal equality and protection from discrimination, they still experience negative public attitudes and discriminatory behavior from other employees.

Women in the workplace in Italy

The Italian Constitution recognizes gender equality in all public spheres, including the workplace. However, women are still underrepresented at all levels of employment, earn less than men, and face more barriers progressing in their careers.

Problems include public attitudes towards women’s role in society and, generally, taking more responsibility for childcare.

Italy ranks 63rd out of 146 countries on the 2022 Global Gender Pay Gap Report by the World Economic Forum ( WEF ). It also came 14th in the EU on the 2022 Gender Equality Index , scoring 65 out of 100 points based on the following indicators:

This is lower than one might expect for a country of its economic standing and below the EU average of 68.6. It highlights how Italy has some way to go before achieving meaningful gender equality.

To combat current issues, the government has adopted a National Strategy for Gender Equality ( Strategia Nazionale per la Parità di Genere ) covering 2021–2026. This focuses on salaries, competencies, time, power, and the impact of COVID-19.

Women have low workforce participation rates in Italy. Just over half ( 52.1% ) aged 20–64 are in employment, compared to 71.8% of men. This is the lowest rate in the EU and the most significant gap between women and men.

Unsurprisingly, given the lower overall economic participation rates, women remain underrepresented at the higher job levels. Italy ranks 97th for female managers, senior positions, and decision-making staff, and 87th for women in professional and technical roles on the 2022 Global Gender Pay Gap Report . It examined 146 countries globally.

The same report shows that women in Italy constitute:

• 38.8% of company board members
• 15.3% of top managers
• 11.5% of business owners or leaders

Furthermore, Italy ranks only 56th globally (2023) for women in parliament ; they represent 32.3% of the total.

These statistics contrast with women’s academic attainment in Italy . The WEF report shows that the country ranks 110th for women’s economic participation and opportunity but is 59th for education, with similar educational outcomes for both genders. Simply put, a discrepancy exists between women’s academic levels and career achievements.

The Gender Equality Index report suggests that the burden of unpaid work is a key factor in women’s lower participation rates. They are disproportionately affected by childcare responsibilities, long-term care duties, and housework. For example, 67% of women in Italy reported doing all or most of the housework compared to 22% of men.

According to a 2021 national statistics report on the gender pay gap in Italy, the average gross salary in 2018 was €37,912 for men and €31,335 for women. This equates to a gender pay gap of 6.2%. The gap increases at the higher end of the labor market, reaching 18% for those with  tertiary education  and 27.3% for managerial staff.

Minimum wage and average salaries in Italy

Italy’s gender pay gap is lower than the  EU average  of 13%. It ranks 4th among EU and European Free Trade Association ( EFTA  – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) nations, behind Luxembourg , Romania, and Slovenia.

As part of its gender equality strategy, the Italian government introduced an equal pay law in 2022.

A common barrier that women in Italy face is the persistence of gender stereotypes regarding their role in society. In a 2018 survey by the International Institute of Statistics (Istat), 32.5% of respondents agreed that success at work is more important for a man than a woman, and 27.5% believed that men should be the primary family breadwinners. These views are more common in the south of the country, with over two-thirds (67.8%) holding at least one stereotypical belief about women’s roles compared with 58.8% nationwide.

Levels of sexual harassment are also high in Italy. It is estimated that nearly half of women ( 43.6% ) have experienced sexual harassment ( molestie sessuali ) at work in their lifetime. The most common forms are verbal harassment, unwanted touching, inappropriate proposals, and sexual blackmail.

If you experience harassment in the workplace in Italy, you should speak with your employer or a trade union representative ( rappresentante sindacale ) as soon as possible. You can also call the toll-free  anti-violence helpline ( Numero Anti Violenza e Stalking ) on 1522

Conducting business in Italy

Italian organizations generally have a more casual approach to strategic planning than many other western nations . Decision-making is typically the domain of business owners who may consult with other executive staff but rarely with lower-level employees. Long-term written plans, periodical reports, and strategic reviews are more common among larger and multinational firms but are seldom a feature of smaller or medium-sized businesses.

Business decision-making can often take time. Owners or management staff will first make a personal connection and build trust with executives from another company before doing business. The final decision is usually in the hands of the owner or managing director, who will typically want to spend some time weighing up all possible risks and benefits.

Business meetings are generally much less formal in Italy than in northern European nations. They tend to be influenced by Italian culture in general. In other words, you can expect the following:

• Meetings to start late and finish even later; Italians have a casual relationship with punctuality, however, don’t take this as a cue to turn up late for proceedings
• Plenty of friendly small talk about non-business matters
• Flexible agendas, with discussions frequently deviating from any written plans
• Interruptions, people talking over one another, and disagreements; things can sometimes get heated, but this is standard for Italian business meetings

As top-level staff usually make the final decisions, any work meetings in Italy aim to inform everyone of decisions already made rather than to put things up for discussion. However, staff feedback is usually welcome and often encouraged, so feel free to give an honest opinion.

The negotiation process can take a long time in Italy. Again, this is because personal relationships are so important, and everything has to be signed off at the very top. Verbal agreements are usually bonding in Italian business, but the involved parties typically confirm the decisions in writing afterward. When negotiating with international companies, staff will normally conduct meeting in English.

Networking is a vital part of business development in Italy. For businesses to succeed, they need to spend a lot of time building strong relationships with others working in their field.

Targeted networking on LinkedIn

Regional networks tend to be stronger than nationwide ones in Italy, with cities like Rome and Milan having thriving commercial scenes and running events, conferences, and job fairs . You can check networking opportunities through platforms such as:

• Business Network International (BNI) – the Italian branch is BNI Italia
• Italian Trade Agency (ITS) or ( Agenzia ICE ) – governmental agency that supports the business development of companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy
• Chamber of Commerce ( Camere di Commercio )  – offers information on various topics and maintains a  business portal
• INV Italia  – National Agency for Investment and Business Development
• Made in Italy  – Ministry of Enterprises initiative to encourage investment and business opportunities
• Incentivi  – Ministry of Enterprises portal to help businesses, professionals, and administrations
• LinkedIn – a great tool for targeted networking if you’re looking for a new job

To successfully network in Italy, be prepared to spend a lot of time developing those personal relationships to show that you have integrity and can be trusted. This can even involve meeting socially and chatting about various non-business topics.

With cuisine such a big part of Italian culture, it’s no surprise that Italians love their business lunches. These can last 2–3 hours, with business-related matters sometimes secondary in terms of discussion topics.

Many Italian companies also make social activities an important part of their calendar, for example, evenings out or team activity days. However, Italians are less likely to invite business colleagues or associates into their  home  unless they have developed an out-of-work friendship.

Business etiquette in Italy

Italians are known for being expressive and quite open in their  communication style , with fewer formalities than in some other countries. Still, there are certain things to bear in mind.

Although the cheek-kiss is a popular Italian greeting, handshakes are more common in business situations unless you know the other person well. When addressing someone, you should use signore/signora – or a title such as doctor ( dottore /dottoressa) or professor ( professore / professoressa ) if they have one – plus their last name. Use lei rather than the more informal tu when saying ‘you.’

Italian etiquette and culture

Maintaining eye contact is essential when speaking with someone. Personal space is less important in Italy than in northern European countries, so don’t be alarmed if people get up close and frequently touch your arm or back. Italians are masters of hand gesture , so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the main ones – including offensive ones to avoid!

As in many countries, safe conversation topics include the  weather , sports, art, and food.

Italians take clothing very seriously. After all, the country is one of the world’s fashion capitals. You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune on expensive brands, but you’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you turn up for work looking scruffy.

Business dress in Italy is typically conservative. For example, men wear dark suits, ties, and dress shoes. Women wear suits, dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses and high-heeled shoes or boots.

It is not customary to arrive with gifts at business meetings in Italy. This may sometimes happen if businesses have developed a close relationship over a long period and haven’t met for a while. If you buy a gift, typical presents are tokens from your home country, such as wine, chocolates, books, or crafts. Avoid buying flowers as certain types are associated with specific occasions (e.g., chrysanthemums with funerals).

Business cards are a common feature among Italian professionals. People usually exchange them at the start of meetings as part of the greeting process. All senior staff members normally have them, so make sure you have plenty printed if you’re attending a meeting with other companies, conferences, or workshops. Cards typically include all information such as name, contact details, business position, and professional titles or qualifications.

All organizations with staff in Italy have to enroll employees for social security with the National Institute for Social Security ( Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale – INPS ). This covers workers for the following:

• State pension
• Paid parental leave
• Unemployment benefits

Employees must also register with the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work ( Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro – INAIL ). This provides insurance against workplace injuries.

Self-employed workers and freelancers enroll with the INPS too. However, they have to contribute more as they cannot share the payments with an employer.

Social security in Italy

Because Italy has a tax-funded national healthcare system , there is no statutory health insurance scheme linked to employers. However, larger companies often offer private health insurance as an additional workplace benefit. Many firms also provide occupational pensions that workers can use to increase their state pensions.

Historically, social principles and local community support underpinned commerce in Italy, as is the case with Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) , the world’s oldest surviving bank . Today, many businesses still invest in their communities, for example, by donating to local causes or providing in-kind support.

Impronta Etica is the leading Italian body promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Italy. It is a non-profit organization and a partner of CSR Europe . It encourages its members to develop their CSR strategies.

In a more formalized sense, CSR has grown in Italy since 2017. According to a  national report (in Italian) by Osservatorio Socialis (a CSR advocate), the number of businesses focusing on CSR in Italy has increased steadily:

• 44% in 2001
• 85% in 2017 (in Italian)
• 96% in 2021

Additionally, Italy scored 57 out of 100 points on the CSR Hub Ratings based on 505 companies (2022). This index examines the following aspects of businesses:

• Community: development and philanthropy, product, human rights and supply chain
• Employees: compensation and benefits, diversity and labor rights, training, health and safety
• Environment: energy and climate change, environmental policy and reporting, resource management
• Governance: board, leadership ethics, transparency and reporting

Furthermore, Italy ranks 25th internationally (out of 193 UN Member States) on the  2022 Sustainable Development Report . The country scores 78.3 out of 100. It is a global assessment of countries’ progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and looks at the following indicators:

• SDG1: No poverty
• SDG2: Zero hunger
• SDG3: Good health and well-being
• SDG4: Quality education
• SDG5: Gender equality
• SDG6: Clean water and sanitation
• SDG7: Affordable and clean energy
• SDG8: Decent work and economic growth
• SDG9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
• SDG10: Reduced inequalities
• SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities
• SDG12: Responsible consumption and production
• SDG13: Climate action
• SDG14: Life below water
• SDG15: Life on land
• SDG16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
• SDG17: Partnerships for the goals

You can report any suspected incidences of fraud to the European Anti-Fraud Office .

Italy’s institutions have a history of being affected by corruption and fraud, with one of the main problems being the infiltration of organized crime . Business is no different. The country ranks 41st on the 2022 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index , scoring 56 out of 100. This indicates a moderate level of corruption.

The Group of States against Corruption ( GRECO ) – a Council of Europe anti-corruption group – has identified problems such as conflicts of interest arising between businesses, judges, and politicians, with bribery a common issue. One recent fraud scandal was a business lease and tax credit scam involving Italian businesses that cost the authorities around €440 million.

• Italian Chamber of Commerce ( Camere di Commercio )  – Italy’s main business network with local chambers across the country
• Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro – INAIL – National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work
• Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale – INPS – National Institute for Social Security

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A Guide to Business Etiquette in Italy

When it comes to conducting business in Italy, understanding and respecting local customs and etiquette is crucial for building successful relationships. Italy's rich cultural heritage plays a significant role in its business practices, which often emphasize warmth, personal connections, and a certain level of formality.

In this guide, we'll explore key aspects of business etiquette in Italy, ranging from punctuality to dining manners, to help you navigate the Italian business landscape confidently and respectfully.

Punctuality

Business cards, business attire, gift-giving, business meetings etiquette, dining etiquette, things to know about doing business in italy, finding success in italian business culture, travel well-informed with cibtvisas.

Italians tend to have a very relaxed, laid-back attitude toward punctuality. In Italian culture, it's not uncommon for people to arrive 10 to 15 minutes late for appointments or engagements. Due to this casual attitude, meetings may not always start on time. Foreign visitors shouldn't feel like the tardiness of their Italian colleagues reflects a lack of respect; it's part of the Italian lifestyle.

However, as an outsider, it's best to arrive on time or slightly early for meetings.

At most Italian companies, it's the higher-ups who hold the decision-making power. Managers and executives may confer with each other, but lower-ranking individuals aren't generally involved in major decision-making.

Based on this, titles and seniority hold a significant amount of weight, so it's essential to address individuals using appropriate titles and surnames until you're invited to use first names.

Women are also underrepresented in higher-level jobs in Italy, facing gender stereotypes and issues with workplace harassment.

Even though the standard greeting in Italian society is the cheek kiss, Italian business culture is slightly more formal. Greetings in business settings typically consist of a firm handshake with a warm, genuine smile and eye contact.

Italians appreciate personal connections, so take the time to engage in small talk about non-business matters before diving into the main agenda. You can also use some basic Italian words and phrases to show your respect for their language:

• Hello – Ciao
• Good morning – Buon giorno
• Goodbye – Arrivederci
• How are you? – Come sta?
• Nice to meet you – Piacere di conoscerla
• Please – Per favore
• Thank you – Grazie
• My name is... – Mi chiamo...
• Yes – Si
• No – No

Business cards are usually exchanged at the start of Italian business meetings. There isn't an exact ritual to follow for this aside from politely receiving, examining, and storing the card. Make sure to bring plenty and ensure it has only essential information like your name, contact information, and job rank. Translations in Italian and your native language are also appreciated in case your Italian counterpart doesn't speak English.

Italy is consistently ranked as one of the most fashionable countries on Earth, so it's only natural that Italy's elegant, sophisticated sense of style shows up in business settings. Business attire should be conservative, chic, and well-tailored. Men usually stick to dark-colored suits and dress shoes while women choose stylish, formal outfits, like dresses or skirts and blouses with high heels.

Pay attention to accessories and grooming, as they contribute to the overall impression you make. Keep things simple but classy.

Exchanging gifts isn't commonplace in the Italian business world, but you can present your Italian business partners with thoughtful, high-quality, and inexpensive gifts, like wine or chocolates, to mark the end of a business deal. Flowers should be avoided since some types have negative connotations.

Business meetings in Italy are often pretty relaxed and laid-back, with plenty of time for small talk and informal socializing. Here's what you can expect:

Scheduling and arrival

• Schedule meetings two to three weeks in advance.
• Arrive early and prepared in formal business attire.
• Be patient, as your Italian counterparts may be slightly late.

Greetings and seating

• Greet everyone with proper titles and last names.
• Shake hands with eye contact and warm smiles.
• Exchange business cards during this time.
• Take your seat as indicated by your Italian host.
• Most meetings kick off with small talk, so don't dive straight into business matters.

Discussion and negotiation

• Agendas are often loosely followed, due to small talk and going off-topic, so expect that some meetings may run long.
• Be prepared for a mix of formal conversation and more relaxed dialogue.
• Italians often enjoy lively discussions and debates, but maintain a respectful and professional tone.
• Even if your Italian colleagues get very animated and loud, try to keep a calm demeanor.
• Negotiations and discussions may take a while, so be patient.
• Pay attention, take notes, and maintain eye contact throughout the meeting.
• Meetings are usually punctuated by coffee breaks, during which business talk takes a pause.

Conclusion and follow-up

• After finalizing next steps, thank everyone with handshakes and appreciative words.
• Send a thoughtful and personalized follow-up email or letter.

Italy is home to one of the most famous cuisines in the world, and Italians love dining out. Meals are multi-hour affairs for both social and business occasions, with business lunches being the main time to combine work and food in the Italian business world.

Business lunches last anywhere from two to three hours and are usually pretty informal. Instead of talking about business, the conversation will usually stick to other topics, like sports or current events. It's a great time to get to know your Italian business partners better and strengthen the business relationship through quality non-work time.

Along with leaving the business talk in the boardroom and sharing a delicious meal with your colleagues, you should also observe standard Italian table manners:

• Wait for the host to start eating.
• Avoid placing your elbows on the table.
• Keep your hands visible on the table when not using your utensils.
• Usually, the person who extended the invitation will pay, but it's polite to make a show of offering to pay or contribute.
• When it comes to caffeinated beverages, remember: Cappuccino and other milky coffee drinks are only consumed in the morning in Italy, and espresso should be downed in one shot rather than multiple sips.
• Lively meetings: It's common in Italian business meetings for colleagues to interrupt, talk over each other, use expressive hand gestures, and talk loudly. Don't be startled or surprised; it's common practice.
• Be flexible: Everything from arriving on time to timelines for projects is flexible and open to adjustments here, so be patient and don't rush the process.
• Enjoy the small talk: Italians like to get to know the people they're in business with, so meetings will generally start with small talk and can often go off-topic and lapse into small talk. Go along with it and use it as a chance to get to know your Italian business partners better
• Personal space: Don't be surprised if you find an Italian business associate standing pretty close to you. Italians have a relaxed attitude toward personal space and don't mind getting up close to other people.
• Build personal relationships: Building relationships is essential in Italy. Skipping small talk and rushing into business matters can be seen as impolite. Take the time to engage in personal conversations before discussing business matters.
• Coffee breaks: Coffee breaks are a common feature of Italian meetings, allowing participants to relax and engage in further informal conversations. Use this time to continue building relationships and discussing both business and personal matters.

Mastering business etiquette in Italy requires an understanding of the country's cultural nuances and a willingness to adapt to local customs. By embracing these cultural norms, you'll not only navigate the Italian business landscape effectively but also leave a positive and lasting impression on your Italian counterparts.

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Essay on Italy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Italy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Italy

Introduction to italy.

Italy is a country in Europe known for its rich history and beautiful art. It looks like a boot on the map and has seas on three sides. Many people visit Italy to see its famous cities, eat delicious food, and enjoy the lovely weather.

Famous Places

In Italy, cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence are full of old buildings and famous art. Rome has the Colosseum, an ancient arena, and Venice has canals instead of streets. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, a time when art and learning grew a lot.

Italian Food

Italian food is popular all over the world. Pizza and pasta come from Italy. Italians love to use fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese. Gelato, a kind of ice cream, is a sweet treat many enjoy.

Italian Culture

Italians are known for their love of family, music, and celebrations. Football is the most popular sport. Italy also has many festivals that show its traditions and history. People from all over come to enjoy these events.

Italy is a country with a lot to offer. From its historic sites and tasty food to its vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone. It’s a place that many dream of visiting.

250 Words Essay on Italy

Italy is a country in Europe known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. It looks like a boot on the map and has seas on three sides. Many people visit Italy to see its art, monuments, and enjoy its famous food.

The Land and Cities

Italy has mountains, hills, and beaches. The Alps are big mountains in the north, and the Apennines go down the middle. Big cities like Rome, which is the capital, Milan, and Venice are in Italy. Rome has an old stadium called the Colosseum, and Venice has water streets.

Italian culture includes famous paintings and buildings. Long ago, artists like Leonardo da Vinci made great art. Italians also love music and opera. People all over the world like Italian food like pizza, pasta, and gelato, which is Italian ice cream.

Famous Italian Festivals

In Italy, there are many festivals. One is called Carnevale, where people wear masks and costumes. Another is the Venice Film Festival, where new movies are shown.

Sports in Italy

Football, or soccer, is very popular in Italy. The Italian football team has won many important games. People also enjoy car racing, especially Formula One.

500 Words Essay on Italy

Italy is a country in Europe that looks like a high-heeled boot on the map. It is known for its interesting history, delicious food, and beautiful places. Many people visit Italy to see its art, old buildings, and to enjoy the sunny weather.

History of Italy

Long ago, Italy was home to the Romans, who built a huge empire. The city of Rome was the center of this empire. Today, you can still see old Roman buildings like the Colosseum, where gladiators fought. After the Roman Empire ended, Italy had many different rulers and was divided into smaller states for a long time. It became one country again in 1861.

Famous Italian Food

Italian food is famous all over the world. Pizza and pasta are the most popular dishes. They come in many different types with various sauces. Cheese and tomatoes are often used in Italian cooking. In Italy, people enjoy their meals with family and friends, and eating together is an important part of their culture.

Beautiful Places in Italy

Italy has many beautiful places to see. Venice is a city with canals instead of roads, and people move around in boats called gondolas. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a tower that is not straight but tilted to one side. The countryside, especially in regions like Tuscany, has beautiful hills and vineyards where grapes are grown to make wine.

Italian Art and Culture

Italy is also famous for its art. Long ago, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo made paintings and sculptures that are still famous today. Italian culture includes music and festivals too. Opera music started in Italy, and there are many theaters where you can watch these musical stories.

Italy’s Impact on the World

Italy is a country with a rich history, tasty food, beautiful places, and a strong influence on art and fashion. It is a place where the past and present come together, and there is something interesting for everyone to see and learn. Italy teaches us about the Romans, gives us great food to eat, and shows us how beautiful our world can be.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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63 Best universities for International Business in Italy

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Italy ranked based on their research performance in International Business. A graph of 393K citations received by 22.8K academic papers made by 63 universities in Italy was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Bologna

For International Business

2. Bocconi University

3. University of Milan

4. Sapienza University of Rome

5. Polytechnic University of Milan

6. University of Turin

7. University of Florence

8. University of Padua

9. LUISS University

10. University of Trento

11. University of Rome Tor Vergata

12. University of Siena

13. Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

14. Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies

15. University of Pavia

16. Polytechnic University of Bari

17. University of Pisa

18. Polytechnic University of Turin

19. Federico II University of Naples

20. University of Genoa

21. Polytechnical University of Marche

22. Roma Tre University

23. University of Milano-Bicocca

24. Parthenope University of Naples

25. University of Bari

26. University of Perugia

27. University of Palermo

28. University of Catania

29. University of Brescia

30. Ca' Foscari University of Venice

31. University of Cagliari

32. Carlo Bo University of Urbino

33. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

34. University of Verona

35. University of Insubria

36. University of Ferrara

37. University of Foggia

38. University of Messina

39. University of Calabria

40. University of Salerno

41. University of Udine

42. University of Bergamo

43. University of Macerata

44. University of Parma

45. University of Salento

46. University of Eastern Piedmont

47. University of Molise

48. University of Trieste

49. University of Aquila

50. Free University of Bozen

51. University of Tuscia

52. University of Sassari

53. G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti

54. University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

55. University of Teramo

56. University of Camerino

57. Normal School of Pisa

58. Basilicata University

59. University of Sannio

60. University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

61. Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria

62. Maria Santissima Assunta Free University

63. University of Naples "L'Orientale"

The best cities to study International Business in Italy based on the number of universities and their ranks are Bologna , Milan , Rome , and Turin .

Business subfields in Italy

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8 Major Differences Between U.S. and Italian Business Culture

Posted by International Business Seminars on September 20, 2018 in IBS Study Abroad Blog

Italy has a somewhat unique economy split between high-profile international companies like Ferrari and smaller family businesses that center on natural products like fine wine and olive oil. This means that not all Italian company interactions take place in a boardroom.

How can you prepare to make an awesome first impression on your study abroad business trip to Verona? Here’s a list of eight main differences between business culture in Italy vs the U.S.

Relaxed Punctuality

While business meetings almost always start on time in American companies, Italians take a much more relaxed view towards punctuality. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while for a business contact to show up or for an important client to finish up his phone call before inviting you into the office. Of course, you’re still expected to show up on time.

Better Business Through Friendship

In the U.S., cordiality is important, but most companies prefer to get down to business right away. For Italians on the other hand, closing sales is never the main focus of interactions; instead, building a close relationship with future customers is key. Many initial meetings take place at restaurants over lunch.

Here are a few tips for creating a warm relationship with someone you’re probably meeting for the first time:

• Be genuine: Fake smiles aren’t fooling anyone in Verona
• Look for common interests: If you love food, you’ll get along great with people in Italy
• Learn to relax: Don’t look at your watch constantly
• Try to speak some Italian: This tells coworkers and potential clients that you’re interested in them, even if it’s only a few words

Stylish Dress

Casual Friday isn’t a thing in Italy; here, businesspeople dress to the nines pretty much all the time. The first impression you make depends greatly on what you’re wearing.

Italian business attire is formal and conservative – so don’t worry about accessories – but focused on high-quality, name-brand pieces that can get somewhat expensive. Italy is home to Milan fashion, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and Armani, after all.

Common Men’s Business Attire

• Dark or neutral suits
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Fashionable silk ties
• High-quality shoes
• Excellent cologne

Common Women’s Business Attire

• Formal pantsuits
• Knee-length skirt and business jackets
• Reserved-but-stylish blouses
• Two- or three-inch high heels
• Designer perfume

Italians respect you more when you wear elegant clothing. You may want to invest in a custom-tailored silk or wool suit and a good pair of leather shoes or designer heels if you’re going to work in Italy for a while. Dress chic all the time and you’ll fit in without problems.

Food Appreciation

Dining plays a huge part of life in Italy, including in the business world. Eating at local restaurants with clients or coworkers is a great way to form strong relationships. Never refuse a lunch or dinner invitation in Italy – you’ll definitely offend your host.

• When offered food – unless you have an allergy – always eat it with a smile
• Use a fork and knife to eat pizza, fruit and most other things
• Only give presents if your host gives you one first

Importance of Respect

Respect is very important in Italian culture, and you’ll especially want to show it to superiors and older people.

• Stand up when someone senior enters the room
• Don’t give off an attitude of ‘the American way is better’
• Listen attentively.
• Look Italians in the eye when you speak

Also, always use lei – a formal version of “you” – when addressing superiors and people you don’t know well, instead of the informal tu . Use signore or signora – Mr. or Mrs. – and last names in formal situations.

Italian Stereotypes

Life in Verona is nothing like what you’ve probably seen in movies. Italians don’t like it when visitors ask about topics like the mafia or other TV stereotypes. No matter what, never criticize the Pope, local football teams or Italian customs; it is OK to try to learn more about local cooking and places though.

Italian businesspeople value directness and sometimes distrust people who don’t participate in a conversation. Speaking up enthusiastically with ideas or opinions is totally acceptable and even desirable. Don’t get offended if someone else interrupts when you’re talking; it just means they view you as part of the team.

Italian business etiquette dictates that you shake hands with everyone in a group when arriving or leaving; a simple wave doesn’t cut it. People in Italy have less personal space than Americans, so your Italian coworkers will probably stand a little closer than you’re used to.

Have Fun While Studying Abroad

Italians are famous for their laidback attitude, hospitality, easygoing smile and curiosity about foreigners, so if you end up making some mistakes, it’s not the end of the world. If you learn to laugh at yourself, small errors in Italian business etiquette can actually help you get along better with people.

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Home / Essay Samples / World / Europe / Italy

Italy Essay Examples

The artists contributing to the formation of the italian futurism.

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