There are also some words that are used, which do not translate into English such as privacy. This is because the cultural traditions of Russia do not understand such concepts, which makes translating certain ideas more challenging. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 109 -- 117) 1.3.1: Russian

Russian is a Slavic language that has close ties to all of the different European languages including: English and German. This means that many of the root words are similar to what is used in the common languages spoken throughout the West. However, as far as the alphabet is concerned, the language will utilize what is known as the Cyrillic alphabet. This is different from Western languages, as each of 32 different symbols will represent particular roots of certain words. When reading the language and learning Russian, the basic alphabet will help foreign business executives to navigate their way around. With the alphabet is pronounced the way that it is spoken; helping visitors to be able to learn basic Russian quickly. This is because it based off the roots for each word, which makes it easier for Westerners to understand the language, if they have a basic comprehension of the alphabet. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 109 -- 117)

1.3.2: Other trade languages

In the Russia there are a total of 150 ethnic languages that are spoken. However, when conducting any kind of business transaction the major European languages are commonly spoken. With English being the most universal, as executives and managers can understand / read it better than they speak it. As a result, any kind of foreign business entity that plans on conducting business on a regular basis must keep this in mind. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 109 -- 117)

1.4: Religion

The official religion of Russia is: Russian Orthodox. This has been the country's main religion since 1997. However, other religions are also recognized in the Russian Constitution to include: Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and other forms of Christianity. In general, Russians consider themselves to be more spiritual than Westerners. Yet, under Communism the practicing of various religions would be outlawed. (Horton, 2006, pp. 77 -- 83)

1.4.1: Russian Orthodox

The Russian Orthodox Church has been undergoing a cultural Renaissance, as it is able to operate freely, following decades of secrecy. This is because the church has often been the center point for Russian historical traditions. Where, it would help to provide a basic foundation of uniting the different classes of peasant and nobles. In general, the Orthodox Church is different from traditional Western churches as there are: no seats, no music (instead chanting occurs) and there is focus on the different icons of the religion. The icons are similar to a religious hierarchy, with God and Jesus serving at the top positions. Then, further down is the apostles and other important figures such as: John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. At which point, there are various Eastern Orthodox arch angels and saints. (Horton, 2006, pp. 77 -- 83)

1.4.2: Muslim

Islam is the second most popular religion in Russia, with it encompassing about 14 to 20 million people. The most notable population groups that embrace this religion are: the Tartars, Bashkir and the in the Caucus region. The majority of the people who practice Islam are considered to be Suni Muslims, while select portions of the country will have pockets of the Shia sect. (Horton, 2006, pp. 77 -- 83)

1.4.3: Others

The other religions that are practiced include: Buddhism, Judaism and other branches of Christianity. In general, these different religions are practiced by small population groups, which have been largely assimilated into Russia society. (Horton, 2006, pp. 77 -- 83)

1.5: Ethics

In Russia, many people lack a sense of personal responsibility. This is because the Soviet system punished individuals who thought creatively and exercised any personal initiative. Where, many individuals would often defer the issue to higher authorities, to make any kind of decisions. After the downfall of the Soviet Union, this would remain a part of the culture within the government and business. At the same time, corruption and favoritism has often been known to occur. Where different officials will seek added personal benefits, based upon the positions they are holding. Together, these two elements highlight how conducting business in Russia can be vastly different from the West. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 61 -- 68)

1.5.1: Within the government

Inside the government, many officials are often in their positions based upon who they know or political connections. This means that many bureaucrats are often incompetent and corrupt. Then, when you combine this with the new found wealth of the Russian elite, means that the overall amounts of corruption...

As various business interests will continue to pay bribes and kickbacks to government officials, for different permits and other government services. At the same time, the high levels of corruption from the Soviet system, has meant that the lack of ethics within government officials would continue to increase. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 61 -- 68)
1.5.2: Russian Mafia

In Russia, the term Mafia is used to describe illegal and legal enterprises that were developed in the aftermath of the downfall of the Soviet Union. Where, various former communist officials would seek to engage in a variety of activities including: extortion, prostitution and drugs. At the same time, the organizations would also be able to gain influence within many private businesses. Where, the mafia was utilizing a similar system of exercising control as the Soviet government, through criminality and violence. This would establish a new kind of alliance between government officials, former government officials and private businesses. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 61 -- 68)

1.5.3: Transitional period and what society deems

In general, society will often view the underlying amounts of corruption as a part of business as usual. With this becoming so common that many citizens have common name for what is taking place, kleptocracy. For many Western businesses, this means that there will be a period of having to pay bribes to government official, as part of making progress. This is because corruption has become so engrained in Russian society that it has become a part of business as usual. (Richmond, 2009, pp. 61 -- 68)

1.6: Values and attitudes

For generations Russians have embraced the idea of working only out of survival. This is because any kind of individual achievement was largely discouraged. Instead, people would focus on their personal relationship with friends, family and associates. (Ayios, 2004, pp. 156 -- 180)

1.6.1: Transition into Capitalism and Democracy

The transition to capitalism and democracy has meant that many businesses are facing challenges in motivating employees. Where, everyone is concerned about holding onto their jobs, yet will not go the extra mile for the customer. This can be seen in all aspects of a Russian business, from the way many people will rudely answer the telephone to being slow to respond to demands from customers. (Ayios, 2004, pp. 156 -- 180)

1.6.2: Change in Russian culture

The last twenty years of greater economic freedoms have meant that many younger Russians are beginning to embrace the idea of individual achievement. Where, they are willing to go the extra mile for the customer, to increase their overall chances of improving economic opportunity. Despite these changing attitudes, many people are complaining that they are working harder and making less money. (Ayios, 2004, pp. 156 -- 180)

1.6.3: Gender role in Russian culture

In Russian society women are often treated as second class citizens, in comparison to their male counter parts. Where, there may be certain areas that women outnumber men such as: physicians. Yet, when you look beyond this statistic, it is clear women are expected to work 40 hours a week in a factory / office and then have to maintain a family. (Mitchell, 1998, pp. 38 -- 40)

1.6.4: Social Status

The social structure in Russia is based upon wealth, political connections and power. With most wealthy industrialists and politicians indirectly interconnected in one way or another. This is different from the days of the Soviet Union, when party affiliation would determine the social status of an individual in society. (Tertov, 2005, xxxiv)

1.7: Customs

Russia has a cultural tradition of being deeply religious, with many of different services known for their mystical traditions. Since the downfall of the Soviet Union, New Year's Day has become an important holiday. Where, this has become similar to Christmas, with various gifts being exchanged. Another important custom is the use of the Shapka. This is a furry hat that is worn to protect against the harsh winters that the country is known for. (Mitchell, 1998, pp. 74 -- 78)

1.8: Social structures and organizations

The social structures in Russia are largely independent, supporting a variety of different interests ranging from unions to women's organizations. This is different from the days of the Soviet Union when many of the different organizations were an extension of the government. (Sperling, 1999, pp. 83 -- 91)

1.9: Education

1.9.1: Mandatory education

In Russia education is mandatory for everyone, with various basic and secondary school programs being offered for free. The term of study, for the equivalent of a high school education is ten years.…