Visiting Italy is one thing. But working in Italy is a whole other topic. Today in my internship class we discussed several similarities and differences between the workplace in America and the workplace in Italy, specifically speaking Arezzo.
There are a few problems that many business people in Italy face. The first is due to a lack of professional paths available. This starts with college courses; many colleges in Italy lean towards the theoretical side versus a practical application. When students graduate they do not have as much experience in the work place. This brings up another challenge: growth in the work place. Italian attitude in the work place often focuses on individualism rather than solidarity. Instead of finding common interests between individuals, and essentially creating mutual support from within a group, Italians are more oriented individually. Another cause of lack of growth in the work place is due to nepotism and cunning behavior. These often take place instead of meritocracy, where the government or authority select members based on good merit. Lastly, there tends to be a lack of proactivity and lack of a teamwork-like environment. In my own experience, I have noticed a few differences in the work place by the employees at Orhidea Preziosi. One of the most noticeable things I have found unique is that if you are sick and employed in Italy, you still get paid! From my understanding, this means that through depending on your employee contract, and depending on the days that you take an absence due to injury or sickness, your employer still pays you. When I first started at Orchidea Preziosi, my other boss was out of office due to surgery on his knee. He had been gone for a while, so I just assumed he would catch up on his work at home. I had no clue until I came to class that many Italians get compensated for their injuries and sick days after a certain period. Luckily, he is back at work and feeling better! I can say that my fellow employees and bosses often work together. Today when I went to work, I noticed that Francesco and Torro were tag-teaming a small project. One of them would say a description and the other would reply with an amount and write it down. Downstairs in the factory area many of the employees have to work together. There are so many details that go into making just one small jewelry lock, that it takes a team. I am not sure whether this was an instinctive choice to work together or just an obvious fact. The work needs to be done, so many employees know they need to collaborate. The work culture in Italy is definitely different compared to the United States. A lot of Italian businesses perceive that political and business sectors are the most affected by corrupt practices and that government attempts to combat this corruption are not that effective. At my internship there is no evidence of nepotism, even though it is still a family business. My boss and his wife are very warm and friendly, it has been fun helping them in their business!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Kristin GilesMy thoughts and experiences while interning in Arezzo, Italy Archives
April 2018
Categories |