Russian culture question

[tricours.livejournal.com]

One thing that I've remarked several times when reading the blogs of Scandinavians or other westeners who've spent some time in Russia, is that they comment on how Russians don't smile. I've read lots of "I went home for the holidays and once again I was met with a smile when I went to the store to shop" etc. etc. Also one girl commented that some railroad personnel at a station where trains come in from Finland greeted her with a smile because "that's what they know westerners expect as good service". Do clerks and shop personnel in Russia not smile? As a clerk in Sweden or Norway it's practically written in your contract that "YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SMILE AT CUSTOMERS" ;)

At the same time, I met this Russian travel agent who's lived in the Caribbeans for the last 10 years and who thought service in Norway was completely awful. But perhaps he was comparing it to that of the Caribbeans, and not to the Russian one?

Comments

[alon_68]

You cannot expect much after 70 years of supressing of the free market. Russian clerk/salesperson yet feels working for boss rather than for customers. I believe the situation is improving but it's difficult and uneven process that depends on many factors.

[icamel.livejournal.com]

but don't think that he smile to his boss.

[alon_68]

Bosses prefer blowjob do not require smile

[drivebyluna.livejournal.com]

lol

[alon_68]

Of course, smile itself is not essential. I absolutely accept good service even made with Buster Keaton's face. But, honestly speeking, the service level in Russia has yet to do much to be compared with the level in the Western Europe or USA or most Far East countries. This is the main point.