An Italian perspective on international meetings, management and language

In this chapter we explore management and language by using cases and examples drawn from our research on authentic interactions at business meetings in Italy as well as our interviews and ongoing contact with Italian managers from a range of industries. Indeed, while taking into account findings from our own research to shed light on how Italian managers use language in different settings, we also wanted to explore the perceptions of managers today. Is it possible to define or describe ‘an Italian style of management’? Or rather, do Italian managers with international experience perceive an Italian style of management? If so, how do they articulate it and how can this be connected to research on authentic interactions? The chapter provides a brief background on the development of Italian capitalism and on the corporate sector in terms of its historical, economic and cultural context. By drawing on analyses of actual language use in business settings as well as interview data, it aims to provide insights into ongoing changes in "management styles" and more specifically the use of language by managers