From Ukraine to the World: What You Need to Know About Strengthening Working Relationships with Ukrainians
- Adam Raelson
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
A CultureComms Consulting Interview with Anna Horoneskul
As Ukrainians increasingly join global workplaces, understanding their cultural values, communication styles, and professional dynamics is vital for fostering cross-cultural collaboration. To help shed some light on these aspects, we spoke with Anna Horoneskul, a Business English and Leadership Coach born and raised in Ukraine, about her experiences as a Ukrainian working in diverse environments with other nationalities.
In this article, we’ll share Anna’s perspectives alongside CultureComms’ responses of some of the underlying cultural dimensions at play.
Meet Anna Horoneskul
Anna: Pryvit! Hello! My name is Anna Horoneskul and I was born and grew up in Poltava, a city in central Ukraine. Poltava is recognized as a cultural hub with deep literary and artistic traditions. It is associated with famous Ukrainian writers like Ivan Kotliarevsky, who is considered the father of modern Ukrainian literature. Ukraine is a country that has an evolving business landscape, blending traditional values and modern practices. My experiences as a Business English and Leadership Coach utilize my ability to communicate & lead effectively in multicultural settings. Not only do I work with Ukrainians, but I work with international teams, which has deepened my passion for building bridges between individuals and cultures.
Q: Anna, what is the general business culture like in Ukraine?
Anna: The business culture in Ukraine varies by industry. Traditional fields like agriculture, manufacturing, academics, or government offices tend to be hierarchical and formal, with titles and patronymics used in communication. A patronymic is a name derived from the father's given name, often used as a component of a person's full name to indicate lineage. For example, in Ukrainian, if the father's name is Олександр (Oleksandr), the son's patronymic would be Олександрович (Oleksandrovych), and the daughter's patronymic would be Олександрівна (Oleksandrivna). In contrast, the tech industry adopts flatter structures and less formal interactions. It should be noted that modern Ukrainian business has a tendency to develop in this direction.
Ukrainians value trust and reliability, often building relationships through professional collaboration before developing personal connections.
CultureComms’ Response: Ukraine's culture typically reflects a moderate-to-high power distance, especially in traditional industries where authority and hierarchy are respected, and decisions often flow from the top down. This is comparable to some other Slavic countries like Poland, where formal structures and deference to those in higher positions tend to be also prevalent. However, in modern industries like IT, there is a trend toward flatter hierarchies, resembling northwestern European or North American approaches.
When working with Ukrainians, task-based trust tends to be most natural, where business relationships often start with a focus on professional merit. While personal rapport may deepen over time, initial interactions should prioritize demonstrating expertise and dependability. Balancing formal communication with an awareness of hierarchical structures may help in effective collaboration.
Q: As Ukrainians are moving abroad, what challenges do they face when integrating into new environments?
Anna: Language barriers and differences in communication styles are significant challenges. Almost 44% of Ukrainians do not speak English.
Ukrainians’ directness and lack of small talk can often be misunderstood. From the Ukrainian perspective, we normally see this as a time management skill, used to respect the other person’s time. We tend to view directness as a way to stay on point, avoiding unnecessary digressions. Here, Ukrainians may face another issue - lack of clarity in a new environment, since we often prefer clear expectations and structured guidance in business processes.
CultureComms Response: Ukrainians’ can sometimes be stereotyped as blunt or reserved by those from cultures valuing elaborate initial pleasantries. This is coupled with emotional restraint, as Ukrainians are less likely to display overt emotions compared to some cultures like those in Latin America, the Mediterranean, or the United States. These traits may lead to misunderstandings in environments where demonstrative body language and dynamic facial expressiveness are expected. To bridge these differences, clear and structured communication is essential, along with an understanding that their directness reflects their value of efficiency rather than impoliteness.
Q: As Ukrainians begin working globally, especially in Western Europe, what professional differences might they encounter?
Anna: Ukrainians are naturally used to formal communication and respect for hierarchy, while many Western and Northern European workplaces often encourage casual, first-name interactions and easy access to senior leaders. Ukrainian communication is direct and to the point with a no-nonsense feedback style, which, again, can be perceived by others not used to this as blunt. Additionally, Ukrainians still have a tendency to overwork, prioritizing career success over personal life, whereas many Western cultures emphasize work-life balance.
CultureComms Response: Ukraine’s resource-oriented culture usually emphasizes practical solutions and tangible results, often prioritizing immediate needs over abstract ideals. This approach can contrast with more ideals-driven cultures, such as in Western and Northern Europe. Managers working with Ukrainian direct reports should consider setting clear goals and recognizing hard work, as personal success is highly valued. For those reporting to a Ukrainian manager, respect for hierarchy and delivering results are critical, while demonstrating your efficiency and direct communication are appreciated.
Q: Given the challenges many Ukrainians face, both in their personal lives and professionally, how do you think they approach unpredictability and change in the workplace?
Anna: We are a culture that typically does not like too many changes at once, but due to our geography and history, we are always ready for unexpected pivotal moments. It is important to mention that adaptability is one of the top skills of Ukrainians and Ukrainian business itself. We can learn, integrate and innovate with the speed of sound! That ability to navigate uncertainty doesn’t mean, however, we prefer such an environment. Working in a structured, predictable environment tends to be much more comfortable for us.
CultureComms Response: Ukrainians generally prefer structured and predictable environments, which align with their cultural tendency toward high uncertainty avoidance. While their historical resilience equips them to handle unpredictability and sudden changes effectively, this adaptability does not equate to a preference for spontaneity in the workplace. Ukrainians often value time rigidity, with a strong respect for deadlines and schedules, contrasting with cultures that prioritize flexibility or fluid timelines. To foster collaboration, it's important to balance structure with the occasional need for flexibility, offering clear plans while acknowledging their capability to adjust when things deviate. Understanding this balance can help create a workplace dynamic that respects both their need for stability and their strength in navigating change when necessary.
Q: Anna, to end on a lighter note, any favorite Ukrainian dishes to recommend?
Anna: Yes! For food, you must try borshch, varenyky, and Poltavs'ki Halushky. Poltavs'ki Halushky is the dish of my hometown, which we even have a monument of! Write to me and let me know what you think!
Final Thoughts
Anna’s insights reveal a culture that balances tradition and resilience, directness and stability. By understanding these cultural dimensions, businesses can create more inclusive and effective collaborations with Ukrainians, and Ukrainians might reflect on some aspects of their home culture they may need to adjust when going abroad.
At CultureComms Consulting, we specialize in helping teams navigate cross-cultural dynamics. Whether it’s understanding cultural dimensions or social or business norms, we’re here to support your global success.
And for English Language training, soft skills, leadership, and personal development training, connect with Anna Horoneskul.
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