Business Etiquette

Nepal :: Business Etiquette

2011-12-02T00:16:00.000-08:00

Culture of Nepal - A Quick Facts::

Nepal has over 72 Ethnic Groups and over 100 spoken languages are found in the country. As the country's groups of people are so diverse, each group follow their
own customs and traditions even for festival celebrations, rituals and eating foods. For example, Ethic Group known as "Brahman" are said to be refrained from drinking Alcohol and Buffaloes meats mainly because many of the priests are Brahman who consider consuming such commodities to be impure to mind, body and soul.
Nepal remained a Hindu Kingdom but has now become a Secular Nation. King was regarded as the reincarnation of Vishnu God and many Nepalese would worship him.
Music of Nepal is melodic however the modern music is a mixture of beats from the Western Countries Like USA and the Neighboring country India. The interests in POP music has grown in youth while there are still large population of the Nepalese who feel for the true beats of Nepali Music - the folk songs played using a flute and a drum called Madal . For many of the Nepalese living away from home, just listening to a folk song brings them back to Nepal variously!
Nepalese love arts. It shows in their work in temples and monuments and even at the houses. One such art rich city is the Patan of Kathmandu Valley where one can witness various forms of arts such as wooden arts, stone arts, and paintings.
Festivals are more than just holidays for Nepalese. They are the moments of devotion to worshiping Gods and Goddesses and keeping family and values together
The country is extremely diverse in its geographical position, all Nepalese do not share similar culture. Even the same festivals might be celebrated differently on in a different day in the different parts of the country
The country's population is about 27 million. The most crowded city is the capital, Kathmandu.
Country is often divided into three regions Terai, Mountains and Himalayas. People of Terai share similar culture that is found in India, because of its closeness to the India section. One such example is the culture of Mithila which is similar to that of India which is only found in the Terai region of Nepal.
There is a strong believe among the youths in the country that to be rich in Nepal, you either you have to be a politician or a government officer or work at the Tribhuvan International Airport at it's custom department. When asked, "why the country went to war", 9 out 10 nepalese might spell-out corruption as the main reason.

Business Ettiquette Of Nepal ::

Take off your shoes before entering a temple or one's home.

Ask for permission before entering a Hindu temple.

Taking photographs inside the most temples are considered illegal. Ask for permission before taking photographs of objects, and including Nepali people.

Nepali people are friendly by nature. Have a genuine interest in them. Talk to them. Be friendly as you travel..

Public displays of affection such as kissing may be considered offensive.

Say hello or Namaskar if anyone is initiating a dialogue with you. The form of greeting in Nepal is Namaste or Namaskar. Say it to greet Nepali people. It has a lot of meaning such as hello, how are you, have a nice day, bye bye. To do Namaskar by hand, join your palms together, bring it few inches below you chin facing it upwards.

You may accept handshake offered by both sex male or female, but never offer your hand first to women. Instead you do `Namaskar' Its considered rude for a man to touch a women even shaking a hand, specially married women. Hand shakes are more gentle not strong, so don't feel the person isn't interested, it's just their way.

Roads are narrow and crowded so horns help drivers save lives. They signal pedestrians with each beat of the heart! So be ready to hear horn noise and accept it - don't get upset about it

Khana Khanu Bhayo? - Nepalese may ask you in Nepali, Khana Khanu Bhayo (have you eaten) ? Its a form of greeting more than the question. So go ahead say `you ate one (Khaya)' if you are busy, or they will have you joining their dining table if you say (Chaainaa)!

For Yes : shake your head from side to side, and for NO: nod your head up and down

It is common to see same sex walking together hand in hand or with arms around each other. It is a common friendship gesture in Nepal. Perception of friendship is realized before such terms like Gay or Lesbian. When someone talks to you and taps you while talking to you consider that the person is trying to get your attention - its a Nepali friendship way.

Pointing your finger at people is considered bad - it means wait and I will have something against you! If you have to point at someone, use your upturned hand or lift your chin and say oo.

It is believed that it's uncommon to say Ma Lai Thaha Chaina (I don't know in English). Its often considered rude to say it. So if you have to say "I don't know" try saying it like you knew it! Suppose someone asks you where is America and you didn't know, you would say "Try looking up in the globe?" So people expect answers from you but not the "I don't know" answer!

When you are in a Nepali dining table, there is usually the senior member of the family, usually a female, serving to everyone. She will repeatedly offer food. Consider that as a respect, don't get offended, take a little and say thank you. In Nepali, usually the mother eats last and she makes sure that everyone eats and eats well. That's why you have the repeated offers!

You generally visit someone in a hospital with fruits or some powder mix like a popular Indian made Horlicks. Never visit someone in a hospital empty hand and a happy face!

Elders are called by their title but not by their names. Never call your daddy by his name nor do you call your mummy by her name, it's considered rude. When you visit your friend's parent, you also don't use their names. Brothers and Sisters also do not use their names while calling one another.

Shopping in

Nepal

start by bargaining. Most products don't have price tags, so you are expected to haggle with shop owners. Don't buy anything without bargaining or if you feel that extra dollars of yours would not hurt poor Nepalese go ahead give your best shot! Bargaining is common for buying stuff like vegetables and groceries, riding a cab, buying gift items such as Nepali Kukuri, Carpets, and just about anything really.

When you touch someone with your feet accidentally, you pay back the respect by tapping the person's shoulder, and then your forehead.

Calling people by names like Dad, Mum, Sister, Brother, Uncle is very common. For example, you say `Amaa' (Mother) or Buba (Dad) to your friend's parents but never call them by their names.

Never tell a girl you don't know that she is beautiful or compliment on her features. Girls consider it impolite and rude - they think you are flirting with them. Most Nepalese girls don't flirt except for a few bunch living in cities breathing western air!.

Slurping - It is common to slurp tea and other hot drinks in restaurants and homes.

Superstition is a part of Nepalese life. Never say a young baby healthy and or fat - they don't like that, they think the baby will get sick afterwards. Never keep your shoes or sandals upside down - it brings bad luck around. Spilling rice on the floor (specially cooked rice) and walking on it is an insult to the Hindu Goddess of Food. For a long journey away from home, you usually depart with a sip of yogurt and/or a red tika (colored mix or powder) on your forehead given by the senior member of your family. Some highly superstitious people will only travel on specific days of the week for leaving home towards a specification directions like north or south. The number 3 is considered unlucky - for example, when three people have to depart from the same location, they leave one after another but not all at same time. It is common to pray before traveling specially on a long journey, so you will see bus drivers with photos of Hindu goddess, incense and bells and doing prayers before beginning the first drive of the day. Its common to see hanging of red dried Chillies in places like homes, restaurants and even in buses - it's done to protect the place from bad spirits.

Fat - If you tell someone he or she is fat, it's a compliment. Say it in Nepali "Tapai Kastoo Moto HooNuuHunChaa". Nepalese like that and most Nepalese like to be called fat. When someone has a big fat belly, it means they have got a lot of money to eat, it shows off. Most big fat bellies in poor countries do walk proudly.

Sharing a meal - You always ask someone around you if that person want's to share your meal. If you take a snack to work, you always ask your colleague if they would like to have a bit out of it. When a Nepali family prepares a special meal or even a special pickle at home, they will send it out to neighbors before they have it themselves. Sharing a meal makes them feel good about it. This is very common specially in remote villages in the country.

Nothing in Nepal works on time. Don't expect punctually. Public buses don't run on time, road traffics are unpredictable, and I didn't know about the meeting time - the kind of excuses you will hear from someone who shows up late in Nepal. Expect everything to slow down. Did you know that it takes hours just to pay your Electricity Bills, forget about paying your telephone Bill - it might take a whole day of waiting in a line! So expect delay at all levels from getting a bus, taxi, plane and getting a room in your hotel

Nepali Topi is the the national cap of Nepal - it's rather the part of the national dress for men. Many Nepalese were Topi proudly and it makes them feel good. One of the best ways to show that you care about Nepal and Nepalese is to wear this cap. Many visitors take back home a Nepali topi and use it in special occasions such for receiving Nepali friends at airport or during celebrations. Nepali Topi makes an unique and simple method to show your affection for

Nepal

and Nepalese. If you can, wear a Nepali topi while traveling in Nepal - for a Nepali topi on your head you feel like a Nepali and what better experience can be more than that!

Use of bad language is not common even among friends. Visitors to Nepal should avoid using bad language, and remember most city people do understand spoken English.

Licking your fingers is considered a bad manner. In most countries like USA, you lick your fingers if it has touched any edible substances. Doing the same in Nepal in public is considered gross.

Blowing your nose in front of people is considered rude. If you must blow, do it quietly and/or alone.

People spit and throw stuff everywhere- there is no law against littering. Don't complain, just go about your business, ignore it. The most common spitting is from the chewing of Betel Leaf (Paan) and chewable tobacco (Khaine in Nepali)

When women have their monthly (Period or menstruation), they sleep and eat alone without touching anyone in the family for three to four days, they are also kept isolated for a week when they give a birth. Such traditions have been modified to fit family's desire or needs. During untouchable period, women don't visit temples or perform puja (worshiping and making offerings to God ). Some go as far as not celebrating festivals. For example, a sister who has a period during Tihar festival won't give or receive tika (a special mark on forehead).

Most Nepalese eat their meal by hand specially for the Nepali food Dal Bhat and Tarkari

Once someone has eaten from a plate, most Nepalese will not eat from it as it is considered impure (Jutho in Nepali). They feel they might get germs from it. But it is found that many Nepalese women eat leftovers from her husband's plate - for sharing of food is a loving gesture.

Priest play an important role in the lives of Nepalese. He is called in to get a special `birth name' when you are born, he is there to witness your marriage vows, and he is with you at your funeral, and also in selected Hindu festivals like Janai Purnima. He performs puja, worships God and asks God for forgiveness of your sins. They are passionate people, they love their job like no other. Never criticise the job of a priest, even if you don't agree.

Traditional Nepalese marriage is a deal between the parents. The boy, his mother and his father will come to see the girl and her parents. She will offer them tea. He will get to see her for a while, and the deal is made by the parents. If its not good enough, they will go search for another deal.

People who don't look like the ordinary Nepalese will get lots of looks and even constant staring. Specially when you are away from the main cities like Kathmandu, you will be noticed constantly by many people including beautiful Nepalese kids whose curious eyes will be all around you. Smile and Enjoy

Nepalese don't eat beet, but buffalo meat is eaten by certain group of people.

Many of the Nepalese customs are based on traditions and beliefs in Hindu and Buddhist religions. You haven't known about Nepalese untill you have been with all. There are more than 100 ethic groups of Nepalese in

Nepal

each with their own custom, tradition, and rituals, all sorts speaking different Nepali language

Pakistan :: Business etiquette

2011-11-30T21:16:00.000-08:00

Pakistani Society & Culture

Islam

. Islam is practised by the majority of Pakistanis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
. Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.
. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed.
. During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.

The Family

The extended family is the basis of the social structure and individual identity.
. It includes the nuclear family, immediate relatives, distant relatives, tribe members, friends, and neighbours.
. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.
. Nepotism is viewed positively, since it guarantees hiring people who can be trusted, which is crucial in a country where working with people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
. The family is more private than in many other cultures.
. Female relatives are protected from outside influences. It is considered inappropriate to ask questions about a Pakistani's wife or other female relatives.
. Families are quite large by western standards, often having up to 6 children.

Hierarchical Society

. Pakistan is a hierarchical society.
. People are respected because of their age and position.
. Older people are viewed as wise and are granted respect. In a social situation, they are served first and their drinks may be poured for them. Elders are introduced first, are provided with the choicest cuts of meat, and in general are treated much like royalty.
. Pakistanis expect the most senior person, by age or position, to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.
. Titles are very important and denote respect. It is expected that you will use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name.

Etiquette & Customs in Pakistan

Meeting and Greeting

. Greetings are therefore often between members of the same sex; however, when dealing with people in the middle class, greetings may be across sex lines.
. Men shake hands with each other. Once a relationship is developed, they may hug as well as shake hands.
. Women generally hug and kiss. Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the person's health, family, and business success.
. Pakistani names often include a name that denotes a person's class, tribe, occupation, or other status indicator.
. They may also include two names that have a specific meaning when used together, and the meaning is lost if the names are separated. . It is best to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.
. In general, this is not a culture where first names are commonly used, except among close friends.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Pakistani's home, bring the hostess a small gift such as flowers or good quality chocolates.
. Men should avoid giving flowers to women.
. Do not give white flowers as they are used at weddings.
. If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.
. Do not give alcohol.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
. Gifts are given with two hands.

Dining Etiquette

. If invited to a home you will most likely have to remove your shoes. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
. Dress conservatively.
. Arrive approximately 15 minutes later than the stipulated time when invited to dinner or a small gathering.
. You may arrive up to one hour later than the stipulated time when invited to a party.
. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
. In more rural areas, it is still common to eat meals from a knee-high round table while sitting on the floor.
. Many people in urban areas do not use eating utensils, although more westernized families do.
. When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behaviour.
. Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served.
. Do not start eating until the oldest person at the table begins.
. You will be urged to take second and even third helpings. Saying "I'm full" will be taken as a polite gesture and not accepted at face value.
. Eat only with the right hand.

Business Etiquette & Protocol in Pakistan

Building Relationships & Communication

Third-party introductions are a necessity in this relationship-driven culture.
. Pakistanis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship building.
. You must not appear frustrated by what may appear to be purely social conversation. Pakistanis are hospitable and enjoy hosting foreign guests.
. Relationships take time to grow and must be nurtured. This may require several visits.
. Pakistanis often ask personal questions as a way to get to know you as a person.
. If possible, it is best to answer these questions.
. Pakistanis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated. Do not back away.
. Pakistanis are generally indirect communicators.
. Always demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group.
. In general, Pakistanis speak in a roundabout or circuitous fashion. Direct statements are made only to those with whom they have a long-standing personal relationship.
. They also use a great deal of hyperbole and similes, and go out of their way to find something to praise.
. Be prepared to flatter and be flattered.
. Pakistanis prefer to converse in a non-controversial manner, so they will say they "will try" rather than admit that they cannot or will not be able to do something.
. Therefore, it is important to ask questions in several ways so you can be certain what was meant by a vague response. Silence is often used as a communication tool.
. Pakistanis prefer to do business in person. They see the telephone as too impersonal a medium for business communication.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made, in writing, 3 to 4 weeks in advance, although meetings with private companies can often be arranged with less notice.
. The best time to schedule meetings is in the late morning or early afternoon.
. If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan. The workday is shortened, and since Muslims fast, they could not offer you tea, which is a sign of hospitality.
. You should arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to be kept waiting.
. Pakistanis in the private sector who are accustomed to working with international companies often strive for punctuality, but are not always successful.
. It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled at the last minute or even once you have arrived.
. In general, Pakistanis have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means there may be frequent interruptions. Other people may wander into the room and start a different discussion.
. Meetings are formal.
. Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.
. Never inquire about a colleague's wife or daughters.
. During the first several meetings, business may not be discussed at all as the relationship is still being developed.
. Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.
Negotiating
. Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
. Decisions are reached slowly. If you try to rush things, you will give offense and jeopardize your business relationship.
. The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval.
. It often takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
. If you change negotiators, negotiations will have to start over since relationships are to the person and not the company that they represent.
. Pakistanis are highly skilled negotiators.
. Price is often a determining factor in closing a deal.
. Pakistanis strive for win-win outcomes.
. Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.
. Do not use high-pressure tactics.
. Pakistanis can become highly emotional during negotiations. Discussions may become heated and even revert to Urdu (the national language). It is imperative that you remain calm.
Business Card Etiquette
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction.
. Include any advanced university degrees or professional honours on your card, as they denote status.
. Business cards are exchanged using the right hand only or with two hands.
. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting into your business card holder.

Italy :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

Italian Society & Culture

Italian Family Values

The family is the centre of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members.
. In the north, generally only the nuclear family lives together; while in the south, the extended family often resides together in one house.
. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.

Italian Style

. Appearances matter in Italy.
. The way you dress can indicate your social status, your family's background, and your education level.
. First impressions are lasting impressions in Italy.
. The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians.
. They unconsciously assess another person's age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them, often before any words are exchanged.
. Clothes are important to Italians.
. They are extremely fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance.
. You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.
. Bella figura is more than dressing well. It extends to the aura your project too - i.e. confidence, style, demeanour, etc.

Catholicism

. The primary religion in Italy is Roman Catholic.
. There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country.
. Although church attendance is relatively low, the influence of the church is still high.
. Many office buildings will have a cross or a religious statue in the lobby.
. Each day of the year has at least one patron saint associated with it.
. Children are named for a particular saint and celebrate their saint's day as if it were their own birthday.
. Each trade and profession has a patron saint.
. The church promulgates hierarchy, which can be seen in all Italian relationships.
. They respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who come from well-connected families

Etiquette & Customs in Italy

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
. The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
. Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
. Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
. Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
. Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
. If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
. Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
. If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.
. Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
. Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to an Italian house:
. If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
. Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
. If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
. If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table manners

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. Women may offer a toast.
. Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.
. Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
. Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
. If you do not want more wine, leave your wineglass nearly full.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Italy

Relationships & Communication

Italians prefer to do business with people they know and trust.
. A third party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform from which to work.
. Italians much prefer face-to-face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy developing the relationship.
. Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you.
. Demeanour is important as Italians judge people on appearances and the first impression you make will be a lasting one.
. Italians are intuitive. Therefore, make an effort to ensure that your Italians colleagues like and trust you.
. Networking can be an almost full-time occupation in Italy. Personal contacts allow people to get ahead.
. Take the time to ask questions about your business colleagues family and personal interests, as this helps build the relationship
. Italians are extremely expressive communicators. They tend to be wordy, eloquent, emotional, and demonstrative, often using facial and hand gestures to prove their point.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in writing (in Italian) 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Reconfirm the meeting by telephone or fax (again in Italian).
. Many companies are closed in August, and if they are open many Italians take vacations at this time, so it is best not to try to schedule meetings then.
. In the north, punctuality is viewed as a virtue and your business associates will most likely be on time.
. The goal of the initial meeting is to develop a sense of respect and trust with your Italian business colleagues.
. Have all your printed material available in both English and Italian.
. Hire an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
. It is common to be interrupted while speaking or for several people to speak at once.
. People often raise their voice to be heard over other speakers, not because they are angry.
. Although written agendas are frequently provided, they may not be followed. They serve as a jumping off point for further discussions.
. Decisions are not reached in meetings. Meetings are meant for a free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their say.

Business Negotiation

. In the north, people are direct, see time as money, and get down to business after only a brief period of social talk.
. In the south, people take a more leisurely approach to life and want to get to know the people with whom they do business.
. Allow your Italian business colleagues to set the pace for your negotiations. Follow their lead as to when it is appropriate to move from social to business discussions.
. Italians prefer to do business with high-ranking people.
. Hierarchy is the cornerstone of Italian business. Italians respect power and age.
. Negotiations are often protracted.
. Never use high-pressure sales tactics.
. Always adhere to your verbal agreements. Failing to follow through on a commitment will destroy a business relationship.
. Heated debates and arguments often erupt in meetings. This is simply a function of the free-flow of ideas.
. Haggling over price and delivery date is common.
. Decisions are often based more on how you are viewed by the other party than on concrete business objectives.

Dress Etiquette

. Dressing well is a priority in Italy.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Elegant accessories are equally important for men and women.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the formal introduction.
. To demonstrate proper respect for the other person, look closely at their business card before putting it in your card holder.
. It is a good idea to have one side of your business card translated into Italian.
. If you have a graduate degree, include it on your business card.
. Make sure your title is on your card. Italians like knowing how you fit within your organization.

Belgium :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

Belgian Society & Culture
Belgium is not a homogeneous country with one national identity. As such, it is therefore difficult to give a general overview that applies to all Belgians. Each area will have its own particularities. The three predominant cultures are: 1) in north, Flanders - primarily Dutch, 2)in the south, Wallonia - primarily French and 3) the northeast - primarily German influenced. The following are brief aspects that are applicable to all areas.

Belgian Family Values

. Family plays a central role in most Belgians' lives.
. The obligation to the family is a person's first priority.
. Many people remain in the town in which they were raised, which creates close extended families.

Appearances Matter

. Appearances are important to Belgians.
. They can often be seen washing the pavement or steps in front of their house or even sweeping the street.
. Cleanliness is a matter of national pride.
. Belgians take great pride in their houses. To have overgrown hedges or untidy gardens would disgrace the family and insult their neighbours.
. Belgians take pride in their personal appearance too. They dress well and are concerned with the impression they make on others.

Egalitarianism in Belgian Society

. Belgium is on the whole an egalitarian society.
. Women are not expected to change their name when they marry.
. There are laws governing paternity as well as maternity leaves and laws forbidding sexual harassment in the workplace.

Etiquette & Protocol Guidelines for Belgium

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings entail a degree of formality. A brief handshake is the common greeting among people who do not know each other.
. Once a relationship is developed, three kisses on the cheek may replace the handshake. This is more a kissing of the air near the person's cheek. Start with the left cheek and alternate.
. Men never kiss other men; they always shake hands.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a Belgian's house, bring flowers or good quality chocolates for the hostess.
. Older Belgians may expect flowers to be unwrapped.
. Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify death.
. Flowers should be given in an odd number, but not 13.
. Liquor or wine should only be given to close friends.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. Belgians socialize in their homes and restaurants, although the home is reserved for family or close friends.
. If you receive a written invitation, the response must be written as well.
. Wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to the other guests.
. Dress conservatively. Belgians take pride in their appearance and expect you to do the same.
. Arrive on time. Punctuality demonstrates respect.
. Wait for your host to tell you where to sit.
. Women take their seats before men.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Keep your wrists above the table when eating.
. Wait to see if your host offers a toast before sipping your drink.
. The guest of honour may also give a toast.
. Women may offer a toast.
. It is polite to stand for a toast.
. The Flemish raise their glasses twice during a toast. The glass is initially raised during the toast and then at the completion of the toast.
. Never leave food on your plate. It is seen as both rude and wasteful.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing upwards, with the handles facing to the right.
. Belgians take pride in their cuisine, so praising a meal is a sincere compliment.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Belgium

Relationships & Communication

Although third-party introductions are not necessary, they often smooth the way.
. Regardless of how you are introduced, you must always be polite and well mannered.
. Belgians are careful and prudent so take time before they trust others, be they individuals or representatives of companies.
. Business dealings tend to be bureaucratic. There are many procedures and a great deal of paperwork.
. Belgians are excellent linguists and many are sufficiently fluent to conduct meetings in English.
. Belgians prefer subtlety to directness, believing that subtlety is a reflection of intelligence.
. Although they are more direct in their communication than many cultures, if a response is too direct it may be seen as simplistic.
. They prefer communication to be logical and based on reason
. Belgians often engage in long, critical discussions before reaching a decision so that they can be certain that they have considered all the alternatives.
. They believe it is rude to be confrontational.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary
. The person you are meeting will generally set the time for the meeting, usually mid morning or mid afternoon.
. Avoid scheduling meetings during July and August, which are prime vacation times; the week before Easter; and the week between Christmas and New Year.
. Everyone is expected to arrive on time
. Arriving late may brand you as unreliable.
. Meetings are formal
. First appointments are more socially than business oriented, as Belgians prefer to do business with those they know.
. Do not remove your jacket during a meeting.
Dress Etiquette
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts and silk ties.
. Women should wear business suits or conservative dresses.
. Men should only wear laced shoes, never loafers or other slip-ons, as they are too casual.
. Polished shoes are an integral part of a professional image.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your business card translated into French or Dutch. This shows respect and understanding of the linguistic heritage of your colleagues.
. If you have meetings in both areas, have two sets of business cards printed, and be careful to use the proper ones.
. Present your business card so the recipient can read the side with their national language.

Russia :: Business etiquette

2011-11-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

Russian Society & Culture

The Russian Family

. The Russian family is dependent upon all its members.
. Most families live in small apartments, often with 2 or 3 generations sharing little space.
. Most families are small, often with only one child because most women must also work outside of the house in addition to bearing sole responsibility for household and childrearing chores.

Russian Pride

. Russians are proud of their country.
. Patriotic songs and poems extol the virtues of their homeland.
. They accept that their lives are difficult and pride themselves on being able to flourish in conditions that others could not.
. They take great pride in their cultural heritage and expect the rest of the world to admire it.

Communal Mentality

. For generations until the 1930's, Russian life centred on the agricultural village commune, where the land was held in common and decision-making was the province of an assembly of the heads of households.
. This affinity for the group and the collective spirit remains today. It is seen in everyday life, for example most Russians will join a table of strangers rather than eat alone in a restaurant.
. Everybody's business is also everyone else's, so strangers will stop and tell someone that they are breaking the rules.

Etiquette and Customs in Russia

Meeting Etiquette

The typical greeting is a firm, almost bone-crushing handshake while maintaining direct eye contact and giving the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
. When men shake hands with women, the handshake is less firm.
. When female friends meet, they kiss on the cheek three times, starting with the left and then alternating.
. When close male friends meet, they may pat each other on the back and hug.

Naming Conventions

Russian names are comprised of:
. First name, which is the person's given name.
. Middle name, which is a patronymic or a version of the father's first name formed by adding '- vich' or '-ovich' for a male and '-avna' or '- ovna' for a female. The son of Ivan would have a patronymic of Ivanovich while the daughter's patronymic would be Ivanovna.
. Last name, which is the family or surname.

In formal situations, people use all three names. Friends and close acquaintances may refer to each other by their first name and patronymic. Close friends and family members call each other by their first name only.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving using takes place between family and close friends on birthdays, New Year, and Orthodox Christmas.
. If you are invited to a Russian home for a meal, bring a small gift.
. Male guests are expected to bring flowers.
. Do not give yellow flowers.
. Do not give a baby gift until after the baby is born. It is bad luck to do so sooner.
. Russians often protest when they are offered a gift. Reply that it is a little something and offer the gift again and it will generally be accepted.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Russian's house:
. Arrive on time or no more than 15 minutes later than invited.
. Remove your outdoor shoes. You may be given slippers to wear.
. Dress in clothes you might wear to the office. Dressing well shows respect for your hosts.
. Expect to be treated with honour and respect.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. This may be turned down out of politeness. Asking 'are you sure?' allows the hostess to accept your offer.

Table manners are generally casual.

. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. The oldest or most honoured guest is served first.
. Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start.
. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible at all times.
. You will often be urged to take second helpings.
. It is polite to use bread to soak up gravy or sauce.
. Men pour drinks for women seated next to them.
. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that your hosts have provided ample hospitality.
. Do not get up until you are invited to leave the table. At formal dinners, the guest of honor is the first to get up from the table.

Russian Business Etiquette and Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. Russians are transactional and do not need to establish long-standing personal relationships before they do business with people.
. It is still a good idea to develop a network of people who you know and trust. The Russian word "svyasi" means connections and refers to having friends in high places, which is often required to cut through red tape.
. Patience is essential.
. It is best to err on the side of formality when you first make contact.
. Sincerity is crucial as it is required to build trust, and trust is needed to build a relationship.
. Most Russians do not trust people who are 'all business'.
. An indication that you have successfully developed a personal relationship is being asked for a favour by that person.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible.
. It often takes roughly 6 weeks to arrange a meeting with a government official.
. Confirm the meeting when you arrive in the country and again a day or two in advance.
. The first week of May has several public holidays so it is best avoided.
. You should arrive punctually for meetings.
. Typical Russian schedules are constantly changing and everything takes longer than expected, so be prepared to be kept waiting.
. Meetings can be cancelled on short notice.
. The first meeting is often a vehicle to determine if you and the company you represent are credible and worthy of consideration for future business dealings.
. Use the time effectively to demonstrate what differentiates your company from the competition.
. Expect a long period of socializing and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed.
. Have all printed material available in both English and Russian.
. Russians expect long and detailed presentations that include a history of the subject and a review of existing precedents.
. Meetings are frequently interrupted. It is common for several side conversations that have nothing to do with the topic of the meeting to be carried on during the meeting.
. At the end of the meeting, expect to sign a 'protokol', which is a summary of what was discussed.

Business Negotiating

. Meetings and negotiations are slow. Russians do not like being rushed.
. It is a good idea to include technical experts on your negotiating team.
. Hierarchy is important to Russians. They respect age, rank and position. The most senior person reaches decisions.
. Russian executives prefer to meet with people of similar rank and position.
. Russians see negotiations as win-lose. They do not believe in win-win scenarios.
. Have written materials available in both English and Russian.
. Russians view compromise as weakness. They will continue negotiating until you offer concessions.
. Russians may lose their temper, walk out of the meeting, or threaten to terminate the relationship in an attempt to coerce you to change your position.
. Russians often use time as a tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure or they will delay even more.
. Nothing is final until the contract is signed. Even then, Russians will modify a contract to suit their purposes.
. Do not use high-pressure sales tactics as they will work against you.

Dress Etiquette

. Business dress is formal and conservative.
. Men should wear business suits.
. Women should wear subdued coloured business suits with skirts that cover the knees.
. Shoes should be highly polished.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Russian using Cyrillic text.
. Include advanced university degrees on your business card.
. Hand your business card so the Russian side is readable to the recipient.
. If someone does not have a business card, note their pertinent information.

Portugal :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

Portuguese Society & Culture

The Family

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability.
. The extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance from the family.
. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.
. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Formality

. Portuguese are traditional and conservative.
. They are a people who retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other, which is displayed in the form of extreme politeness.

Appearances Matter

. In Portuguese society appearance is very important, especially in the cities.
. People are fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success.
. They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford.

Hierarchy

. Portugal is a culture that respects hierarchy.
. Society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured.
. Both the Catholic Church and the family structure emphasize hierarchical relationships.
. People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making.
. Rank is important, and those senior to you in rank must always be treated with respect.
. This need to know who is in charge leads to an authoritarian approach to decision- making and problem solving.
. In business, power and authority generally reside with one person who makes decisions with little concern about consensus building with their subordinates.

Etiquette and Customs in Portugal

Meeting & Greeting

Initial greetings are reserved, yet polite and gracious.
. The handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
. Once a personal relationship has developed, greetings become more personal: men may greet each other with a hug and a handshake and women kiss each other twice on the cheek starting with the right.

Titles

. The proper form of address is the honorific title 'senhor' and 'senhora' with the surname.
. Anyone with a university degree is referred to with the honorific title, plus 'doutour' or 'doutoura' ('doctor') with or without their surname.
. Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.
. Use the formal rather than the informal case until your Portuguese friend suggests otherwise.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or candy to the hostess.
. Do not bring wine unless you know which wines your hosts prefer.
. Do not give 13 flowers. The number is considered unlucky.
. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums since they are used at funerals.
. Do not give red flowers since red is the symbol of the revolution.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. If invited to a dinner arrive no more than 15 minutes after the stipulated time.
. You may arrive between 30 minutes and one hour later than the stipulated time when invited to a party or other large social gathering.
. Dress conservatively. There is little difference between business and social attire.
. Do not discuss business in social situations.
. If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, send flowers the next day.
. Table manners are formal.
. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess says "bom appetito".
. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible at all times.
. Most food is eaten with utensils, including fruit and cheese.
. Keep your napkin to the left of your plate while eating. Do not place the napkin in your lap. When you have finished eating, move your napkin to the right of your plate.
. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
. Leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate, tines facing up, with the handles facing to the right.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Building Relationships & Communication

. The Portuguese prefer to do business with those they feel comfortable with, which means those that they know they can trust.
. Therefore, it is advisable to have a mutual contact provide the initial introduction.
. Expect to invest a great deal of time developing the relationship.
. The Portuguese prefer face-to-face meetings rather than written or telephonic communication, which are seen as too impersonal.
. Relationships are built with people, not companies.
. If you change representatives or people on a negotiating team once negotiations have started, the relationship-building process will have to begin again.
. It is important that you treat business colleagues with respect and not do anything to embarrass them.
. Communication is formal and relies on strict rules of protocol.
. If your Portuguese business colleagues have questions or want clarification during a presentation, they will wait until you have finished speaking and not interrupt.
. Although honest, the Portuguese do not volunteer information unless solicited, especially if remaining silent is in their best interest.
. Although the Portuguese are not emotive speakers and do not use hand gestures, they may be demonstrative when greeting friends. . If you tend to use hand gestures while speaking, you may wish to moderate your behaviour since it may incorrectly be viewed as overtly demonstrative.
. Portugal is a hierarchical culture that respects age and position.
. Defer to those in senior positions and maintain a sense of formality in written communication.
. Do not be concerned if your Portuguese colleagues fail to follow through on promises.
. They have a more relaxed attitude towards time and do not see deadlines as crucial as people from many other cultures do.
. They do not appreciate direct criticism, even if you consider it to be justified

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
. Reconfirm the meeting a few days in advance.
. Initial correspondence should be written in Portuguese.
. Since most Portuguese take vacation during August, it is not an ideal time to try to schedule meetings. It is also best not to plan meetings during the week between Christmas and New Year.
. You should arrive on time for meetings.
. In many circles, 5 minutes late is considered on time.
. Punctuality displays respect for the person you are meeting. If you are kept waiting, it is important that you not appear irritated.
. People from the north are generally more punctual than those in the south.
. A fair amount of getting-to-know-you conversation may take place before the business conversation begins.
. Agendas serve as starting points for discussions; they do not serve as schedules.
. Presentations should be well thought-out, thorough, and backed up with charts and figures.
. Decisions are not reached at meetings.
. Maintain eye contact when speaking.
. Meetings may be interrupted.
. Do not remove your jacket unless your business associates do so.

Argentina :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Argentinean Society & Culture

Europeans or Latin Americans?

. Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed.
. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.

Argentinean Family Values

. The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence.
. The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this comes a responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc and to maintain personal and family honour.
. Honour is in all respects the be all and end all and it routinely affects day-to-day life at home, in the community and in business.

Religion in Argentina

. The Argentine constitution guarantees religious freedom.
. Roman Catholicism acts as the official state religion.
. Other world religions, notably Islam, are gaining a foothold within the country during the last ten to fifteen years.

Expressive Communication Style

. Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remain tactful and diplomatic.
. Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion and sentimentality.
. In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.

General Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first.
. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will suffice.
. Maintaining eye contact indicates interest.
. In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering.
. When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to dinner at an Argentine's home bring a small gift for the hostess.
. Since taxes on imported spirits are extremely high, a bottle of imported spirits is always well received.
. Do not give knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
. Gifts are opened immediately.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to an Argentine home:
. Dress well. Men should wear a jacket and tie. Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse.
. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than invited for a dinner party. Arriving on time is not the norm.
. Telephone your hosts the following day to thank them.

Watch your Table Manners!

. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental - hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess invites you to do so.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
. It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
. Pouring wine is beset with many rituals and cultural taboos. If at all possible, avoid pouring wine.

Business Etiquette, Customs and Protocol in Argentina

Relationships & Communication

Argentina is a relationship-driven culture, so it is important to build networks and use them.
. Argentines maintain and use an intricate network of family and friends to call upon for help, favours or assistance.
. If a favour is done for you, you will eventually be called upon to re-pay it.
. Name-dropping and nepotism do not have the negative connotations as it has in the West and can be used to your advantage.
. Above all Argentines like to do business with people they know and trust.
. They prefer face-to-face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing, which are seen as impersonal.
. Once a relationship has developed, their loyalty will be to you rather than to the company you represent.
. Looking good in the eyes of others is important to Argentines. Therefore, they will judge you not only on what you say, but also on the way you present yourself.
. Avoid confrontation. Argentines do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect.
. It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority. When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.
. Be alert for nuances and hidden meanings. It is a good idea to repeat details, as you understand them to confirm that you and your business colleagues are in agreement.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, preferably by e-mail or telephone.
. Avoid January and February, which are their vacation times; the middle weeks of July, which is when many go skiing; and during the two weeks before and after Christmas.
. You should arrive on time for meetings, although the person you are meeting may not be punctual.
. In some older, more bureaucratic organizations, the more important the person you are meeting, the longer they keep you waiting.
. Do not immediately begin discussing business. Small talk helps establish a rapport.
. The person you are meeting with may accept telephone calls and attend to other business while you are there.
. Have all printed material available in both English and Spanish.
. Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.
Business Negotiations
. Argentines expect to deal with people of similar status.
. Hierarchy is important. Decisions are made at the top of the company. Business moves slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic. Decisions often require several layers of approval.
. Argentines have a difficult time disagreeing, so do not think that things are going well simply because no one is challenging what you say.
What to Wear?
. Business attire is formal and conservative, yet stylish.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear elegant business suits or dresses.
. Good quality accessories are important for both sexes.
. Dress well if you want to make a good impression.

Business Card Etiquette
. Business cards are given without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.
. Present your business card so the Spanish side faces the recipient.

Australia :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

Australian Society & Culture

Aussie Modesty

Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else.
. They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness.
. Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour.
. They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do.
. They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievement-oriented.

Mates

. Australians place a high value on relationships.
. With a relatively small population, it is important to get along with everyone, since you never know when your paths may cross again.
. This leads to a win-win negotiating style, since having everyone come away with positive feelings helps facilitate future business dealings.

A Multi-Cultural Society

. The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent.
. After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey.
. This was in response to the Australian policy of proactively trying to attract immigrants to boost the population and work force.
. In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy and opened its borders to South East Asia.
. This has caused a real shift in self-perception as Aussies begin to re-define themselves as a multi-cultural and multi-faith society rather then the old homogenous, white, Anglo- Saxon, Protestant nation.

Australian Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette

. Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed.
. A handshake and smile suffices.
. While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner. Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?'
. Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbours on birthdays and Christmas.
. Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer!
. If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ).
. Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat!
. Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a large party.
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.

Watch your table manners!

. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.

Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia

Relationships & Communication

Australians are very matter of fact when it comes to business so do not need long- standing personal relationships before they do business with people.
. Australians are very direct in the way they communicate.
. There is often an element of humour, often self-deprecating, in their speech.
. Aussies often use colourful language that would be unthinkable in other countries.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule.
. They should be made with as much lead time as possible.
. Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting.
. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.
. If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so.
. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles.
. Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the Australian business climate.

Negotiating and Decision Making

. Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk.
. They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail.
. Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not customary. They will expect your initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation.
. They do not like high-pressure techniques.
. Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after consultation with subordinates, which can make decision making slow and protracted.

What to wear?

. Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney.
. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit.
. Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit.
. In Brisbane or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual.
. If you are not given a business card, it is not an insult; the person simply may not have one.

Taiwan :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Taiwan

Meeting and Greeting

Greetings are formal and the oldest person in a group is always greeted first.
Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.
Many Taiwanese look towards the ground as a sign of respect when greeting someone.
You need not follow their example as they understand that westerners tend to smile warmly when introduced.
Most greetings include the rhetorical question, "Have you eaten?"
The Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname, or family name is first and is followed by one or two personal names.
Chinese women do not change their names when they marry other Chinese, and the children’s last name will generally follow that of the father.
Often their personal names have some poetic or otherwise significant meaning, so asking about the meaning is a good way to break the ice.
When you are first meeting a person, address the person by their academic, professional, or honorific title and their surname.
If those you are meeting want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which name to use.
Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them by that name.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births and funerals.
The Taiwanese like food and a nice food basket or a bottle of good quality alcohol are gifts.
A gift may be refused the first time it is offered out of politeness. Attempt to offer the gift again; however, never force the issue.
Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they traditionally indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.
Do not give white flowers or chrysanthemums as they signify death.
Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper.
Red, pink and yellow are considered to be auspicious colours.
Elaborate gift wrapping is imperative.
Do not give an odd number of gifts, since odd numbers are considered unlucky.
Four is also an unlucky number. Do not give four of anything.
Eight is the luckiest number. Giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.
Avoid giving anything made in Taiwan.
Present gifts using both hands.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Gifts are generally reciprocated. Do not give a lavish gift unless it is to reciprocate an expensive gift that you have received.

Dining Etiquette

The Taiwanese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their home, especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited to a Taiwanese home, it will happen once you have developed a relationship and should be considered a great honour.

Business Etiquette in Taiwan

Meeting people

A handshake is the common greeting.
Handshakes are not as firm as in many other countries.
Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand.
Many Taiwanese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
Greet or introduce the most important person first.
If you are in a group, try to assemble in rank order, with the most senior person first.
People are usually addressed by their title and surname.
If the person does not have a corporate or government title, use the honorific Mister, Miss, or Madame followed by the surname.
Wait until invited before using someone's first name.
Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions.
Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using the traditional script not the simplified script as used in China.
Business cards are exchanged using both hands.
Present your card so the typeface faces the recipient.
Examine a business card carefully before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case.
Treat business cards with respect. The way you handle someone’s card is indicative of the value you place on the relationship.
Never write on someone's card in their presence.

Communication Style

Taiwanese value a well crafted message. They appreciate sharing a deep and broad contextual understanding in order for the core message to be delivered and understood. That context comes in the form of words, gestures and facial expressions. Brevity is not particularly valued, especially if it sacrifices something in the delivery.

It is important for people from direct cultures (USA, Germany, Scandinavia, etc), where context is not as highly valued and brevity is crucial, to realize that messages might be misconstrued as rude and the information provided might be inadequate because of its lack of context. People from direct communications cultures should take care to patiently listen for the information needed. Furthermore, a tendency to have few gestures may make it more difficult for the message to be understood so be prepared for questions.

Business Meetings

Meeting schedules are not highly structured in Taiwan. There may be an agenda, but it serves as a guideline for the discussion and may act as a springboard to other related business ideas. As relationships are valued, there may be some time in the meeting devoted to non-business discussions. Time is not considered more important than completing a meeting satisfactorily, therefore meetings will continue until the discussion is completed and may extend well past a scheduled end time.

As stated above, people in Taiwan are very indirect in their communication and are as concerned with the effect of their words on others as they are with the content of their communication. They take great care to avoid communicating anything directly that would hurt or offend a colleague as it would cause a loss of "face". They will gently push their ideas forward and wait for others to respond. If they disagree with an idea, they will simply remain silent.

Poland :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

Polish Culture and Society

The Polish People - Poles

Poland is pretty much ethnically homogeneous. Ukrainian, Belorussian, Slovakian, and Lithuanian minorities reside along the borders. A German minority is concentrated near the southwest city of Opole. The capital and other cities are experiencing some inward migration from foreigners.

Religion

Religion plays an important role in the Polish society and is deeply intertwined with Polish culture.

Religious holidays are considered national holidays when most businesses are closed. The most important holiday is Christmas and celebrations last two and a half days. Poles practice "dzielenie oplatkiem" which is the breaking and sharing of a thin white wafer (oplatek) with all family members. While sharing the wafer, individuals express wishes of good heath and prosperity for the coming year. This is also commonly practised at work Christmas parties and is very much a part of Polish culture.

Another religious holiday of note is All Saints’ Day which takes place on November 1st. On this day Poles visit cemeteries to honour their loved ones who have passed away.

Catholicism is the most widely practiced religion. Life’s milestones such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, first communion and confirmation are influenced by the religion.

The Importance of Family

The family is the centre of the social structure. One’s obligation is to the family first and foremost. Extended families are still the norm and really form an individual’s social network.

Poles draw a line between their inner circle and outsiders. Family members are naturally part of the inner circle along with close friends, usually “family friends”. Poles will interact differently with their inner circle and outsiders. The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, cut through bureaucracy, or even rent an apartment. There is an elaborate etiquette of extending favours and using contacts to get things done.

Social Etiquette, Customs and Protocol

Greetings are generally reserved yet courteous.
. When greeting someone a good handshake, direct eye contact, a smile and the appropriate greeting for that time of day will suffice.
. Good morning/afternoon is "dzien dobry" and good evening is "dobry wieczor".
. Address people by their honorific title, “Pan” for a man and “Pani” for a woman, and their surname.
. Do not use first names until invited to. Moving from the use of formal to the informal names is such an important step that there is a ritual to acknowledge the changed status and your inclusion in their ‘inner circle’.
. At parties or other social gatherings, your hosts will introduce you, usually starting with the women and then moving on to the men.

Gift Giving Etiquette

The usual times for present giving are birthdays, name days (birth date of the saint after whom they are named), and Christmas.

Here are some general gift giving guidelines:
. Do not give gifts that are overly expensive; this may embarrass the recipient.
. Employees bring cake and champagne to the office to celebrate their name day.
. At Christmas, it is common to give small gifts to service workers such as postal workers, refuse collectors, etc.
. If invited to a Pole's home for dinner, bring wine, flowers, pastries or sweets for the hostess.
. Give an odd numbers of flowers.
. Do not give yellow chrysanthemums as they are used for funerals. Do not give red or white flowers, especially carnations and lilies.
. Gifts are generally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Pole's house:

. Be punctual.
. You may be expected to take off your shoes. (Check to see if your host is wearing slippers)
. Dress conservatively.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. This is good manners. This will more often that not be turned down out of politeness.
. Do not ask for a tour of the house.
. Table manners are Continental, i.e. hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Wait for the hostess to invite you to start eating.
. Most meals are served family-style.
. Take small amounts of food initially so you can accept second helpings.
. Try a bit of everything.
. Expect frequent toasting throughout the meal. The host offers the first toast.
. Toasts are only made with hard liquor (generally vodka).
. You should reciprocate with your own toast later in the meal.
. Alcohol is served in small glasses so you can swallow in one gulp.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting & Greeting

Polish businesspeople initially take a formal approach to business. This may come across as quite distanced but is not the intention. You may also notice differences in style between government officials who maintain formality and entrepreneurs who willingly dispense with formality. It is best to let your colleagues determine the level of formality used. General tips include:

. Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving.
. Handshakes are quite firm and eye contact is valued.
. Wait for a woman to extend her hand.
. Some older businessmen may kiss a woman's hand upon meeting. Do not imitate this behaviour as it may be seen as you poking fun.
. Titles are considered prestigious. Academic or professional titles are used with the honorific titles with or without the surname.
. Wait to be invited before moving to first names. You may do business with people for years and not be on a first name basis.
. Business cards are exchanged without formal rituals.
. Try and have one side of your card translated into Polish.
. Include advanced university degrees and titles on your business card; qualifications are impressive.

Communication Styles

. Generally speaking, Poles judge others by their personal qualities. They therefore like to spend time getting to know people as individuals. This allows them to size people up.
. Honesty is highly valued in Poland since trust is the cornerstone of business relationships. Building personal relationships is essential for successful business dealings, especially if you are looking for a long-term business relationship.
. Poles are known for being direct communicators, i.e. they say what they are thinking. However they are also very sensitive to other’s feelings and let that determine how and what they say.
. While direct communication is valued in Poland, there is also emphasis on finessing what is said in order to deliver information in a diplomatic way.
. The level of the relationship mostly determines how direct someone can be.
. For newly established and more formal relationships, a great deal of emphasis is placed on diplomacy. Once a relationship has passed through the initial phases, people feel more comfortable speaking frankly with each other and animated exchanges become more common.

Business Meetings

. The most senior Pole generally opens the meeting and sets the groundwork for what is to be discussed.
. He may also verbally offer a recommended agenda for the discussions.
. Small talk is the norm at the start of meetings; do not rush proceedings as this is part of the relationship building process.
. The first few meetings may in fact seem to be more small talk than business discussions. If this is the case it means that your Polish colleagues are still sizing you up and have not yet made up their minds.
. You may want to consider this as an opportunity to get more personal and try and form that relationship.
. Lunch and dinner meetings are often used to further the personal relationship.
. Meetings tend to be relatively relaxed once the personal relationship has been established.
. Hard facts are important so participants come well-prepared with facts and figures to back up their statements. Foreigners would be expected to do the same.
. Business decision-making processes tend to have a hierarchical basis, and therefore many decisions will be taken at the top echelons of the company.
. Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action steps that you can expect will be carried out to the letter.

Singapore :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T05:39:00.000-08:00

Singapore Society & Culture

The Family

. The concepts of group, harmony, and mutual security are more important than that of the individual.
. The family is the centre of the social structure and emphasizes unity, loyalty and respect for the elderly.
. The term, 'family' generally includes extended family and close friends who are treated as family members.
. Respect for the elderly and seeing the family as the place one goes to for support, both help retain core values in this island nation.

Face & Respect

. Having face indicates personal dignity.
. Singaporeans are very sensitive to retaining face in all aspects of their lives.
. Face is a prized commodity that can be given, lost, taken away or earned.
. It is a mark of personal qualities such as a good name, good character, and being held in esteem by one's peers.
. It can also be greater than the person and extend to family, school, company, and even the nation itself.
. Face is what makes Singaporeans strive for harmonious relationships.

Hierarchy

. Singaporeans claim they are an egalitarian society, yet they retain strong hierarchical relationships that can be observed in the relationship between parents and children, teachers and students, and employers and employees.
. This goes back to their important cultural value, group dependence.
. This reliance on hierarchy is drawn from Confucianism, which emphasizes respecting age and status, even blind obedience to one's elders. . In the workplace this is seen in the increased deference that is paid to employees who are older.
. The elderly are always treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
. Even if you do not personally know the individual, you will be expected to give special consideration.
. Elders are introduced first, are given preferential seating, are given the choicest food, and in general put on a pedestal.
. There was a law passed in 1996 that mandated that children must assume financial responsibility for their elderly parents should the need arise.
. This is indicative of the high status of the elderly and the challenges facing the small country as the next generation becomes more individualistic.

Ethnic Diversity

. Singapore is a multi-ethnic society where Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions coexist beneath the veneer of a western cosmopolitan metropolis.
. The three main ethnic groups are religiously and culturally diverse.

Non-Verbal Communication

. Singaporeans are group dependent and rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels.
. They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word.
. They tend to be subtle, indirect and implicit in their communications.
. They hint at a point rather than making a direct statement, since that might cause the other person to lose face.
. Rather than say 'no', they might say, 'I will try', or 'I'll see what I can do'. This allows the person making the request and the person turning it down to save face and maintain harmony in their relationship.
. Silence is an important element of Singaporean communication.
. Pausing before responding to a question indicates that they have given the question appropriate thought and considered their response carefully.
. They do not understand western cultures ability to respond to a question hastily and think this indicates thoughtlessness and rude behaviour.

Etiquette and Customs in Singapore

Meeting and Greeting

Greetings will follow a strict protocol often based on both the ethnic origin and age of the person.
. Younger people or those who work in multi-national companies may have adopted the western concept of shaking hands with everyone, but this is not the case with older or more reserved Singaporeans.
. Ethnic Chinese shake hands. Their grasp is rather light although the handshake itself can be rather prolonged.
. Men and women may shake hands, although the woman must extend her hand first. Introductions are always done in order of age or status.
. Between men, ethnic Malays shake hands.
. Men and women do not traditionally shake hands, since Muslim men do not touch women in public.
. Younger Malays may shake hands with foreign women, but it is more appropriate to use the 'salaam' (bowing the head) greeting.
. This is also the greeting to be used when two women meet.
. Ethnic Indians shake hands with members of the same sex.
. When being introduced to someone of the opposite sex, nodding the head and smiling is usually sufficient.
. As with the other groups, the elderly or the person with the most status is introduced first.

Titles/Names

Chinese

. Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname or family name is first and is followed by two personal names.
. Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which of their two personal names to use.
. Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them that.

Malay

. Many Malays do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector bin. So Noor bin Isa, would be Noor, the son of Isa. Women use the connector binti, so Zarina binti Isa would be Zarina the daughter of Isa.
. The title Haji (male) or Hajjah (female) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca.
. The name Sayyed (male) or Sharifah (female) indicates that the person is considered to be a descendent of the prophet Mohammed.

Indian

. Many Indians in Singapore do not use surnames. Instead, they place the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. The man's formal name is their name 's/o' (son of) and the father's name. Women use 'd/o' to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.
. Since many Indian names are extremely long, they commonly use a shortened version of their name as a sort of nickname.
. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname.
. Sikh Indians all use the name Singh to denote themselves as Sikhs.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Since there are cultural differences in how the three main ethnic groups treat gifts, they are listed separately.

Gift giving to ethnic Chinese:

. A gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This demonstrates that the recipient is not greedy.
. Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
. Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.
. Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper as these are mourning colours.
. Wrap gifts in red, pink, or yellow since these are happy colours
. Elaborate gift wrapping is imperative.
. Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork as birds are the harbinger of death.
. Do not give odd numbers as they are unlucky.
. Do not bring food if invited to a formal dinner party as it insinuates you do not think the host will provide sufficient hospitality.
. Bring a small gift of fruit, sweets, or cakes, saying that it is for the children.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
. Flowers do not make good gifts as they are given to the sick and are used at funerals.

Gift giving to ethnic Malays:

. Never give alcohol.
. Do not give toy dogs to children.
. Do not give anything made of pigskin as Malays are Muslim.
. Give the gift when you are departing, rather than when you arrive.
. Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning.
. Wrap gifts in red or green paper.
. If you give food, make sure it is halal.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving to ethnic Indians:

. If you give flowers, avoid frangipani as they are used in funeral wreaths.
. Money should be given in odd numbers, so give S$11 rather than S$10.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
. Do not wrap gifts in white or black.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colours as these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Business in Singapore is more formal than in many western countries.
. There are strict rules of protocol that must be observed.
. The group (company or department) is viewed as more important than the individual.
. People observe a strict chain of command, which comes with expectations on both sides.
. In order to keep others from losing face, much communication will be non-verbal and you must closely watch the facial expressions and body language of people you work with.

Building Relationships & Communication

. Personal relationships are the cornerstone of all business relationships.
. Business is a matter of being tied into the proper network, which is the result of long- standing personal relationships or the proper introductions.
. This is a group-oriented culture, so links are often based on ethnicity, education or working for the same company.
. Once you are recognized as part of the group, you will be accepted and expected to obey the unwritten rules of the group.
. Relationships take time to develop.
. You must be patient as this indicates that your organization is here for the long-term and is not looking only for short- term gains.
. Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business.
. Rank is always respected. The eldest person in the group is revered.
. Most Singaporeans are soft-spoken and believe a calm demeanour is superior to a more aggressive style.
. Watch your body language and facial expressions.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance, whenever possible.
. The most formal way to schedule a meeting is to write to the person concerned, although most Singaporeans will schedule an appointment by telephone, fax, or e-mail.
. Do not try to schedule meetings during Chinese New Year (late January/early February), since many businesses close for the entire week.
. You should arrive at meetings on time. Punctuality is a virtue.
. There will be period of small talk before getting down to business discussions.
. Since questioning authority is a taboo, it is important to encourage questions when after making a presentation and then smile when a question is eventually asked.
. Presentations should be accompanied by backup material, including charts and figures.
. Never disagree or criticize someone who is senior to you in rank as it will cause both of you to lose face and may destroy the business relationship.
. Pay attention to non-verbal communication.

Negotiating

. Always send a list of people who will be attending the negotiations and their title well in advance.
. Always wait to be told where to sit. There is a strict hierarchy that must be followed.
. Business negotiations happen at a slow pace.
. Singaporeans are non-confrontational. They will not overtly say 'no'; likewise, their 'yes' does not always signify agreement.
. Singaporeans give a respectful pause of up to 15 seconds before answering a question. Do not start speaking too quickly or you will miss the answer.
. Be prepared with a mental list of concessions you would be willing to make that would not injure your own business.
. Singaporeans are tough negotiators on price and deadlines.
. Decisions are consensus driven
. Avoid losing your temper or you will lose face and damage your relationship.
. If you are signing a contract with ethnic Chinese, the signing date may be determined by an astrologer or a geomancer (feng shui man).

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions.
. Business cards are exchanged using both hands.
. If you will be meeting ethnic Chinese, it is a good idea to have one side of your card translated into Mandarin. Have the Chinese characters printed in gold, as this is an auspicious colour. Hand your card so the typeface faces the recipient.
. Examine business cards carefully before putting them in a business card case.
. Treat business cards with respect. This is indicative of how you will treat the relationship.
. Your own business cards should be maintained in pristine condition. Never give someone a tattered card.

Hungary :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

Hungarian Society & Culture

Nation of Horsemen

. The Ancient Hungarians lived in the Euro-Asian nomadic pastoral region, where the keeping and use of horses played an important role in their lives.
. Therefore it is not surprising that the horse and horse riding has a central place in Hungarian History, leading to Hungarians being regarded as the nation of horsemen.
. Invitations to foreigners for horseback riding are not uncommon.

Family in Hungary

. The family is the centre of the social structure.
. Generations of extended family often live together.
. The grandparents play an important role in helping raise the grandchildren.
. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.

Get Personal

. Hungarians expect friends to share private and intimate details of their personal lives.
. If you ever feel you are being asked personal questions, this is simply meant as part of the getting-to-know-you process.
. Hungarians will even enjoy sharing details of their romantic life with you!

Etiquette & Customs in Hungary

Meeting Etiquette

Both men and women greet by shaking hands, although a man should usually wait for the women to extend her hand.
. The older generation may still bow to woman.
. Close friends kiss one another lightly on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek.
. In the business context is safest to address people by their titles and surnames.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. When visiting a company it is not necessary to bring gifts.
. If invited to a Hungarian's home for a meal, bring a box of good chocolates, flowers or Western liquor.
. Do not bring wine as the Hungarians are proud of the wines they produce.
. Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is considered an unlucky number.
. Do not give lilies, chrysanthemums or red roses.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If in the rare case you invited to a Hungarian's house:
. Arrive on time if invited for dinner, although a 5-minute grace period is granted.
. If invited to a party or other large gathering, arrive no more than 30 minutes later than invited.
. You may be asked to remove your outdoor shoes before entering the house.
. Do not ask for a tour of the house.

Table manners are formal in Hungary.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. The hostess will wish the guests a hearty appetite at the start of each course.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible at all times.
. Hospitality is measured by the amount and variety of food served. Try everything.
. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork across your plate.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
. The guest of honour usually proposes the first toast which generally salutes the health of the individuals present.
. At the end of the meal, someone toasts the hosts in appreciation of their hospitality.
. An empty glass is immediately refilled so if you do not want more to drink, leave your glass ½ full.
. Never clink glasses if drinking beer.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Hungary

Relationships & Communication

. Although Hungarians are transactional and do not require long-standing personal relationships in order to conduct business, being introduced by someone they know and trust can often help
. Hungarians pride themselves on using proper etiquette in all situations and expect others to do the same.
. Socializing is an important part of the relationship building process.
. Expect many invitations to dinner or cultural events. If you have the time, reciprocate invitations.
. Hungarians prefer face-to-face meetings rather than more impersonal vehicles of communication such as letters.
. Hungarians are emotive speakers who say what they think and expect you to do the same.
. They do not like euphemisms or vague statements.
. Hungarians often use stories, anecdotes, and jokes to prove their points.
. Hungarians are suspicious of people who are reticent and not willing to share their innermost thoughts.
. Hungarians view eye contact as indicative of sincerity and believe that people who cannot look them in the eye while speaking have something to hide.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made 2 in advance in writing.
. It is often difficult to schedule meetings on Friday afternoon or from mid July to mid August. Also avoid scheduling meetings from mid December to mid January.
. Punctuality for all social situations is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is considered extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and could ruin your business relationship.
. Initial meetings are scheduled to get to know each other and for your Hungarian colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy.
. Expect some small talk and getting-to-know-you conversation before business is discussed. Do not move the conversation to business yourself.
. Do not remove your suit jacket without asking permission.
. If you have an agenda, it may be used as a springboard to further discussion and not followed item by item.

Business Negotiating Etiquette

. Business is conducted slowly.
. Deals in Hungary cannot be finalized without a lot of eating, drinking and entertaining.
. Hungarians are very detail-oriented and want to understand everything before reaching an agreement.
. Contracts should be clear and concise.
. Contracts function as statements of intent. It is expected that if circumstances change, the contract will accommodate the revised conditions.
. Hungarians are skilled negotiators.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure sales tactics.

Dress Etiquette

. Business dress is formal and conservative.
. Men should wear dark business suits with a white shirt and tie.
. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses, complimented with good quality accessories.
. Jeans are standard casual wear. Shorts are uncommon in the city.
. Business wear is appropriate for all formal occasions.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your card translated into Hungarian.
. The Hungarian side should list your surname before your first name, Hungarian style.
. Include any advanced university degrees on your business card.
. Include the founding date of your company on the card.

Germany :: Business etiquette

2011-11-29T05:31:00.000-08:00

Germany Culture::

A Planning Culture

. In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of planning.
. This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day.
. Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security.
. Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and plan their life accordingly.
. Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no need to think of doing it any other way.
. Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life.
. Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.
. There is a proper time for every activity. When the business day ends, you are expected to leave the office. If you must remain after normal closing, it indicates that you did not plan your day properly.

The German Home

. Germans take great pride in their homes.
. They are kept neat and tidy at all times, with everything in its appointed place.
. In a culture where most communication is rather formal, the home is the place where one can relax and allow your individualism to shine.
. Only close friends and relatives are invited into the sanctity of the house, so it is the one place where more informal communication may occur.
. There are many unwritten rules surrounding the outward maintenance of one's home.
. It is imperative that common areas such as sidewalks, pavements, corridors (in apartments), and steps be kept clean at all times.

German Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are formal.
. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
. Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name. You should say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their surname.
. In general, wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group.
. When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a German's house, bring a gift such as chocolates or flowers.
. Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received.
. Do not give red roses as they symbolize romantic intentions.
. Do not give carnations as they symbolize mourning.
. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. If you bring wine, it should be imported, French or Italian. Giving German wines is viewed as meaning you do not think the host will serve a good quality wine.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a German's house:
. Arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning. Never arrive early.
. Never arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained.
. Send a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank your hostess for her hospitality.

Table manners

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or someone says 'guten appetit' (good appetite).
. At a large dinner party, wait for the hostess to place her napkin in her lap before doing so yourself.
. Do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Do not cut lettuce in a salad. Fold it using your knife and fork.
. Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by indicating the food is tender.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Rolls should be broken apart by hand.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate, with the fork over the knife.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. The most common toast with wine is 'Zum Wohl!' ('good health').
. The most common toast with beer is 'Prost!' ('good health').

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Germany

relationships&communications

. Germans do not need a personal relationship in order to do business.
. They will be interested in your academic credentials and the amount of time your company has been in business.
. Germans display great deference to people in authority, so it is imperative that they understand your level relative to their own.
. Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with their office door closed. Knock and wait to be invited in before entering.
. German communication is formal.
. Following the established protocol is critical to building and maintaining business relationships.
. As a group, Germans are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that sound too good to be true, or displays of emotion.
. Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness.
. Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a record of decisions and discussions.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
. Letters should be addressed to the top person in the functional area, including the person's name as well as their proper business title.
. If you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be written in German.
. Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could jeopardize your business relationship.
. Meetings are generally formal.
. Initial meetings are used to get to know each other. They allow your German colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
. Although English may be spoken, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter so as to avoid any misunderstandings.
. At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their approval by rapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
There is a strict protocol to follow when entering a room:
. The eldest or highest ranking person enters the room first.
. Men enter before women, if their age and status are roughly equivalent.

Business Negotiation

. Do not sit until invited and told where to sit. There is a rigid protocol to be followed.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
. Treat the process with the formality that it deserves.
. Germany is heavily regulated and extremely bureaucratic.
. Germans prefer to get down to business and only engage in the briefest of small talk. They will be interested in your credentials.
. Make sure your printed material is available in both English and German.
. Contracts are strictly followed.
. You must be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol. Germans are detail- oriented and want to understand every innuendo before coming to an agreement.
. Business is hierarchical. Decision-making is held at the top of the company.
. Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action steps that you can expect will be carried out to the letter.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high- pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
. Once a decision is made, it will not be changed.

Dress Etiquette

. Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.

India :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

Indian Culture ::

Hirarchy ::

. The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that emphasizes established hierarchical relationships.
. Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they family, friends, or strangers.
. All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be observed for the social order to be maintained.

The Role of the Family

. People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than by their status as individuals. Someone is deemed to be affiliated to a specific state, region, city, family, career path, religion, etc.
. This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians maintain with their family, including the extended family.
. The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and structures. Along with these mutual obligations comes a deep-rooted trust among relatives.

Just Can't Say No

. Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally.
. Rather than disappoint you, for example, by saying something isn't available, Indians will offer you the response that they think you want to hear.
. This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be considered terribly rude if he did not attempt to give a person what had been asked.

. Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an affirmative answer but be deliberately vague about any specific details. This will require you to look for non-verbal cues, such as a reluctance to commit to an actual time for a meeting or an enthusiastic response.

Etiquette and Customs in India

Meeting Etiquette

. Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
. This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
. When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
. Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
. Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.

Naming Conventions

Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The following are some basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions:

Hindus:
. In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname.
. In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of their father's name in front of their own name.
. The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.
. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname.

Muslims:
. Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad.
. Women use the connector 'binti'.
. The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sikhs:
. Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector name to the surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage.
. It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient.
. If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned down.
. Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
. Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
. A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative.
. Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
. Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances.
. Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time.
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.

There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served:
. Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians.
. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
. Sikhs do not eat beef.
. Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.

Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious beliefs of the various groups.
. Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
. Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later.
. You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
. Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
. In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in India

Relationships & Communication

Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
. Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
. In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.
. It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you immediate credibility.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance.
. It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice.
. The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your meeting the week before and call again that morning, since it is common for meetings to be cancelled at the last minute.
. Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of meetings.
. You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.
. Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is quite possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting.
. Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the meeting.
. Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.

Business Negotiating

. Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks.
. Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
. Decision making is a slow process.
. If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust.
. Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
. Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect concessions in return for those you grant.
. Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement.
. Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.
. Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
. The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less formal, although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.

Titles

. Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
. Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
. If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
. Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name. (See Social Etiquette for more information on Indian naming conventions.)
. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
. Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.

Denmark :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T04:16:00.000-08:00

Denmark Society&culture ::

Denmark is an egalitarian society.
. Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words.
. Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs.
. Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark.
. Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries.

Women in Danish Society

. Women are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions.
. Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family.
. Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

Proper Public Behaviour

. Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance.
. If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol.
. They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.

. Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.

Danish Family Values

. Most families are small.

. Children are raised to be independent from an early age.
. Most are put in day care centres at about 1 years old.
. Marriage is not a prerequisite to starting a family. Many couples live together without legalizing the arrangement with marriage.

Etiquette & Customs in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
. Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing.
. Shake hands with women first.
. Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Danes give gifts to family and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
. If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift.
. Flowers should be wrapped.
. If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event.
. Red wrapping paper is always a good choice.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to a Danish home:
. Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and social situations.
. Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering the house.
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
. Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house.
. Do not discuss business.

Watch your table manners!

. Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
. Try everything.
. Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without offending your hosts.
. Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right.
. The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course.
. Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'.
. When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye contact with the people seated closest to you.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary.
. Confirm appointments in writing.
. Initial correspondence should be made to the company and not an individual.
. Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through mid August as many Danes are on vacation.
. You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are meeting will be punctual.
. Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than 5 minutes.
. Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. Handshakes should be very firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact while being introduced. Always shake hands with women first.
. Business cards are exchanged. Your business card should have the physical address of your company and not a post office box.
. Danes use their professional title and their surname. If someone does not have a professional title, use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses) or Froken (Miss). Danes move to first names quickly. Nonetheless, wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Negotiation

. Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation.
. Decisions are made after consulting with everyone involved.
. Presentations should be well-organized and factual. Use facts, figures and charts to back up statements and conclusions.
. Maintain eye contact while speaking.
. There will be a minimal amount of small talk. Danes prefer to get down to business quickly.
. Communication is direct.

Brazil :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T04:10:00.000-08:00

. Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.
. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called 'mestizos'.
. 'Mulattoes' are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves.
. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines.
. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry.

Brazilian Family Values

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

The Brazilian Class System

. Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil.
. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence.
. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged.
. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc.
. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour.
. There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--among the different classes
. Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing.
. The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.

Etiquette and Customs in Brazil

Meeting Etiquette

. Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact.
. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.
. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift.
. Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.
. Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours.
. Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Brazilian's house:
. Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner.
. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering.
. Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.
. If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Brazil

relationships & communications

. Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.
. Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know the person with whom they are doing business.
. The individual they deal with is more important than the company.
. Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian.
. Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face with the others in the meeting.
. The person making the criticism also loses face, as they have disobeyed the unwritten rule.
. Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion.
. It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking.
. Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. At the same time, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts.

Business Negotiation

. Expect questions about your company since Brazilians are more comfortable doing business with people and companies they know.
. Wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. Never rush the relationship- building time.
. Brazilians take time when negotiating. Do not rush them or appear impatient.
. Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details.
. Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority.
. It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent.
. Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations. Brazilians resent an outside legal presence.
. Brazilian business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
. Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be cancelled or changed at the last minute.
. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time for meetings. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late for a meeting.
. Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something outside their control and the demands of relationships takes precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.
. Meetings are generally rather informal.
. Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation.
. Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Dress Etiquette

. Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well.
. Men should wear conservative, dark coloured business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive.
. Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.
. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese.
. Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient.

Usa :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-29T03:37:00.000-08:00

American Society and Culture

Diversity

America is ultimately a nation of immigrants and as a result is a cultural mish-mash in every sense of the word. Not only is the country populated by people from foreign countries but all Americans in one way or another trace their ancestry back to another culture, whether Irish, German, Italian or Scottish. Looking around any major city one will notice the ‘melting-pot’ that it is.

Informal and Friendly

Most people who come to the United States may already know a few things about the people through TV. Although this is of course a skewed reality some of the stereotypes are true, especially American friendliness and informality. People tend to not wait to be introduced, will begin to speak with strangers as they stand in a queue, sit next to each other at an event, etc. Visitors can often be surprised when people are so informal to the point of being very direct or even rude.

Time is Money

The country that coined the phrase obviously lives the phrase. In America, time is a very important commodity. People 'save' time and 'spend' time as if it were money in the bank. Americans ascribe personality characteristics and values based on how people use time. For example, people who are on-time are considered to be good people, reliable people who others can count on.

The Family

The family unit is generally considered the nuclear family, and is typically small (with exceptions among certain ethnic groups). Extended family relatives live in their own homes, often at great distances from their children.

Individualism is prized, and this is reflected in the family unit. People are proud of their individual accomplishments, initiative and success, and may, or may not, share those sources of pride with their elders.

Customs and Etiquette in the U.S.A

Meeting and Greeting

Greetings are casual.
A handshake, a smile, and a 'hello' are all that is needed.
Smile!
Use first names, and be sure to introduce everyone to each other.

Gift Giving Etiquette

In general, Americans give gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and major holidays, such as Christmas.
A gift can be as simple as a card and personal note to something more elaborate for a person with whom you are close.
Gift giving is not an elaborate event, except at Christmas.
When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a small box of good chocolates, a bottle of wine, a potted plant or flowers for the hostess.
Gifts are normally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

Americans socialise in their homes and ‘backyards’, in restaurants and in other public places.
It's not at all unusual for social events to be as casual as a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park.
Arrive on time if invited for dinner; no more than 10 minutes later than invited to a small gathering. If it is a large party, it is acceptable to arrive up to 30 minutes later than invited.
Table manners are more relaxed in the U.S. than in many other countries.
The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating. The fork is held tines down. The knife is used to cut or spread something. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner, go ahead. It will not offend anyone.
Feel free to refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an explanation.
Many foods are eaten by hand.
Food is often served family-style, which means that it is in large serving dishes and passed around the table for everyone to serve themselves.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or says to begin.
Remain standing until invited to sit down.
Do not rest your elbows on the table.
Put your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down.
Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Business Dress

What is considered appropriate business attire varies by geographic region, day of the week and industry.
In general, people in the East dress more formally, while people in the West are known for being a bit more casual.
Executives usually dress formally regardless of which part of the country they are in.
Casual Friday is common in many companies. High technology companies often wear casual clothes every day.
For an initial meeting, dressing conservatively is always in good taste. Women can wear business suits, dresses or pantsuits. Men should wear a business suit unless you know the firm to be quite casual.

Greetings

The hand shake is the common greeting.
Handshakes are firm, brief and confident.
Maintain eye contact during the greeting.
In most situations, you can begin calling people by their first names.
Most people will insist that you call them by their nickname, if they have one.
In formal circumstances, you may want to use titles and surnames as a courtesy until you are invited to move to a first name basis, which will happen quickly.
Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
It is quite common for the recipient to put your card in their wallet, which may then go in the back pocket of their trousers. This is not an insult.

Communication Styles

Americans are direct. They value logic and linear thinking and expect people to speak clearly and in a straightforward manner. To them if you don’t “tell it how it is” you simply waste time, and time is money. If you are from a culture that is more subtle in communication style, try not to be insulted by the directness. Try to get to your point more quickly and don’t be afraid to be more direct and honest than you are used to. Americans will use the telephone to conduct business that would require a face-to-face meeting in most other countries. They do not insist upon seeing or getting to know the people with whom they do business.

Business Meetings

Arrive on time for meetings since time and punctuality are so important to Americans. In the Northeast and Midwest, people are extremely punctual and view it as a sign of disrespect for someone to be late for a meeting or appointment. In the Southern and Western states, people may be a little more relaxed, but to be safe, always arrive on time, although you may have to wait a little before your meeting begins.

Meetings may appear relaxed, but they are taken quite seriously. If there is an agenda, it will be followed. At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a summary of what was decided, a list of who will implement which facets and a list of the next steps to be taken and by whom. If you make a presentation, it should be direct and to the point. Visual aids should further enhance your case. Use statistics to back up your claims, since Americans are impressed by hard data and evidence.

With the emphasis on controlling time, business is conducted rapidly. Expect very little small talk before getting down to business. It is common to attempt to reach an oral agreement at the first meeting. The emphasis is on getting a contract signed rather than building a relationship. The relationship may develop once the first contract has been signed.

Japan :: Busines Etiquette

2011-11-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

Japan

Emperor: Akihito

Prime Minister: Yoshihiko Noda

Land area: 394,744 sq km

Total area: 377,835 sq km

Population: 126,804,433

Birth rate: 7.4/1000; Infant mortality rate: 2.8/1000; Life expectancy: 82.1

Capital: Tokyo

Monetary Unit: Yen

Culture:

The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. The inhabitants of Japan experienced a long period of relative isolation from the outside world during the Tokugawa shogunate until the arrival of "The Black Ships" and the Meiji period.

Traditional Japanese arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, swords and dolls; performances of bunraku, kabuki, noh, dance, and rakugo; and other practices, the tea ceremony, ikebana, martial arts, calligraphy, origami, onsen, Geisha and games. Japan has a developed system for the protection and promotion of both tangible and intangible Cultural Properties and National Treasures Sixteen sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Upper estimates suggest that 84–96 percent of the Japanese population subscribe to Buddhism or Shinto, including a large number of followers of a syncretism of both religions. However, these estimates are based on people affiliated with a temple, rather than the number of true believers. Other studies have suggested that only 30 percent of the population identify themselves as belonging to a religion. Nevertheless the level of participation remains high, especially during festivals and occasions such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. Taoism and Confucianism from China have also influenced Japanese beliefs and customs. Less than one percent of Japanese are Christian. In addition, since the mid-19th century numerous new religious movements have emerged in Japan.

More than 99 percent of the population speaks Japanese as their first language. It is an agglutinative language distinguished by a system of honorifics reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary indicating the relative status of speaker and listener. Japanese writing uses kanji (Chinese characters) and two sets of kana, as well as the Latin alphabet and Arabic numerals

Kinkaku-ji or 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion' in Kyoto, Special Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and UNESCO World Heritage Site; its torching by a monk in 1950 is the subject of a novel by Mishima

Business Etiquettes:

· Appearance:

1. Those who dress according to their status or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.

2. Men should wear dark conservative attire. Business suits are most suitable.

3. Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

4. Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons are the best choice.

5. Women’s dress should be conservative. Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.

6. Women should not wear pants in a business situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive.

7. Women should only wear low-heeled shoes to avoid towering over men.

8. A kimono should be wrapped left over right to do otherwise symbolizes death.

9. Remember the Japanese phrase "The nail that sticks up gets hit with the hammer" when considering your choices for attire in Japan.

10. Avoid using large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions and any dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands and to do so could distract your host.

11. Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money.

12. Pointing in not acceptable.

13. Personal space is valued. Because the Japanese live in such a densely populated area, they value their personal space.

14. A smile can have double meaning. It can express either joy or displeasure. Use caution with your facial expressions. They can be easily misunderstood.

15. The Japanese are not uncomfortable with silence. They use it to their advantage in many situations. Allow your host to sit in silence.

· Behavior:

1. The word for toasting is kampai, pronounced 'kahm-pie'. When toasting the glass is never left unfilled. Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture. It is a way to relieve business stress.

2. Never pour a drink yourself; always allow someone else to do it for you.

3. Most business entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Often in karaoke or "hostess bars." Businesswomen should not attend "hostess bars."

4. Let the host order the meal and pay. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events.

5. Japanese rarely entertain in the home. If you are invited to the home of your Japanese host, consider it a great honor and display a tremendous amount of appreciation.

6. If you are invited to a social event, punctuality is not expected. It is the custom to be "fashionably late."

7. If you do take your host out insist upon paying. The Japanese will refuse but insist. They will prefer that you choose a Western-style restaurant when entertain them.

8. Key phrases to learn are "itadakimasu" at the beginning of dinner, and "gochisou-sama-deshita" at the end. It is polite use these phrase and it will show you host that you have enjoyed the meal.

9. It is perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles. Doing so will exhibit your enjoyment of your food. To do otherwise, indicates that your meal was not a pleasant one.

10. Do not openly display money. It is rare to see it given from person to person in Japan. It is important to use an envelope to pass money.

· Gifting:

1. Gift giving is very important both business and personal gifts.

2. Style is tantamount. The gift itself is of little importance, the ceremony surrounding it is very important.

3. Always wrap gifts. The selection of the wrapping paper is critical. Do not give anything wrapped in white as it symbolizes death. Do not use bright colors or bows to wrap the gift. It is better to have the hotel or the store wrap the gift to ensure that it is appropriate.

4. Do not surprise the recipient with the gift. Give your host some warning during the evening that you intend to give them a present.

5. Give the gift with both hands and accept gifts with hands.

6. Generally, gifts will not be opened in your presence. If your host insists that you open the gift do so gingerly. They take pride in gift wrapping, show that you appreciation the effort.

7. Do not give gifts in odd number or the number four, as odd numbers are bad luck and four sounds like the word for death in Japanese.

8. Gifts should be given at the end of a visit.

9. Do not admire anything belonging to your host too closely. The Japanese strive to please; you may be rewarded for your admiration.

10. The most popular gift giving occasions in Japan are oseibo, which falls at the end of the year and O-chugen which falls during the middle of the year.

11. Good gift ideas include top choice beef, fruit and alcohol such as brandy, quality whiskey and Bourbon along with excellent wines. They also appreciate gifts from high-end department stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus.

12. The Japanese frown on open displays of affection. They do not touch in public. It is highly inappropriate to touch someone of the opposite sex in public.

· Communications:

1. In Japan, business cards are called meishi. Japanese give and receive meishi with both hands. It should be printed in your home language on one side and Japanese on the other. Present the card with the Japanese language side up.

2. Take special care in handling cards that are given to you. Do not write on the card. Do not put the card in your pocket or wallet, as either of these actions will be viewed as defacing or disrespecting the business card. Upon receipt of the card, it is important to make a photocopy of the name and title of the individual in your mind. Examine the card carefully as a show of respect.

3. In a business situation, business cannot begin until the meishi exchange process is complete.

4. The customary greeting is the bow. However, some Japanese may greet you with a handshake, albeit a weak one. Do not misinterpret a weak handshake as an indication of character.

5. If you are greeted with a bow, return with a bow as low as the one you received. How low you bow determines the status of the relationship between you and the other individual. When you bow keep your eyes low and your palms flat next to your thighs. The business card should be given after the bow. This is very important to remember.

6. In introductions use the person’s last name plus the word san which means Mr. or Ms. The Japanese prefer to use last names. Do not request that they call you by your first name only. If you are uncertain about the pronunciation of a name, ask for assistance.

7. Understand that the Japanese prefer not to use the word no. If you ask a question they may simply respond with a yes but clearly mean no. Understanding this is critical in the negotiation process.

In Asia the number 4 is bad luck, because in Japanese it sounds like the word ‘shuh-shuh’, which sounds like the word for death

South Korea :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

South Korea

(Republic of Korea)

President: Lee Myung-bak

Prime Minister: Kim Hwang Sik

Land area: 98,189 sq km

Population: 48,636,068 (growth rate: 0.2%)

Birth rate: 8.7/1000; Infant mortality rate: 4.2/1000; Life expectancy: 78.8

Capital:

Seoul

Monetary Unit: South Korean Won

Culture:

The contemporary culture of South Korea developed from the traditional culture of Korea, and on its own path away from North Korean culture since the division of Korea in 1948. The industrialization and urbanization of South Korea, especially Seoul, have brought many changes to the way Korean people live. Changing economics and lifestyles have led to a concentration of population in major cities, with multi-generational households separating into nuclear family living arrangements.

The Koreans are one ethnic family speaking one language. They share certain distinct physical characteristics which differentiate them from other Asian people including the Chinese and the Japanese, and have a strong cultural identity as one ethnic family.

The Korean language is spoken by more than 65 million people living on the peninsula and its outlying islands as well as 5.5 million Koreans living in other parts of the world. The fact that all Koreans speak and write the same language has been a crucial factor in their strong national identity. Modern Korea has several different dialects including the standard one used in Seoul and central areas, but they are similar and people do not have trouble understanding each other.

Just under half of the South Korean population expressed no religious preference.Of the rest, most are Buddhist or Christian. According to the 2007 census, 29.2% of the population at that time was Christian, and 22.8% were Buddhist. Other religions include Islam and various new religious movements such as Jeungism, Cheondoism and Wonbuddhism. The earliest religion practiced was Korean shamanism.Today, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, and there is no state religion.

Although life expectancy has increased significantly since 1950, South Korea faces a number of important health-care issues. Foremost is the impact of environmental pollution on an increasingly urbanized population. The incidence of chronic disease in South Korea hovers around 24 percent. Approximately 33 percent of all adults smoke. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rate of prevalence at the end of 2003 was less than 0.1 percent. In 2001 central government expenditures on health care accounted for about 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The suicide rate in the nation was 26 per 100,000 in 2008, the highest in the industrialized world.

Business Etiquettes:

· Meeting and Greeting:

The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.
Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may offer their hand to a Korean man.
Bow when departing. Younger people wave.

· Names and Titles:

1. It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. Address Koreans using appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.

2. Americans should address a Korean with Mr., Mrs., Miss + family name; however, never address a high-ranking person or superior in this manner.

3. Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individual's given name.

· Body Language:

Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.
Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.
Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair.
Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.
To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Never point with your index finger.

· Corporate Culture:

1. Koreans expect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. Call if you will be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects the pressure of time on Korean executives.

2. Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleague's card with both hands.

3. Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.

4. The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. Be formal in meetings until the Korean delegation loosens up.

5. Negotiations are generally long and require several trips. Be prepared for business meetings to go well beyond business hours.

6. Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.

7. A low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. A quick, short parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. Send a meeting review outlining all discussions and agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. Make several visits during negotiations and after business is established.

8. "Yes" is not necessarily “yes.” Koreans avoid saying "no." Try to phrase questions in a manner that doesn't require a "yes" or "no" answer. Example: Instead of saying "Could we sign the agreement by next Friday?” say "When is the earliest date that we could expect to sign this agreement?"

· Dining and Entertainment:

Sharing a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. Your business success is directly related to your social relationships.
Do not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others'. It is common to trade and fill each other's cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men's drinks, but never another woman's drink. A woman may pour her own drink. Leave some drink in your glass if you don't want a refill.
Wherever you see a "No Tipping" sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive.
Always allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.
Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. Periods of silence are common and appreciated at a dinner. The meal usually comes before socializing at a dinner party.
It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your forearm/wrist.
The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.
Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.
After dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. Don't refuse this invitation.

· Dress:

Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them. A formal suit and tie is almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in Seoul.
Women dress modestly. Prepare to sit on the floor; avoid straight, tight skirts.

· Gifts:

Gift giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.
Reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts.
Wrap your gift nicely. Bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors or red.
Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home. Give small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, or fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.
It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Allow the host to present his gift first.
Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, and gifts from France or Italy (which often indicate status).
Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).

China :: Business Etiquette

2011-11-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

People’s Republic of China

President: Hu Jintao

Prime Minister: Wen Jiabao

Land area: 9,326,411 sq km; total area: 9,596,960 sq km

Population: 1,336,718,015 (growth rate: 0.493%);

Birth rate: 12.29/1000; Infant mortality rate: 16.06/1000; Life expectancy: 74.68

Capital: Beijing

Monetary unit: Yuan/Renminbi

Culture:

China is believed to have the oldest continuous civilization. China has over 4,000 years of verifiable history. Beijing is the capital of China and is the focal point for the country. The official language is standard Chinese, which is derived from the Mandarin dialect. Most business people speak English. There are many dialects in China however there is only one written language.

A Communist form of government rules China. The Chinese government promotes Atheism although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Chinese practice a variety of religions, however, Confucianism; despite not being a formal religion is practiced widely throughout the country.

China is the most densely populated county in the world with approximately 1.17 billion people as of 1992. Almost 100 percent of the population are ethnic or Han Chinese. There are strict rules regarding childbirth and each couple is limited to only one child.

However, the Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism factor. This can be attributed primarily to the Communist rule and its emphasis on a collectivist culture.

Geert Hofstede analysis for China has Long-term Orientation (LTO) the highest-ranking factor (118), which is true for all Asian cultures. This Dimension indicates a society's time perspective and an attitude of persevering; that is, overcoming obstacles with time, if not with will and strength.

The Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism (IDV) ranking, at 20 compared to an average of 24. This may be attributed, in part, to the high level of emphasis on a Collectivist society by the Communist rule, as compared to one of Individualism.

The low Individualism ranking is manifest in a close and committed member 'group', be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.

Business Etiquettes:

· Appearance

1. Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.

2. Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.

3. Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

4. Casual dress should be conservative as well.

5. Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

6. Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.

· Behavior

1. Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.

2. Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.

3. Do not point when speaking.

4. To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.

5. It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.

6. Avoid acts that involve the mouth.

7. It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.

8. It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.

9. The most acceptable gift is a banquet.

10. Quality writing pens are considered favored gifts.

11. Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.

12. Do not discuss business at meals.

13. Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

14. As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.

15. Sample meals only, there may be several courses.

16. Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.

17. Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.

18. Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.

19. Women do not usually drink at meals.

· Communications

1. Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.

2. Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.

3. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.

4. Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.

5. Being on time is vital in China.

6. Appointments are a must for business.

7. Contacts should be made prior to your trip.

8. Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.

9. The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.

10. Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.

11. Present and receive cards with both hands.

12. Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.

13. The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.

14. Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.

15. Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.