Jamaican Business Etiquette

Jamaican business etiquette can be traced back through the country's culture and long history. Slavery, the long toiling and hard work on colonial plantations, the coming of foreigners, and Jamaica's now diverse population have all helped shaped the etiquette of people in this part of the world. Jamaican business etiquette is based upon polite formalities and respect for all parties concerned.

Building Business Relationships with Jamaicans

As in most business dealings, networking and building trustworthy relationships with other businesses are crucial steps for the businessmen and entrepreneurs of Jamaica. Community relationships are valued greatly and regarded as significantly vital when establishing successful business relationships. Although outwardly friendly and warm toward acquaintances, Jamaicans may not immediately express an interest in doing business. Value, respect, sensitivity and tact are also highly esteemed.

Respect for Authority

Jamaicans have a deep respect for those in authority, and they can often be heard referring to someone as "bosswoman" or "bossman" when the person is not an employee. These words can be likened to "ma'am" or "sir" in English or American vernacular. When referring to someone of lesser authority or equal stature, Jamaicans may converse in a more informal manner, while still addressing the other with the same level of respect.

Cultural Communication Awareness

While speaking, Jamaicans may communicate with gestures such as touching the arm or the shoulder of the person they are talking to. They are also known to speak in a frank and straightforward manner, and they expect their conversation partners to do the same.

Meetings

Jamaicans value their time, and they expect business partners to be punctual. It is also a regular practice that meetings or appointments be scheduled two weeks in advance if partners are coming from abroad. Also, meetings and appointments should be confirmed by telephone a few days prior. During meetings, small talk may serve as a preliminary before the actual agenda is discussed. The Jamaicans will give the signal for the meeting to formally start. A friendly, even tone is expected throughout the duration of the meeting, although it may be a formal conference. However, presentations about the business in question should be complete and to the point, without leaving those listening guessing about the subject at hand. Moreover, it should be carefully planned, with all potential questions answered.

Negotiations

Brevity and straightforward presentations are a must when presenting business proposals to Jamaicans. Bargaining can also be expected, and it is wise to keep the best offers for the end of negotiations. High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided, as Jamaicans usually look at this method as confrontational. Furthermore, it is a Jamaican custom to first review everything in detail before consenting to sign a contract. As Jamaicans value authority, it should be expected that the final decisions will come from the person with the most authority among them.

References

• Kwintessential; Jamaica, Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette;

Resources

• Jamaica