Business Etiquette of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of four countries in the United Kingdom, along with Scotland, Wales and England. There are cultural nuances in each country, but business etiquette is fairly standard throughout. Politeness and restraint in personal behavior provide an important foundation for practicing proper business etiquette in all of the UK, including Northern Ireland. You can get off to a good start in the country by learning some of the basic rules for behavior in the workplace.
Other People Are Reading
-
Meetings
-
Shake hands with everyone present at social meetings, including children. You should shake hands at the beginning and the end of meetings, and your handshake should be light and gentle. Women should extend their hand first, according to the website eDiplomat.
Touching
-
Except for handshakes, you should generally keep your hands to yourself while conducting business in Northern Ireland. It is considered inappropriate to drape your arm around someone's shoulder, give them a hug, or pat them on the back. Those actions are considered displays of affection, and are reserved for close friends and family members.
-
Gifts
-
It's fine to offer a gift when visiting someone in their home, but not in the workplace. When visiting someone in their home, offer chocolate, books, wine, champagne or flowers. Do not bring white lilies, which denote death. You should present your gift when you arrive, and it is customary for the gift to be opened immediately.
Women Executives
-
According to eDiplomat, female business executives should encounter few problems conducting business in Northern Ireland, although business in the country historically has been controlled by men. Men in Northern Ireland may refer to women as "Darling," "Dearie" or "Love," but this is common and is not considered rude.
It is acceptable for a foreign woman business executive to invite an business colleague to dinner, but it is not advised, because the man may take the invitation as a sign of romantic interest. Opt for lunch instead. The woman can pay for the meal, but must state that desire at the outset. When sitting, women should cross their legs at their ankles, not their knees.
Conversation
-
Never try to sound British or mimic the accent. Brace yourself for the sometimes abrasive nature of British humor, which according to eDiplomat can be sexist, sarcastic or even racist. Do not start conversations about politics or religion in Northern Ireland because of the sensitive nature of those issues. Do not talk about money or pry into personal lives by asking someone about where they live or their profession.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit handshake image by Du...¡an Zidar from Fotolia.com
