World Business Etiquette
Business etiquette in a global economy can be a challenge. Each culture has different forms of etiquette that is important to their society. In the business environment, you don't want to offend a culture by doing something they find offensive or rude. However, learning specific etiquette rules can be rather broad, including communication, appearance, physical contact, eating, drinking and almost any activity. As an example, the way you greet a person from Japan is different than the way you greet a person from Peru. Seemingly insignificant actions can be improper in some cultures. For examples, in the Netherlands, it is rude to call out to someone you know.
Other People Are Reading
-
Communication
-
If you are traveling to a specific country, study their etiquette for that culture. What is proper communication in one country may be offensive in another. For example, in China responding in the negative is impolite. Responding with, "I will think about it," is more appropriate. Expect personal questions from a Chinese person, such as how old you are. Remain polite even if you avoid a direct answer. In many Arab countries, men do not introduce or acknowledge their wives. Do not attempt to engage her in conversation unless the man initiates the communication. In Japan, the word "San," is typically added after a last name, and the first name is not used. It is similar to the formal use in the United States of Mr. or Mrs. In Australia, they love a good debate.
Contact
-
Even formal physical contact can be a touchy area in many cultures. In Japan, a handshake (the typical western greeting) is appropriate; however, a slight bow is an acknowledgment to their culture. In Malaysia, do not give public displays of affection even to your spouse. For Muslim and Hindu cultures, never touch anyone's head, even young children.
Eye contact is often important for some cultures. In Asia, Africa and even Latin America, direct eye contact may be a sign of disrespect. In Spain, you should hold eye contact during discussions to show your sincerity, yet lowering the eyes is a way of showing respect. Eye contact is expected in Austria, and typically in the United States and Canada, prolonged eye contact with a female can be suggestive.
Aside from studying another culture to learn as much as possible about proper etiquette, pay close attention and study the culture.
-
Dining
-
Across most cultures, dining is much more than just eating food. It is often mixed with business or used as a social function. For example, in Russia, it is important to have drinks and snacks available during a meeting. Being invited to dine at a Russian's home is an honor. The meal will typically be large and often expensive for the host. Russians like and appreciate toasts. In Australia, a person must get to know you before inviting you to their home. When socializing at a pub, every person attending must buy a round of drinks. Australians do have tea time, which is actually the evening meal. Supper is a late snack.
Written Communication
-
When corresponding to people from other cultures, how you present yourself gives an impression of yourself and your business. Use formal names unless they are using only your first name. Use proper written language such as capitalization and punctuation. Refrain from references such as "LOL" and emoticons. Create short messages with minimal "niceties," as they may be difficult to understand. You also need to be clear and don't use slang. For example, don't say something is cool. Even simple statements can be misunderstood such as, "I'm on it."
Always put a reference in the subject line and do not send attachments unless given permission.
Training
-
Taking cultural awareness classes will help you think from another culture's point of view. According to Culturosity.com, "We are not all the same. Similarities and differences are both important. There are multiple ways to reach the same goal and to live life."
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit countries flags image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
