Business Etiquette in Samoa

Professionals should be aware of Samoan business practices before attending meetings and negotiations.

Samoa relies on imports from countries like the United States and Australia, and provides food items such as cocoa and fish to these countries as well. As the economy grows, Samoan professionals will do business with even more foreign businesspeople, which means you and your colleagues should be aware of basic etiquette in Samoa before you plan your visit.

Greetings

It is common for Samoans to shake hands with one another in both business and casual situations. When encountering someone on the street, a nod of acknowledgement or a raising of the eyebrows is common. Men and women are permitted to shake hands with one another; handshakes are not very lengthy, and it is considered impolite to make direct eye contact with a Samoan.

Business Attire

It is acceptable for foreign colleagues to wear traditional Samoan garb when doing business in the country. Men should wear an '"iefaitoga," which is a man-skirt with pockets, with a button-down shirt. A short-sleeved shirt with a tropical pattern is most appropriate; however, if a man does not have an iefaitoga, wearing slacks with a short-sleeved button-down shirt is proper etiquette. Women are expected to wear a skirt and top made from the same pattern of fabric--in Samoa, this outfit is called a "pulatasi." The women's clothing is especially form-fitting, but business attire for women should not be extremely form-fitting.

Communication

During business meetings and professional appointments, Samoans will be as polite as possible, and may say what a foreign colleague wants to hear, even if it is not entirely true. In some negotiations, direct communication may be more prevalent, such as when executives are present at a meeting and a decision needs to be made right away.

Punctuality

In professional situations, it is best for foreign businesspeople to be on time, even though the actual meeting may not begin when scheduled. If a colleague will be late for any reason, it is best to call ahead and provide the rest of the meeting participants with an expected arrival time as a sign of respect.

Giving Gifts

Gifts are expected during business meetings in Samoa; a small token from one's home country is usually appreciated. It is also appropriate to give money as a gift. When accepting a gift, it is appropriate to raise the gift slightly above the head with both hands for a moment. Presenting a gift like flowers or chocolates to the host if invited to a Samoan home will be appreciated, and it is correct etiquette to remove one's shoes before entering the home and giving the host the gift.

References

• Culture Crossing: Samoa
• Economy Watch: Export and Import of Samoa, Samoa Foreign Trade