Business Etiquette for Global Challenges
The slogan "be prepared" takes on a whole new meaning whenever you cross an ocean. At the very minimum, you should know the basic facts of the country you are visiting. But taking extra time to learn the customs of the country and the local business etiquette will give you a definite edge.
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Work Ethic
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You will not meet too many workaholics abroad. This does not mean your foreign counterparts are lazy or indifferent; they are just as serious and meticulous about their work but have different priorities.
Workweeks and business hours vary around the globe. In Italy, Greece and some South American countries, it is common practice to close for two or more hours in the afternoon and then stay open until 7 p.m. or later. In China, the business week is Monday through Saturday, as it is in Japan and other non-Muslim countries. Muslim countries observe Friday as their Sabbath, conducting no business that day.
Meetings
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Wherever you are headed, take note of any religious and secular holidays and avoid scheduling meetings at that time. Arrange meetings at least two weeks in advance and confirm both before you leave and once you arrive in the country. For most Asian countries, give two months' lead time. In eastern Europe and Russia, it may take months to finalize visas and other travel arrangements. Do not show up at a business or government office without an appointment.
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Punctuality
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Be on time for all meetings in northern Europe and Asia. You will offend your host if you are even a few minutes late. Africans, South Americans and southern Europeans like to conduct business at a more leisurely pace. Your host may keep you waiting for half an hour or so, and once the meeting begins, he will take time to establish a friendly relationship before moving on to the work matters. In Africa, be prepared for a good deal of casual chatting; do not push your agenda too aggressively.
Greeting Styles
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Do not address your host by her first name. Be very careful to use any professional titles, such as "doctor" or "professor," followed by the appropriate surname.
Firm handshakes and eye contact are very important in North America and Europe. In Asia and the Middle East, people prefer a gentle grip; they could interpret a hearty grip as aggressive. North Americans and Europeans stand 2 to 3 feet apart, while Asians require more space. The rest of the world likes to get closer. In Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Pacific Island nations, men even may hold hands.
Appropriate Dress
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Unless you know the dress code of a particular country, dress conservatively. For men, a dark suit, dark tie and white shirt are safe bets. In warmer climates, a man can wear light-colored suits. Women should wear conservative suits and dresses and sensible shoes with medium-height shoes. Skirts and dresses should not go far above the knee in Western countries. In other countries, keep the hemline below the knee, and avoid sleeveless blouses and low necklines. Men and women alike should save their most elegantly cut suits for Italy and France, where fashion standards are high.
Dining and Drinking
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Accept all luncheon and dinner invitations. South Americans love to entertain; be aware that business lunches can last up to two hours, and dinners are late affairs, sometimes not starting until 10 p.m. When visiting any of the Arab nations, be prepared for lavish hospitality. Go with an empty stomach, refuse nothing and avoid eating with your left hand, which Arabs consider unclean. Before traveling to China or Japan, learn how to handle chopsticks.
Except in Muslim countries, drinking usually accompanies dining. For formal occasions, prepare a toast beforehand. Make it short, and do not attempt humor--people could misunderstand or consider it in bad taste.
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References
Resources
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