Global Business Etiquette
International business opportunities increase each year as the world become more globally connected. You may travel to an associate's country, or they may come to yours. If you are going to another country, it is important to know its customs and rules of etiquette, but it is equally important to know the customs of visitors to your country. You will likely want to show them your culture, but you also must respect theirs. Showing you have made an effort to learn about their country and lifestyle makes a favorable impression.
Other People Are Reading
-
Impressions
-
First impressions can set the tone for all business dealings, regardless of the culture. To make a good first impression, be familiar with the way men and women greet each other in their culture. The proper greeting method may vary between genders or be determined by the hierarchy of your group or theirs. Dressing conservatively is another way to make a solid first impression, especially if you are unfamiliar with the fashions of the country.
Details
-
Attention to detail matters. Try to determine who is in charge of the group with whom you are meeting. Business etiquette expert Lydia Ramsey suggests deferring to the oldest male in the group if you cannot determine who is in charge. This may not work in all cultures, though. For example, younger people tend to have higher rank than older workers in Japanese businesses.
-
Handshakes
-
A handshake is the most common international business greeting, even in countries where other greetings, like a bow, are traditional. This is especially true if your associates are accustomed to international business. However, it is important to know the etiquette for the firmness and duration of a handshake. For example, Germans tend to use a quick, firm handshake, while Middle Eastern business people may shake hands continuously throughout oral introductions, and many Asians will likely offer a softer, shorter handshake.
Gifts
-
An article written by Kimberley Roberts and published by the International Business Center suggests giving or exchanging gifts with your potential clients or partners, as long as it is appropriate to the cultures involved. In some countries, gift-giving is a sign of mutual respect, particularly if the gift is thoughtful and relevant to either the business or the culture.
Other countries, like Singapore, forbid federal employees to accept gifts, and many corporations follow suit. In some cultures, expensive gifts that could be construed as bribes are unacceptable, but less expensive items are appropriate. The center's article emphasizes the importance of knowing about a culture's outlook on gifts before deciding if, and what, you will present to your associates.
Common Courtesy
-
A good way to follow proper global etiquette is to take the cue from your hosts if you are visiting their country. It is important to know the basics of everyday etiquette, like dining, but also of meeting etiquette. For example, Russian associates would expect a wide selection of beverages and snacks at meetings. At dinner meetings in China, it would be rude to clean your plate, because it implies your host did not provide enough food to satisfy your appetite.
Regardless of cultural differences, people can generally determine whether you are sincere. A respectful attitude and polite demeanor will go a long way toward making up for any mistakes you might make.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit a handshake image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
