Intercultural Business Etiquette
If your business is growing to include clients and potential partners from other countries, it's essential that you and your employees learn about basic business etiquette in other parts of the world. This will help you to greet colleagues properly and shows your respect for diversity, which can go a long way in securing a business deal.
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Professional Greetings
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The handshake is the most common form of greeting in the business world. In the U.S. and parts of Europe, it is acceptable to shake hands firmly, while making eye contact. In Asia, a light handshake may be extended, along with or followed by a bow. In Middle Eastern countries, a slight head nod of acknowledgment may be acceptable, as some Muslim areas do not permit physical contact between men and women in public. In countries like Armenia and France, women greet each other with a kiss on the cheek; this is common in some Latin American countries as well.
Business Attire
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Men and women should dress "safely" for the office, and avoid wearing very bright colors or busy patterns to a business meeting, regardless of the country where the meeting is taking place. Black, navy blue or dark gray business suits are appropriate for men and women in places like China, the U.S. and Costa Rica. It is best for women to avoid revealing clothing such as tight-fitting skirts and shirts with low necklines; when doing business in Brazil, these rules are more relaxed. Women doing business in Asia should also avoid wearing very high heels in a business setting, so as not to tower over the men in the meeting.
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Business Cards
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It is always best to treat the business cards you receive with genuine interest and respect. Do not fold the cards, tear them or write on them. In countries like Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, it is proper etiquette to extend and receive business cards with the right hand, since the left hand is considered unclean according to the Muslim religion. When exchanging business cards in Asia, it is best to give and receive the cards with both hands, as business cards are regarded very highly in this part of the world.
Punctuality
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No matter what country you're doing business in, you should strive to arrive to the meeting or professional appointment on time as a sign of respect. However, you may be kept waiting for a while until all professionals have arrived. For instance, if you've scheduled a meeting with professionals in Georgia, it is not uncommon for the meeting to start up to an hour late. However, in Guatemala, punctuality is highly valued, and professionals usually start their negotiations on time. In some instances, it is proper etiquette to arrive a few minutes early, in order to engage in small talk with professionals before the meeting; this is the case if you're in Honduras, Mexico or India.
Business Gifts
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Giving a gift in a professional setting is usually a sign that a negotiation has gone well, or an indication that you want to continue to foster the business relationship. If you're doing business in Russia, it is proper etiquette to bring a gift to an initial meeting--preferably something with your company's logo. If you're invited to a professional's home in El Salvador, it is appropriate to bring gourmet candies or flowers for the host. Armenian professionals expect to give and receive gifts at business meetings, but the gifts are not to be opened in public.
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