How to Practice Business Etiquette in South Africa
When you're interacting with people from around the world, it is important to understand the culture and etiquette of the people around you. By taking the time to learn a bit about how people do business in other countries, you'll be better at building good professional relationships. Learn about the business etiquette of people in South Africa.
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Instructions
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Wear lightweight, conservative business wear. Men may wear a light-colored or white long-sleeved shirt and tie; jackets aren't necessary. Women may wear a conservative skirt suit or dress.
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Schedule plenty of time between appointments. Waiting for appointments is common. The approach to time can be relaxed in South Africa, and it is not unusual for meetings to be postponed.
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Greet with a firm handshake and exchange business cards. Do not sit until invited to do so. If you are offered something to drink, it is most polite to accept.
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Be very clear about deadlines. Despite their efficiency, the South African approach to deadlines is very relaxed.
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Keep a tone of negotiation and avoid a tough, hard-sell attitude. South Africans are not tough negotiators. The goal is to come out with a win-win solution.
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Keep your presentations short, specific and to the point. Do not waste time on fancy visual presentations, which will not impress your South African associates.
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Tips & Warnings
Use hand gestures sparingly to avoid inadvertently offending someone. For example, making a "V" with forefinger and middle finger, considered a symbol for peace or victory in the U.S., is actually the U.S. equivalent of giving someone the finger.
Don't dress in tribal garb or khaki bushman's gear. You will be instantly marked as a tourist.
