The business world is full of ways to make positive or negative impressions on people. Proper etiquette is essential to creating positive, long-lasting impressions with future clients and colleagues. We also know the key to good business etiquette is not to focus on what you can get out of the relationship, but in finding ways you can be mutually beneficial to each other. Remember, whether in business or in life, the world is not all about you! Our hope is to form kind, helpful relationships with everyone around us.
But, what is etiquette like in other countries? How can we create memorable impressions and lasting relationships when the rules on etiquette are slightly different? We are truly living in a global economy, and chances are you will be interacting with someone from a completely different culture as you. These tips will be a part of a whole new part of our business etiquette content, so keep checking back and learning how to make great impressions all over the world!
To begin, we’ll cover three tips for each of the four countries profiled. Grab your passport, we’re headed overseas!
First, we’ll cover three common tips I uncovered that work well across a wide-range of countries, including the four listed below. They are:
1. Business card etiquette – One of the best tips for international business is to have your cards printed two-sided, with english on one side and the native language on the other. This will show respect for the culture, and help communicate your work more effectively!
2. Greetings – Always greet the most senior member first, then work your way down. This shows respect for the senior executive, the company, and the culture.
3. Be on time – Just in case you were curious, nowhere in the world is it acceptable to be late! Even if your hosts are running late, they are expecting you to be present. Plan on at least 15 minutes ahead if meeting with senior staff. If you are stuck, attempt to communicate the delay at least one hour in advance.
Now we’ll cover three tips from a range of countries and cultures. Remember, there is always more to learn, and you should do your research before engaging with a new international business contact.
Japan
1. Greetings – When making an initial greeting in Japan, do not initiate a handshake, but instead follow the lead of the person you are greeting. Likely, a formal introduction (using correct titles) and slight bow will be acceptable. Not all of Japanese culture uses handshakes, and can make him or her quite uncomfortable.
2. Longevity – Japanese culture is very strong on respect, and you should treat everyone in a kind, courteous way. Japanese workers still tend to remain with the same company for many year, so keep in mind the intern serving drinks may one day be a department head.
3. Stay on task – Japanese business operates on a much tighter schedule than many American companies. If a meeting is scheduled to end at 4:00 pm, it will end. Get to the point.
For more information on Japanese business etiquette, click here.
China
1. Dress code – Though parts of the Chinese labor force have adopted a more relaxed dress code, you should wear a standard business suit unless instructed otherwise. This conveys a more serious tone in your work and level of responsibility.
2. Dinner table – Chinese dinners tend to offer a lot of food in rotating dishes. Respectfully try a little bit of each dish, but do not feel compelled to finish it all, as the servers will take this as a sign you want more! Also, though it is acceptable to refuse food, only do so in the case of a dietary issue, or unless you are finished with the entire course.
3. Give a gift – Gift giving is common in China, and usually one gift is given to the leader of the organization. Local flavor is encouraged in the gifts, so be open to bringing something from your home country! If at first refused, persist! This is common, and will eventually be accepted. Colors to use: dark red, gold or blue. Colors to avoid: white and black, which are usually associated with funerals.
For more information on Chinese business etiquette, click here.
India
1. Namaste – If you’ve ever been to a yoga class, you’ve heard this common greeting and sign of respect. Bring your palms together and chest level, and give a slight bow of the head. Pronounced Nah-mah-stay.
2. Be patient – Since Indian culture has roots in caste system, different types of work are assigned to different levels of workers. Just like we pay people to move furniture and clean, similar jobs exist in India. The difference is that if a task is below a person’s status, they will not do it, meaning that you may wait a couple hours for something to be done if the appropriate worker is not around. Secondly, family life is very important to Indian culture, and takes precedent over business matters. Be polite and respectful if a meeting is delayed or canceled because of a family matter.
3. Listen well – When doing business and negotiating, be sure to listen for cues of what the person is really saying. For example, Indian culture considers saying “no” quite rude and possibly offensive. Listen for phrases like “we’ll see” or “possibly” and realize this may be a way he or she is politely declining. Strive to do the same.
For more information on Indian business etiquette, click here.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
1. Correct titles – Always use the proper title when greeting someone in an Arab country. Common titles include: Sheikh (chief) (or Sheikha for a woman), Sayed (Mr.), Sayeda (Mrs.), etc. Men are addressed using their first name, e.g. Ben Jones would be Sayed Ben.
2. Don’t reveal your sole – A common mistake westerners make is to show the sole of one’s shoes during a meeting or gathering. This is a sign of great disrespect and should be avoided. When sitting cross-legged (which is common), tuck your feet under or in between your knees. To show the soles of your shoes is to announce you’re ready to leave the room, and you don’t want to be the one to announce departure!
3. Prayer time – Islam is the official religion of Arab countries, and is taken very seriously. Insulting Islam or their prophets is to be avoided at all costs. At five pre-determined times throughout the day, all Muslims are called to prayer. Many worshippers will go to the local Mosque to pray, however praying from the home or office is common too. So do not be surprised or upset when a meeting is interrupted for prayer. You are not required to join in, simply wait respectfully until prayer is complete.
For more information on Arab business etiquette, click here.
What’s next
In the next installment of international business etiquette, we will cover major European countries like Great Britian, Germany, Italy, France, and more!
Have a blessed day!
