Business Etiquette
From Around the World
BY [Link] EDITORIAL STAFF
Home / Career / Education - Last Modified: February 22, 2017
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Hey there, jetsetter! Get ready to take the world by storm with
this international business etiquette, travel-sized for your
convenience.
When St. Augustine arrived in Milan to assume his role as Professor of
Rhetoric for the Imperial Court, he observed that the Church did not fast
on Saturdays as it did in Rome.
Confused, Agostino consulted with the wiser and older Ambrogio
(Ambrose), then the Bishop of Milan, who replied: “When I am at Rome, I
fast on Saturday; when I am at Milan I do not. Follow the custom of the
Church where you are.”
In 1621, British author Robert Burton, in his classic writing, Anatomy of
Melancholy, edited St. Ambrose’s remark to read: “When they are at
Rome, they do there as they see done. Down through the years, Burton’s
turn of the St. Ambrose quote was further edited, anonymously, into what
is widely repeated today on a daily basis by some traveler, somewhere,
trying to adjust to his/her new or temporary surroundings.
Never does the saying, “When in Rome” have more credence than when
doing business in other countries.
As business grows more global, it's becoming more important than ever
for executives and employees to respect other cultures' business
customs.
When traveling to other countries to do business, research is key.
What's considered proper etiquette or good manners varies greatly from
country to country.
Related Article: Global Domination: Reinventing Your Small Business in an
Ever-Expanding International Marketplace
In some countries, actions that Americans take for granted, like looking a
superior in the eye, can be considered rude.
While in America, business meetings are all about business, in many
nations it's disrespectful not to inquire about one's health and family
before talking about business matters.
The ability to behave and conduct business in a respectful and efficient
manner can naturally improve your ability to land important business
deals or to even find a new company to work for, if you are looking for a
different direction for your professional career.
Plus, understanding international business cultures is fun and
interesting.
There’s a whole world of information out there about international
business etiquette. Here, it has been travel sized for your convenience.
Italy
So, how about when in Rome.
Punctuality is not a priority for Italians. Be patient and be
prepared for some delay when you start working with a new Italian
partner. In particular, do not take a small delay as a sign of lack of
respect. Where a deadline must be firmly met, be sure to make it
very clear to your Italian partner.
In Italian business culture, gift giving is not particularly
common; only after a tried and trusted familiar relationship has
been established, you may give a small and not obviously expensive
gift as a sign of friendship.
Keep in mind that Italy is a major center of European
fashion. Even casual clothes are smart and chic. Formal attire is
generally expected for business meetings, for the most part dark
colours for men. Women tend to wear elegant and modest pant or
skirt suits, accessorised with simple jewellery and makeup.
China
Provide a gift for the person you are conducting business
with but keep the following in mind: When handing out the gift
always use both hands. Don’t give a watch as a gift, as it represents
death in China. Avoid black, blue or white wrapping paper. Chinese
people will decline the gift three times, but you need to insist they
take it. When you are provided with a gift, you should do the same.
Chinese people appreciate a conservative dress code and you
should avoid physical contact while conversing.
If you happen to have family roots in China, you can give
yourself a Chinese name to use when doing business in the
country. This is considered a sign of respect, but you should only do
it if you have Chinese roots or you have moved to the country to do
long-term business.
After a business meeting, allow Chinese partners to leave the
meeting room first.
Japan
In Japan, bowing is a typical way of greeting each
other. Handshakes sometimes occur but you should let the
Japanese person initiate it.
The business meeting is often led by the senior member in the
group, while younger members converse less out of
respect. Furthermore, similarly positioned people in different
groups should sit across from each other. Junior position employees
should never sit across from senior employees.
Giving gifts is common, but you should pay special attention to
how you present your gift. Never hand out a gift that isn’t wrapped.
Japan is especially sensitive to the word "no." In the country,
it is customary to respond with, "yes" even if you disagree with
what is being said.
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Etiquette
France
In France, it is vital to ensure that you make appointments
for both business and social occasions. It is not acceptable in
France to drop in on someone unannounced.
Punctuality is treated quite casually in France, so do not be
surprised to find your French colleague arriving fairly late.
However, staying late at the office is common, especially for
individuals in more senior positions.
As you would expect, the nation that created haute couture puts a
premium on style. Fashion and appearance are much more
important in France than in most other countries in the world.
Even low-paid, entry-level executives buy the best clothes they can
afford. Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men
and women, whether in business or social situations.
Giving presents is acceptable here, but exercise
discretion. Business gifts are usually not exchanged at the first
meeting.
India
While you can show up to meetings on time, don’t be surprised if
Indian business partners are late.
Like in Japan, the word, "no" can be considered rude in
India. Try to use words like, "We will see" or "Possibly" instead of
saying, "no".
If you are offered a meal by your business partner, never
say, "Thank you" at the end of it, as it is considered to be a
payment on your behalf and therefore insulting.
Avoid eating beef at business meetings.
Brazil
Business meetings often last longer than planned, but do not
leave before the meeting has officially ended. Leaving early is
considered rude.
In Brazil, physical contact during conversation is natural and
highlights the trust between business partners.
Unlike in India, eating with your hands in Brazil should be
avoided. Even if you were eating a sandwich, you’d want to use a
napkin or other such utensil.
The United Kingdom
When conversing with the British, try saying, "Please", "Thank
you" and "Sorry" frequently, as this is considered polite.
The British often don’t retain eye contact during a conversation.
Unlike Brazilians, Brits like to have personal space, so don’t
stand too close.
Germany
Business events are well-structured and straight to the
point. You don’t want to be joking during business meetings.
Be punctual and on time. Germans are hardworking, so you want
to demonstrate that their time is valuable.
When entering business meetings, allow the oldest person to
enter the room first.
Related Article: Going Global: Building an International Footprint as a SMB
With the business borders expanding, being clued in to a countries
business etiquette is not only good manners it's good business.
Check out this helpful infographic that breaks down different business
customs around the world.
And, pick up this business etiquette book earning top reviews before you
book your international business trip.
Bon voyage and bon business.
