Modern business is global and demands that people travel to foreign countries and mix with foreign clients, colleagues or customers. Each culture has its own etiquette rules. When two or more different cultures mix, it is easy for small etiquette mistakes to be made that could have negative consequences. This lead to bad relationships, lost deals and in the end poor business results. For those who want to build stronger and longer lasting business relationships with people of different cultural background, a good knowledge of international business etiquette is crucial.
Business Card Etiquette
In many countries the business card has certain etiquette rules. For example in the Arab world you would never give or receive a business card with your left hand. In China and Japan you should try and use both hands to give and receive. In addition it is always good etiquette to examine the card and make a positive comment on it.
The Etiquette of Personal Space
In the Middle East you can hold an Arab man’s hands as a gesture of friendship, yet one should never touch a woman. Touch someone on the head in Thailand or Indonesia and you would have caused great insult. A slap on the back may be OK in Mexico but in China it is a serious no-no. Without an appreciation of international business etiquette, these things would never be known.
The Etiquette of Communication
Some cultures like to talk loudly (US and Germany), some softly (India and China); some speak directly (Holland and Denmark), others indirectly (UK and Japan); some tolerate interrupting others while speaking (Brazil), others not (Canada).
The Etiquette of Gift Giving
Many countries such as China and Japan have many etiquette rules surrounding the exchange of business gifts. Great examples of gifts to avoid are anything alcoholic in Muslim countries, clocks in China, and anything with four of anything in both Japan and China.
Some people would believe their way of behavior is fine, but when transferred into an international context, it no longer applies. The best advice is: “When in Rome do as the Romans do.”