Global Business Etiquette You may think you’re polite, but how much do you really know about global business etiquette?

What is etiquette?

Etiquette is… Ethical and socially acceptable behavior regarding professional practice Action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other

Etiquette isn’t… Recognized as one uniform set of standards around the globe For example, a hand gesture in one country may have the exact opposite meaning in another country Thumbs Up

Why is global etiquette important? International businesses Travel Success Appreciation Respect

Let’s see how much you know!

1. In all but one of the following countries it is expected that you bring a gift to a business meeting. In which country is it not? China Japan Czech Republic Denmark Bolivia

2. In Saudi Arabia, which is considered a popular gesture of friendship between men? High-five Holding hands while walking Handshake Winking Hug or kiss on the cheek

3. In Great Britain, tapping your nose indicates that something is: Confidential Smelly Inappropriate Very important Incredible boring

4. Which of the following is/are associated with death and should not be given as gifts in the Chinese culture? Clocks Straw sandals Handkerchief Stork or crane All of the above

5. When treating a client to a business meal in China, the most appropriate tipping strategy would be: 15% The more the better 20% No tip at all 50%

6. When doing business in Iran, a woman should cover her: Mouth Feet Eyes Arms and legs Arms, legs, and hair

Focus Regions

Etiquette in France Heritage and Culture Language World center for culture Proud of long history and roles in world affairs Protect and maintain their culture Language French If you don’t speak French, you are expected to apologize Most businessmen/women speak English

Etiquette in France Communication Conversation is an art form Argument is considered entertaining Interruptions Complain that Americans ‘lecture’ rather than converse Speak more softly Feel Americans are too loud Eye contact is frequent and intense

Etiquette in France Appearance Very conscientious of how they look Well-tailored and conservative attire Dark colors and patterns Avoid bright colors and glitzy jewelry Unprofessional to take off your jacket or loosen your tie

Etiquette in Brazil Appearance Pride themselves in their attire Executives wear 3 piece suits Office workers wear 2 piece suits Women are to dress conservatively Elegant and feminine ALWAYS have manicured nails Avoid wearing green and yellow together Colors of the Brazilian flag

Etiquette in Brazil Greetings Men shake hands and keep eye contact Friends hug and slap each others backs Women kiss on the cheek Start from left and alternate If a woman wants to shake hands with a man, she must initiate

Etiquette in Brazil Gift Giving Dining Not required at first meeting Buy lunch or dinner Never give purple flowers Funerals Open gifts when they are received Dining Arrive 30 minutes late for a dinner invitation

Etiquette in Brazil Business Etiquette Meetings begin with casual chat Never start business talk before the host does Interruptions are acceptable Do not rush the relationship building time

Etiquette in India Appearance Formal Casual Leather is offensive Men – suit and tie Women – conservative dress or pantsuit Casual Men – Tshirt and long pants Shorts only when exercising Women – cover upper arms, chest, back, and legs at all times Leather is offensive

Etiquette in India Behavior Never touch someone’s head Never point your feet at someone or touch someone with your feet Do not open a gift in the presence of the giver Business lunches are more popular than dinners Keep in mind, certain religions do not eat certain meats

Etiquette in India Communication Working Practices English and Hindi Do not say thank you to your host at the end of a meal “No” is considered harsh Use non-verbal cues to show disagreement Working Practices Appreciate punctuality Business between 11 am and 4 pm Be patient with deadlines

Etiquette in India Do’s and Don’ts Do Don’t Wait for female business colleagues to initiate greeting Use titles when possible Don’t Refuse food or drink offered during business meetings

Etiquette in Japan Appearance Dress to impress Men should wear dark, conservative suits Women should dress conservatively Low heels Minimal accessories No pants (offensive to men)

Etiquette in Japan Communication Youtube video Customary greeting is a bow May receive a handshake Prefer not to use the word ‘no’ Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd5Yblzaaqc

Etiquette in Japan Do’s and Don’ts Do Don’t Avoid the OK sign Arrive fashionable late Don’t Point Blow your nose in public Pour your own drink Touch the opposite sex in public