Understanding Indian Culture

India Business Quiz

Question 1 What is the most important thing to Business? Trust Hard Work Money Relationships All of the Above Answer - Relationships

Marriage An Indian wedding is one of those things that you have to see to believe. Marriages are occasions for large get-togethers. Keep in mind that it’s not just the groom or bride who will be asking for time off: even a distant third cousin will deem it imperative that he or she attend and enjoy this three or four-day affair

Dining Etiquette In Indian dining etiquette, everyone will wait for the guest or the elder person One should not leave the table before the host or the elderly person have finished their food Indian foods are eaten by hand and it is expected that the hands are washed well before and after eating. Playing with food or wasting of food is considered unacceptable The golden rule of dining is to always use your right hand to eat or receive food In formal settings, it is expected that everyone will wait for the host or the eldest person - the elder taking priority over the host - to begin eating before everyone else starts.[18]Similarly it is expected that one should not leave the table before the host or the eldest person have finished their food. It is also considered impolite to leave the table without asking for the host's or the elder's permission.[19] The cardinal rule of dining is to always use the right hand when eating or receiving food[20]. Everyone must wash their hands before sitting at the table as many Indian foods are eaten by hand. One must wash one's hands after eating the food. Cleaning with cloth or paper tissue is considered unhygienic.[21] Always eat food as it is served. It is not a good idea to ask for salt or pepper. It is however now acceptable to ask for salt or pepper with a mention that you like more of it. Playing with food or in any way distorting the food is unacceptable. Source: www.wikipedia.org

Understanding Indian Business

Business Meetings & Negotiations Meetings in India will generally begin with friendly small talk Personal questions about family are common ways of rapport building. This is because in India family relationships are highly valued Disagreement is rarely expressed in a direct manner. The word ‘no’ is often avoided and is replaced by other non-verbal cues and indirect communication Source: Communicaid

Perspective on Time Be it weddings, christenings, new ventures, C-section births, or just stepping out of the house for the first day on a new job–the average Indian allows auspicious times to dictate his activities. Don't dismiss this belief as superstitious nonsense. Remember that the West has its own superstitions: Friday the 13th, black cats and stepping on sidewalk cracks……….

Things to Keep in Mind Dinner time in India also tends to be late. At 6 p.m., people are still having evening tea. Prepare for things to change at the last minute - Meetings often get scheduled at the last minute, and often change at the last minute. Co-operation: Team work can be challenging as the affiliation is to the boss or company is greater than to the peers or subordinates. Religion: Regulates the minutest details in the everyday life of an Indian

Greeting in India In India, even shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex is only in the process of being accepted. The exception to this rule is a handful of metropolitan cities. However, their mates and spouses are often uncomfortable with this personal contact. Be mindful that your idea of touch may be too close for Eastern comfort