A T HAILAND & C ANADA B USINESS C OLLABORATION.... Justin Wiechnik Rebecca Hartshorn Andrew Turner Scott Lauinger Prepared for Intan Osman Cross-Cultural Management May, 27 th, 2010

T ODAY ’ S A GENDA 1. Key Facts 2. Canada Cultural Dimensions 3. Thailand Cultural Dimensions 4. Role Play 5. Questions/Concerns/Discussion

T HAILAND Located in S.E Asia Thai population of roughly 68 Million 75% Thai, 14% Chinese, 11% other Canada Roughly 33 Million British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26% Canada is far more culturally diverse than Thailand however when you take into consideration how small the land size is in Thailand the culture is quite multi-cultural compared to Canada

C ANADA C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS It is customary to shake hands when being introduced. It is also not unusual to lightly touch someone on the shoulder or elbow during a discussion. Most Canadians do not often kiss or hug when greeting friends. Expect to shake hands with every person at the beginning and the end of the meeting. It should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere smile. Wait until invited before using someone's first name although Canadians tend to move to a first-name basis rapidly Alcohol is a common gesture, eh Meetings generally well organized and rely on prompt schedules Feel free to refuse food and/or drink without offending a Canadian

C ANADA C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS Canada has a diverse variety of religions, therefore being so multi cultural no one distinct religion is recognized as the right religion or dominant religion Current business drivers are influenced by the intent to achieve & improve personal & societal standards Canada's Power Distance is relatively low. This is indicative of a greater equality between societal levels, including government, organizations, and even within families. This orientation reinforces a cooperative interaction across power levels and creates a more stable cultural environment Canada is a more individualistic society, with relatively loose bonds with others. The populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their close family members. Privacy is considered a cultural norm and attempts at personal interrogation may meet with rebuff.

T HAILAND C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS The Wai The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol. Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form. The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai. The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person will stoop or bow their head while making the wai. If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned. Thailand has a very low level of individualism, as it is a very collective society. It is a place where they foster relationships and building these long lasting relationships is essential for business success. The high Power Distance in Thailand is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as a part of their cultural heritage.

T HAILAND C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being. The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as 'nirvana', an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings. Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population, therefore recognizing and appreciating the religion is expected while doing business with Thai’s

T HAILAND C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS Thai’s use first names in meetings rather than surnames Be Careful when refusing food/drink, as Thai’s have pride in their foods and drinks and may take offense if you do not enjoy it Before doing business in Thailand, learn a few important sayings such as, “hello”, and “thank you” Feet stay low and head stays high Never raise your feet higher than your head, your head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body and closest to Buddha, while feet are thought of as very insignificant meaning they should never be raised

R OLE P LAY !!!! VS

Thais prefer doing business with people they respect. Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings. Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business. Thai communication is formal and non-verbal communication is often more important than verbal communication. Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over your words. Business attire is conservative. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits. T HAILAND C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS

Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance. It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people attending the meeting and can plan properly. You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person you are meeting. Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for the material to be reviewed and digested. Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has strict rules about rank and position in the group. Written material should be available in both English and Thai. T HAILAND C ULTURAL D IMENSIONS

F OOD F OR T HOUGHT Keep in mind that respect is the first bases towards an effective relationship in business. Important to recognize ignorance reflects on all involved within that culture. This effects not just those involved but all others that plan to do business within that culture.

R EFERENCES etiquette/canada.html etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html hofstede.com/hofstede_thailand.shtml