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Pass the Geoduck Please!
This author was recently at a business dinner in Chinatown
in Calgary. A Chinese woman briefed us before on what to
expect, which went along the lines of: “They are
taking you out to dinner to see if they like you personally.
Then they will decide whether or not to do business with
you. Do not discuss business unless they bring it up. Do
not order alcohol unless they order alcohol. Let them order
the food.” Wise words. The menu was entirely in Chinese!
In today’s global market it is becoming more and more
likely that one will meet and do business with people from
a variety of cultures. Doing business in a global economy
requires attention to cultural and business practices. Understanding
these differences and adapting to them is crucial.
It has never been more important to understand what other
cultures consider good and bad manners if you want your organization
to be successful. Your mother was right - mind your p’s
and q’s!
Do’s and Don’ts: Key Concepts and Values
Knowing what to do and how one’s actions are being
interpreted is essential. The following is a guide to acceptable
codes of behavior.
Australia
Australians are known for their informality and friendliness.
Beware giving them the thumbs up though as this means “up
yours” in Australian!
Some tips:
- Be on time as punctuality is of the utmost importance. Australians
do not like to be kept waiting.
- Dress conservatively- the hot weather is not an excuse for
arriving in a business meeting in shorts and sandals!
- Tipping is rare and never expected except at high-end restaurants.
- Shake hands when introduced and remember that many Australians
use first names only.
- Present your card- it is handy for Australians if you do
not have an Anglo Saxon name.
North America
Values in North American business are clarity, punctuality
and attitude. Canadians and Americans are very accommodating
and will go out of their way to accommodate you.
Some tips:
- A pleasant attitude, even if you have a complaint/problem
(you can say no but still be polite).
- North Americans value time so make sure you are on time and
meet all deadlines.
- Don’t interrupt and listen to what the other person
is saying before you begin to formulate your answer.
- Never ignore voice mail messages or e-mail. Even if you don't
have the answer, return the contact and let them know you
don't have an answer, but are looking into it, then follow
up when you do have the answer.
- Remember to leave your fist and last name and area code when
leaving a message to avoid confusion. Many places of employment
have more than one person with the same name.
India
India is rapidly becoming more and more westernized as a
result of outsourcing by American companies. They are becoming
used to meeting and accommodating the needs of Westerners.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Aggressiveness is interpreted as a sign of disrespect. India
functions on a different concept of time. They do not adhere
to the clock as westerners do, therefore they might invite
you to their home or some such social occasion. Accept the
invitation and make sure you arrive with a gift, which is
presented with both hands. Indians value someone who has
respect for family; they will always prioritize family over
business.
- Indians are used to a social system in the work place and
it is common for a manager to oversee work and adhere to
deadlines.
- Women need to be aware that although women are accepted in
the workplace, the norm is to dress conservatively.
China
Since 1978, when China opened their doors to international
trade they have been exposed to many other social systems.
Therefore they have become much more relaxed in terms of
etiquette.
Here are some things to keep in mind, however:
- Chinese people prefer one person to speak at a meeting. Nominate
one person to act as spokesperson and leave it at that. Maintain
eye contact, not doing so is considered untrustworthy.
- Chinese people do not like to waste time; they will oversee
seating arrangements, order of speaking and content of discussion
to avoid glitches.
- While personal relationships are important, in Chinese culture
the final say always rests in the higher power. This means
that the person you are dealing with might appear to have
changed their minds with no reason. Don’t be offended,
this means they are answering to a higher power.
- Have two-sided business cards prepared in Chinese and English
and present them with the Chinese side facing them.
United Kingdom
Etiquette is very important in the United Kingdom, loudness
and overly demonstrative behavior is not acceptable. Promptness
and courtesy are mandatory.
- British people might answer a question evasively,
the English language is full of subtleties and it is best
to focus on facial expressions or tone of voice when interpreting
an answer to a direct question.
- The board of directors is the principal decision-making unit.
Major decisions are made at the very top.
- Humor is very much a part of British culture- don’t
underestimate its importance.
- Instructions are often disguised as polite requests.
Avoiding A Bad Rep
Knowledge and an appreciation of the basic cultural, ethical
and business values of the country you are dealing with
is crucial to any organization wanting to conduct business
in today’s global community.
Do some research beforehand to avoid acquiring a reputation
of being disrespectful or ignorant. It’s quite easy
to avoid awkwardness and interpreted as being rude if you
take into consideration the context of the culture you are
doing with business with.
Do you have a comment or feedback on
this article? Email
us and let us know what you think.
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