Doing Business with Germany By Lucy & Shannon
GERMANY population of 81 million people and is the size of Montana
German Culture Key Concepts and Values Business Etiquette ► Appearance ► Businessmen wear dark suits, solid conservative ties and white shirts ► Women also dress conservatively, in dark suits and white blouses ► Chewing gum while talking to someone is considered rude
Behavior In Business Situations ► Germans are strongly individualistic. ► shake hands at both the beginning and the end of a meeting. ► Age takes precedence over youth. ► Punctuality is necessity. ► When introduced to a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand.
Communication ► Germans are very private ► Titles are very important ► shake hands at both the beginning and end of a meeting ► Business decisions are not made over the phone
Punctuality ► Germans value their time ► As business men they work hard ► They are under a lot of pressure ► It’s considered bad etiquette to be late ► Or too early! ► It shows disrespect for their time
Standard work Schedule ► 9 to 5 Monday-Saturday ► Except a few business men 6 p.m. all the time ► Sundays most jobs are closed ► Unless they have a limited operating permit ► Only a few business are 24 hours, i.e. Gas Stations etc.
Women in the workforce ►O►O►O►Only 4% of women work in office management ►M►M►M►Many women rights still very outdated they believe women should be in the kitchen taking care of the children in the church ►M►M►M►Many women don’t attend college or try to further their education in any way
Entertaining in Business ► When invited to dinner accept ► Offer to pay your part ► Accept his or her invitation ► Thank him or her for their generous gesture ► Remember your business partner will expect the same! ► It’s rude not to invite them to dinner ► Especially if the area is foreign to them
References “Doing Business in Germany.” Retrieved May 8, 2007 from culture.asp culture.asp German Business Etiquette, Manners, Cultural Communication. ‘Retrieved April 17, 2007 from Pillnitz Gardens and Schloss in Dresden, Germany (picture on slide 1). Retrieved May 9, 2007 from Ricer Gate Associates May 2, 2007 “German Women face barriers on way to top”