COMMUNICATING INTER-CULTURALLY

Learn local customs where you work and travel: BRAZIL: GREETINGS: be demonstrative. Extended handshakes are common during the first encounter. Titles such as Senhor (Mr.) and Senhora (Mrs.) precede the surname. MEETINGS: make appointments at least 2 weeks in advance, reconfirming within the week that the meeting will happen. An aggressive business approach can seem offensive, so don’t expect to get right to the point at the first meeting.

MEALS: business can be discussed during meals MEALS: business can be discussed during meals. Start with general subjects and then get to the main topic. GIFTS: gifts aren't required at the first meeting. Instead, buy lunch or dinner. Avoid gifts that are black or purple, the colors of mourning.

CHINA GREETINGS: Chinese nod or bow slightly, although handshakes are also common. Wait for a hand to be extended. Precede names with official, professional titles ( president, engineer), or Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss. MEETINGS: when entering a business meeting, the highest ranking member should enter first and lead the discussion. Bring your business card with a translation printed in Chinese on the reverse.

Business cards are usually presented and received with two hands Business cards are usually presented and received with two hands. Make a point of looking for a few seconds at a business card when its presented, repeating the giver’s name. MEALS: business lunches have become more popular, but evening banquets are still common. If your host gives you a banquet, reciprocate. Business isn't generally discussed during a meal, so be guided by the host. Avoid beginning to eat or drink before your host does. Lay chopsticks on the table. Its considered bad luck to leave them standing.

GIFTS: a gift from the company is common at first meetings or special celebrations. Present the gift to the senior member of the group. Local crafts, historical memorabilia, or illustrated books from your home country are appropriate. Gifts of clocks and umbrellas are considered unlucky, along with items in groups of four. White is the color of mourning.

EGYPT GREETINGS: at a first meeting, wait for your host to initiate the style of greeting. A traditional greeting between men involves grasping each other’s right hand and placing the left hand on the other’s right shoulder. Westernized Egyptian men shake hands with men. Women should avoid offering a hand first. Precede the surname with an official title or use Mr.., Mrs., or Miss. Egyptians speak at a close distance, often with physical contact.

MEETINGS: business meetings start after enquiring about one’s health and journey, and sometimes can be interrupted by phone calls, and visits from colleagues, friends and family. Coffee is often served upon arrival. Business cards should be printed in Arabic on the reverse. MEALS: avoid eating everything on the plate. Leave a little food as a sign that you’ve had enough.

GIFTS: if you are invited to an Egyptian home, a gift of baked goods or chocolates is appropriate. A gift of handicrafts is appropriate for senior officials or executives.

UNITED STATES GREETINGS: use a firm handshake. When meeting someone for the first time, use a title such as Mr.., Mrs., Ms. with the last name until you are asked to do otherwise. MEETINGS: business is done more quickly than in other cultures and often begins after a brief exchange of informal talk. All attendees are encouraged to participate in the discussion.

MEALS: business meetings are often held over lunch, with work continuing thereafter. Lunch is usually informal, and some foods such as sandwiches may be eaten with your hands. Take your lead from the locals. GIFTS: business gifts are discouraged. If you visit someone’s home, flowers or plants are appropriate gifts.

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF OTHER CULTURES: FRENCH: French businessmen usually choose to speak in French with businessmen from other countries. They are very cordial, and greet you both while meeting and parting by shaking hands, embracing and kissing each other. Business is a serious and formal occasion for them.

GERMANS: German meetings are highly formal and scheduled much in advance. Punctuality is of utmost importance. Germans take pains in making themselves intelligible in English too, if required. People are addressed by their surnames. To show respect to senior men, address as “Herr”, and women as “Frau”.

ITALIAN & SPANISH: Both take business occasions as part of social life. They are less formal than other Europeans. They are not fussy about punctuality at meetings. Personal welfare and family matters may precede the business discussion. They freely accept hospitality and gifts without linking them with their business deals.

DUTCH: Dutch businessmen speak English fluently. Most of them are polyglots ( speaking or writing in several languages.) they are relaxed in their approach to business meetings and personal relations.

JAPANESE: Generally greet US or UK people by shaking hands, and not with a bow. You should offer and accept the business card with both hands. Always likes to maintain personal space. Hence, never back slap or hold their elbow while chatting. Do not embarrass a Japanese by insisting on a point to the extent that he has to say no to your point/ offer. In Japan, saying no is considered impolite.

Japanese consider giving gifts as an important part of the business Japanese consider giving gifts as an important part of the business. A gift has to be keeping with the status of the person. Gifts in pairs are considered lucky like pen and pencil set, cufflinks. But not in fours- the word for death. Do not send greeting cards to Japanese business acquaintances. Red cards in Japan are funeral notices.

ARABS: Are known for their warm hearted meeting and parting. they stick to their traditional way of greeting both as hosts and visitors by saying “salaamalayakum” (may peace be upon you), accompanied by a firm handshake. To show greater warmth and closeness, an Arab visitor/ host may embrace you while placing the right hand on the heart and the other hand on your right shoulder and kiss you on both cheeks. Do not reciprocate his act, unless you are an Arab.

They seem to be never under pressure and do not mind your coming late to the meeting. Meetings for business are preceded by social pleasantries.