INDIA A Business Etiquette Guide by Lindsay Aiello, Jim Jernigan, and Ryan Lakota

Hindu- 81% Muslim- 12% Christian- 2% Language Hindi English Time 11.5 hours ahead of U.S. CT GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH INDIA Religion Geography

SOCIAL DYNAMIC PDI- Power-Distance Index Score indicates: India is more structured and impersonal. IDV- Individualism Score indicates: India is less focused on individual performance. MAS- Masculinity Score indicates: India has balanced gender differentiation. VAI-Uncertainty Avoidance Score indicates: India has balanced approach to ambiguity.

BODY LANGUAGE  Greet eldest first and bid each farewell.  Handshakes Men vs. Women If uncertain? Wait for woman.  Traditional Hindu Greeting “Namaste” Sign of friendship

BODY LANGUAGE Avoid: – Hands on hips – Folded hands or hands in pockets – Walking with a woman alone – Talking with a woman alone – Continued eye-contact – Feet – Top of head…never!

 North Both name and a surname  South Father’s initial before name to represent surname Woman adopt husband’s initial  Use father’s name as surname  Men use ‘bin’ Osama bin Laden Osama ‘son of’ Laden  Women use ‘binti’ RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE FOR NAMES Hindu Muslim

 Color Red, Yellow and Green Lucky colors NEVER White flowers Related to funeral A bouquet of Yellow roses is the safest choice GIFT GIVING

 Men Gift is from a female relative as well.  Invited to a house with a child Bring a small toy or coloring book  NEVER LEATHER Majority practice Hinduism Considered taboo GIFT GIVING

 Traveling abroad 1-2 months advance by written letter  Cancelled meetings are common Reconfirm a week before Also morning of  Indians are impressed when you show up on time PUNCTUALITY

 Women Sari, shalwar, or lengha Sari- most popular Border of it represents status  Men White kurta and paijamas Kurta- loose collarless shirt  Conservative attire DRESS WEAR

 Indians seldom use utensils Spoon or fork Rarely knives  Women Eat last after men and children have been served.  Lamb, chicken, and fish  Many are Vegetarians  Leave a little left on plate!  NEVER say “Thank you” DINING