Understanding proper business etiquette is essential in the professional world, but what is or isn’t acceptable can become confusing on a global scale. What is considered polite in some cultures may be degrading in others. Here are a few tips that you should follow when conducting international business.
Conservative Dress
The proper business attire varies greatly from country to country. In America, we tend to put an emphasis on fashion, but in many other cultures this may be unacceptable. The best way to appeal to all cultures is to dress conservatively. Women should be especially mindful of their attire when meeting with foreign colleagues. In many cultures it is disgraceful for women to show a large amount of skin, therefore a sophisticated pants-suit is a good choice for women during international business meetings.
Using Appropriate Titles
When conducting international business, you should not use a person’s first name unless you have been invited to do so. Likewise, using appropriate titles is of great importance in some cultures. You should observe how other people address an individual and then follow their lead. If there is no one to follow, be sure to address the individual as “mister” or “misses” followed by their last name. You should continue to address them in this manner until you are informed to do otherwise.
Exchanging Business Cards
Business cards are an item to be thoroughly respected in some cultures, and the exchange of business cards should not be taken lightly. As a rule of thumb, you should wait until you are introduced to exchange business cards. When you receive a business card, you should take it with both hands. Take a few seconds to read over the business card and show your interest, and do not write on it. You should then store the business card in a neat card holder, as it is sometimes considered disrespectful to put a business card in your pocket.
Honor Personal Space
The acceptable amount of personal space can vary greatly between cultures. In America, we greatly value our personal space, but some cultures embrace closeness. A handshake is almost always appropriate in any culture, but you should not touch a person after a handshake to avoid an uncomfortable situation. However, you may be exposed to closeness that you are not comfortable with, such as a kiss for a greeting. It is best to go along with the customs of the culture so that you do not seem rude or distant.
Always Accept Invitations
In other cultures, it may be considered rude to reject an invitation. If you are asked to dinner or drinks, you should always accept the invitation. In some cultures, it is actually considered an honor to be invited to an individual’s home. Likewise, you should always try any foreign food or drinks that are served to you. Some cultures greatly value their food or even consider it an artwork, and it can be considered highly disrespectful to reject food or beverage.
These are basic etiquette tips that you should follow when doing foreign business; but, to really make a good impression, you should research a country’s culture before you conduct business there. Taking interest in a particular culture shows a lot of respect, and your dedication will not go unnoticed.
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International Business Etiquette Tips |
Conservative Dress
The proper business attire varies greatly from country to country. In America, we tend to put an emphasis on fashion, but in many other cultures this may be unacceptable. The best way to appeal to all cultures is to dress conservatively. Women should be especially mindful of their attire when meeting with foreign colleagues. In many cultures it is disgraceful for women to show a large amount of skin, therefore a sophisticated pants-suit is a good choice for women during international business meetings.
Using Appropriate Titles
When conducting international business, you should not use a person’s first name unless you have been invited to do so. Likewise, using appropriate titles is of great importance in some cultures. You should observe how other people address an individual and then follow their lead. If there is no one to follow, be sure to address the individual as “mister” or “misses” followed by their last name. You should continue to address them in this manner until you are informed to do otherwise.
Exchanging Business Cards
Business cards are an item to be thoroughly respected in some cultures, and the exchange of business cards should not be taken lightly. As a rule of thumb, you should wait until you are introduced to exchange business cards. When you receive a business card, you should take it with both hands. Take a few seconds to read over the business card and show your interest, and do not write on it. You should then store the business card in a neat card holder, as it is sometimes considered disrespectful to put a business card in your pocket.
Honor Personal Space
The acceptable amount of personal space can vary greatly between cultures. In America, we greatly value our personal space, but some cultures embrace closeness. A handshake is almost always appropriate in any culture, but you should not touch a person after a handshake to avoid an uncomfortable situation. However, you may be exposed to closeness that you are not comfortable with, such as a kiss for a greeting. It is best to go along with the customs of the culture so that you do not seem rude or distant.
Always Accept Invitations
In other cultures, it may be considered rude to reject an invitation. If you are asked to dinner or drinks, you should always accept the invitation. In some cultures, it is actually considered an honor to be invited to an individual’s home. Likewise, you should always try any foreign food or drinks that are served to you. Some cultures greatly value their food or even consider it an artwork, and it can be considered highly disrespectful to reject food or beverage.
These are basic etiquette tips that you should follow when doing foreign business; but, to really make a good impression, you should research a country’s culture before you conduct business there. Taking interest in a particular culture shows a lot of respect, and your dedication will not go unnoticed.