How not to behave badly abroad

(by Norman Ramshaw)

Traveling to all corners of the world gets easier and easier. We live in a global village, but how well do we know and understand each other? Here is a simple test.

Imagine you have arranged a meeting at four o’clock. What time should you expect your foreign business colleagues to arrive?

If they are German, they’ll bang on time. If they are American, they’ll probably be 15 minutes early. If they are British, they’ll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for the Italians.

When the European Community began to increase in size, several guidebooks appeared giving advice on international etiquette. At first many people thought this was a joke, especially the British, who seemed to assume that the widespread understanding of their language meant a corresponding understanding of English customs. Very soon they had to change their ideas, as they realized that they had a lot to learn about how to behave with their foreign business friends.

For example:

The British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters with a drink during the meal. The Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time to relax and get to know one another; and they rarely drink during lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.

Taking off your jacket and rolling your sleeves is a sign of getting down to work in Britain and Holland, but in Germany people regard it as taking it easy.

American executives sometimes signal their feelings of ease and importance in their offices by pulling their feet on the desk. In Japan people would be shocked. Showing the soles of our feet is the height of bad manners. It is a social insult only exceeded by blowing your nose in public. The Japanese have perhaps the strictest rules of social and business behavior. Seniority is very important, and a young man should never be sent to complete a business deal with an older Japanese man. The Japanese business card almost needs a rulebook of its own. You must exchange business cards immediately on meeting because it is essential to establish everyone’s status and position. When it is handed to a person in a superior position, it must be given and received with both hands, and you must take time to read it carefully, and not just put it into your pocket! Also a bow is a very important part of greeting someone. You should not expect the Japanese to shake hands. Bowing the head is a mark of respect and the first bow of the day should be lower than when you meet thereafter.

The Americans sometimes find it difficult to accept the more formal Japanese manners. They prefer to be more casual and more informal, as illustrated by the universal «Have a nice day!». American waiters have a one-way imperative «Enjoy!». The British, of course, are cool and reserved. The great topic of conversation between strangers in Britain is the weather – unemotional and impersonal. In America the main topic between strangers is the search to find a geographical link. «Oh, really? You live in Ohio? I had an uncle who once worked there.»

When in Roman do as Romans do.

Here are some final tips for travelers.

- In France you shouldn’t sit down in a café until you’ve shaken hands with everyone you know.

- In Afghanistan you should spend at least five minutes saying hello.

- In Pakistan you shouldn’t wink. It is offensive.

- In the Middle East you must you must never use the left hand for greeting, eating, drinking or smoking. Also, you should take care not to admire anything in your hosts’ home. They will feel that they have to give it to you.

- In Russia you must match you hosts drink for drink or they will think that you are unfriendly.

- In Thailand you should clasp your hands together and lower your head and your eyes when you greet someone.

- In America you should eat your hamburger with both hands and as quickly as possible. You shouldn’t try to have a conversation until it is eaten.

Way of greetings: shaking hands, waving, nodding, curtsying, hugging, taking one’s hat off, kissing on the cheek, saluting.