Corporate culture clashes

Corporate culture can be a potential minefield for the unprepared traveler, business people. So there are some or several training programs for business needs that provide information on how decision-making works.

In Asian cultures most of it takes place behind the scenes. In China, it may be necessary to have government involved in any decisions taken.

In the Middle East the hand is held in a loose grip for a longer time. In Islamic cultures, showing the soles of your feet is a sign of disrespect and crossing your legs is seen as offensive.

Peculiarities of Japanese business

The emphasis of the group is very important in Japanese management for example the person will tell you the company he works for instead of the job he does. As an Ireland nation without natural resources people must learn to get along with each other, this is necessary for the survival for Japanese corporation.

In Japan younger a man should never be sent to complete a business deal with an older Japanese man. In Japan its necessary to exchange business cards immediately on meeting to establish everyone’s status and position. It is handed to a senior person with both hands. You must take time to readied carefuller. Bowing is an important part of greeting, it is a mark of respect. Do not discuss business with the Japanese while eating because lunch is time to relax and get to know each other.

Features of American culture

American executives show the importance in their office by putting their fit in the desk(while they talking by telephone). The man topic of small talk with the American could be the search to find geographical links. Americans come in a meeting 15 minutes early.

Features of British culture

British are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business maters with a drink during the meal. In British taken off a jacket and rolling up the sleeves is a sign a getting down a work. The main topic of small talk is the weather British comes in a meeting15 minutes later.

Features of Germany culture

The German like to do business before dinner. Taking off a jacket is to signal a have a rest. Germans come to a meeting on come.

France

In France businessman like to eat first and talk after it.

The do and don'ts of making business abroad or tiptoeing through the minefield

Do

• Show an interest in, and at least an elementary knowledge of the country you are visiting;

• Learn a few words of the language - it will be seen as a compliment,

• Be sensitive to countries who have bigger and better-known neighbours, and try not to confuse Canadians with Americans. New Zealanders with Australians, Belgians with French,

• Familiarise yourself with the basics of business and social etiquette. As a starting point, learning how to greet people is very important

Don't

• Assume you won't meet any communication problems because you speak English. You may think you are paying somebody a compliment by telling them their business is going a bomb*. Americans will infer you think it is failing.

• Appear too reserved As Americans are generally more exuberant* than their European colleagues, they may equate reserve with lack of enthusiasm.

Gift giving in the international business context

In Great Britain and the United States corporate gift giving is not a very popular custom; people can spend their entire working lives without ever receiving a corporate gift. However, gift giving is sometimes an integral part of the negotiation process when doing business abroad. It is important to learn about the etiquette of gift giving before sending or taking a gift to an international client or business partner, or you may find that your gesture appears offensive. For example, in China a desk clock to be a sign of bad luck or death.

It is also interesting to note that the receiver never opens a gift in front of the giver as that would signify that the contert was more important than the act of giving. Waiting for the person to open your gift would show that you were not sensitive to Chinese culture. In France, don't give something with your company logo, as they find items like this impersonal and in bad taste. Giving knives in Italy, Russia or Argentina could lead to problems in establishing a deal as this signifies cutting off the relationship!

Giving flowers is another possible minefield. In England, Australia and Canada, some people see white lilies as a symbol of death while in Germany, yellow and white chrysanthemums could be seen this way.

Business across cultures