Touching is arguably one of the most sensitive aspects of interacting, whether in a business or social context.

When interactions take place with people from different cultural backgrounds, touching becomes even more difficult to grasp as the very perception of touching and the meaning behind physical contact can differ widely across cultures. Working effectively across cultures requires the ability to understand what kind of physical contact is appropriate and when in different contexts. Simon Kuper, a British expatriate living in Paris recently shared several anecdotes of experiences he had visiting friends in the UK in an article published in the Financial Times. After living in Paris for some time, he and his wife grew accustomed to many French habits. When he returned to the UK he found that his British family and friends were surprised when he greeted them in the typical French way with a kiss on each cheek. Interested in this concept, Kuper also looked at how people greet each other in the US and discovered many differences when compared to French customs and behaviours around physical contact. Based on his experience, Kuper suggests that the French tend to sexualise initial meetings between people even if no romance is involved between the participants. There is no such feeling when Brits or Americans greet each other. In fact, Brits and Americans appreciate having personal space and will tend to avoid touch as much as possible, except with close family or friends who they may greet with a small hug or kiss on the cheek. Anything beyond this may be perceived as an invasion of personal space and could cause offense or an unintended reaction. This concept of personal space might be difficult to understand when working across cultures. A physical gesture which is considered appropriate in one culture might be frowned upon in another and vice-versa. Breaching someones personal space might cause uneasiness or misunderstanding that could lead to cross-cultural clashes or incidents. From how you greet someone or console a team member to how you congratulate an acquaintance, its important to develop your understanding of how to communicate physically to avoid any cultural faux-pas or cultural misinterpretation when working across cultures. A Working Effectively across Cultures programme is a great first step towards understanding how you are perceived and how you need to adapt your behaviours in a global context so that you have the right impact.

When greeting someone, an American's first instinct is to stick out his or her hand, look directly at the other person, and smile. In some situations, this habit can mean making three mistakes at once. And the moment of greeting is when crucial first impressions are made. Methods and styles of greeting vary greatly around the world, and you need to know which practices apply in different circumstances. When greeting Asians for the first time, do not initiate the handshake. You may be forcing a physical contact that the other person finds uncomfortable. Many Asians, particularly Japanese, have learned to accept the handshake when dealing with Westerners. Because the bow is the customary greeting in Japan, a slight bow of the head when responding to a proffered handshake is appropriate. Westerners generally are not expected to be familiar with the complex Japanese bowing protocols. Most Latinos are more accustomed to physical contact. Even people who know each other only slightly may embrace when greeting. Middle Easterners, particularly Muslims, avoid body contact with the opposite sex, but persons of the same sex commonly hug when greeting each other. When shaking hands, men should be careful not to pull their hand away too quickly. Orthodox Jews also avoid all physical contact with those of the opposite sex who are not family members. People from France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal greet friends by kissing on both cheeks. The smile is the near-universal gesture of friendliness, and in America its meaning is usually clear. The person smiling is happy, amused, and/or sending out a friendly signal. In other cultures the smile may be sending other signals. In some Latin cultures, for example, the smile may be used to say Excuse me or Please. If a person from another culture does not return your greeting smile, it doesn't indicate hostility or bad manners. In some Asian cultures, smiling is a gesture to be reserved for informal occasions, and smiling while being formally introduced would be considered disrespectful. In many cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect, but such behavior can lead to misunderstandings. For example, some Korean shopkeepers have been accused of disrespecting their non-Korean customers because the shopkeepers avoided making eye contact. The same sort of misunderstanding has occurred between American teachers and Asian students who do not look at the

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another and usually throw in a "How do you do.". Handshakes are usually on the lighter side and don't linger that much Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, women generally shake hands. Man greeting Woman- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Women tend to extend their hand first.

"Wotcha" Is sometimes used as a greeting. One version of the etymology I have heard is that it is a contraction of "What Cheer?", i.e how are you? Posted by- mharper

A common informal greeting is the semi-rhetorical question - "You alright?" or sometimes just "Alright?". This should always be replied to with "Fine thanks, you?".

Acceptable Public Behavior

If you are invited to a Moroccans home bring sweet, nuts, figs, dates or flowers to the hostess. A small gift for the children is seen as a token of affection. Gifts are not opened when received. Expect to be served mint tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. Expect a fair amount of bargaining, Moroccans not often see an offer as final.

Business Attire

Business attire is formal and conservative. Men should wear dark colored conservative business suits to the initial meeting Women should wear elegant business suits, dresses or pantsuits. Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm. Avoid wearing expensive accessories

Conversations and Networking

When Moroccans greet each other they take their time and converse about their families, friends, and other general topics. Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts who may then assist you in working your way through the serpentine bureaucracy. Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals of the same sex. Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek while shaking hands, men with men and women with women. In any greeting that does take place between men and women, the woman must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting. Always shake hands with the person to your right and then continue around the room going from right to left.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

In business it is extremely important to verify anything that has been agreed to in front of others as it may not have been a sincere agreement and the person may have no intention of following through. Moroccans prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore expect to spend time making a personal relationship before business is conducted. Since Moroccans judge people on appearances, dress and present yourself well. Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.

It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadan since Muslims cannot eat or drink during the day. Never try to schedule meetings on Friday between 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. since most companies close for prayers. Companies are hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions, but only after obtaining a group agreement. Moroccans always look for long-term business relationships. Do not use high-pressure tactics as they will work against you. Business cards are given without formal ritual. Have one side of your business card translated into French or Arabic.

Dinner Etiquette

You should remove your shoes when you entering a Moroccan's house. Be well dressed, doing so demonstrates respect towards your hosts. Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Moroccans may not entertain mixed-sex groups. Shake everyones hand individually. Food is generally served at a knee-high round table. The honor guest generally sits next to the host. A washing basin will be brought to the table before the meal is served. Hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them. Dry your hands on the towel provided. Do not begin eating until the host blesses the food or begins to eat. Food is served from a communal bowl. Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. As an honored guest, choice cuts will be put in front of you. Eat and drink only with the right hand. Water is often served from a communal glass. If you want your own glass, ask for a soft drink. The washing basin will be brought around the table again at the end of the meal. Expect to be urged to take more food off the communal plate. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of hospitality. Generally, greetings among all Indonesians are conducted with stateliness and formality, in a slow, deliberate manner. A hurried introduction will be perceived as disrespectful. Especially among Indonesian Chinese, handshakes are the standard greeting. Most Indonesian handshakes have a gentle grasp and last for 10-12 seconds. For subsequent meetings, it may also be appropriate to bow rather than initiate further handshakes. Bow your head, lower your eyes, and smile while saying the Indonesian greeting Selamat, which means peace. The traditional Hindu greeting involves a slight bow with the palms of the hands together, as if praying. Older, traditional Hindus often use this greeting, called the Namaste. It is also an acceptable alternative to a handshake when a Western businesswoman greets a Hindu man. With the exception of handshakes, there is no public contact between the sexes in Indonesia. Hugging and kissing, even between husbands and wives, are forbidden in public. Moreover, if a woman touches a Muslim man, he must ritually cleanse himself before praying again.

Conversely, physical contact between people of the same sex is perfectly acceptable. Youll likely observe men holding hands with men or even walking with their arms around each other. These displays are viewed strictly as gestures of friendship. Be aware that many Indonesians believe that the head is the seat of the soul. Consequently, never touch someones head, not even to good-naturedly pat the hair of a child. Among both Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered unclean so, whenever possible, should not be used in public. The right hand should be used exclusively to eat, accept gifts, hold cash, and touch people. These guidelines apply even if you are left-handed. However, you may use your left hand when there are absolutely no other realistic alternative. Since the foot is also considered unclean, do not use this part of the body to point at, move or touch things. Also, refrain from resting your feet on desks or table. Do not show the soles of your feet or shoes. You can cross your legs at the knee, but not with one ankle over your knee. Point with an open hand rather than with your index finger, which is considered rude. Chewing gum in public is discouraged. There is a belief in Indonesia that the office is the only place to discuss business. Therefore, refrain from discussing business in a social situation, unless your Indonesian companions bring up the subject. Meals are often enjoyed with very little conversation. To successfully hold a conversation, its essential for Indonesians to know if they are speaking with a person who is their superior, inferior or equal. Generally, they will feel uncomfortable until they learn your status, so there is a tendency to ask very personal questions. Be careful when asking an Indonesian Chinese a question. For example, English speakers would give a negative answer to the question Isnt the document available? by responding no. The Chinese interpretation is opposite. The answer would be yes, meaning Yes, the document is not available. Although many government officials will speak some English, they may prefer to hold meetings in Bahasa Indonesia. Fortunately, English-speaking translators are usually easily accessible. Presentation material and company literature should be also translated into Bahasa Indonesia. When you receive another persons card, make a show of carefully examining it for a few moments and then remarking upon it before putting it in your card case or on a nearby table. Accepting a business card and then immediately stuffing it into your back pocket will be perceived as disrespectful. Indonesians tend to be very friendly and you should reciprocate this immediate friendliness. They are more likely to buy from people who they genuinely like. Taking the time to develop solid, long-term personal relationships is of vital importance. In Indonesian business culture, relationships are based on respect and trust. Meetings tend to be formal. The Indonesian participants will enter the room based on their hierarchical position and then take a seat. You will be expected to remain standing until this ritual concludes. The majority of Indonesian businesspeople are Chinese, and they are likely to be prompt for meetings and appointments. Other businesspeople and many government officials are ethnic Malays, and they may place less of an emphasis on efficiency, punctuality and deadlines.