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 INDIA

Facts

Facts and Statistics

Location

Southern Asia, bordering Bangladesh 4,053

km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, 
China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan
2,912 km

Capital

New Delhi

Climate

varies from tropical monsoon in south to

temperate in north

Ethnic Make-up

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid

and other 3% (2000)
 Religions

Hindu 81.3%, Muslim 12%, Christian 2.3%, 

Sikh 1.9%, other groups including Buddhist,
Jain, Parsi 2.5% (2000)

Government

federal republic

Official name 

Republic of India

Population

Jul 27 2009- 1,150,000,000 (1.15 billion)

Official Languages 

21 official languages including Hindi, Urdu,

Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri as well as English

Currency 

Indian Rupee
GDP

purchasing power parity $4.042 trillion*

GDP Per Capita

purchasing power parity $3,700* 

 
Overview

India is a country of both diversity and continuity. It is a creative blend of

cultures, religions, races and languages. The nation’s identity and social
structure remain protected by a rich cultural heritage that dates back at
least 5,000 years, making India one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
One of the fundamental components of Indian culture, vital for your business
organisation to succeed, is an understanding of the traditions and ways of
communicating with others that form the basis of India’s society.

Indian Culture – Key concepts and values

Indian Society & Culture

Hinduism and the traditional caste system 

In India, religion is a way of life and must be respected in order to maintain

successful business relationships. Despite the elimination of the traditional
caste system, that was a direct outcome of Hinduism, attitudes still remain
and both aspects of Indian culture still influence the hierarchical structure of
business practices in India today.

 The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have
created a culture that emphasizes established hierarchical
relationships.

 Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative
to other people, be they family, friends, or strangers

 All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called

gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch,
usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is
seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every
relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be observed for the
social order to be maintained.

The Role of the Family

 People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong

rather than by their status as individuals. Someone is deemed to be
affiliated to a specific state, region, city, family, career path, religion,
etc. 

 This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians
maintain with their family, including the extended family. 

 The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and

structures. Along with these mutual obligations comes a deep-rooted
trust among relatives.
Just Can't Say No

 Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally.

 Rather than disappoint you, for example, by saying something isn't

available, Indians will offer you the response that they think you want
to hear.

 This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be

considered terribly rude if he did not attempt to give a person what
had been asked. 

  Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an
affirmative answer but be deliberately vague about any specific
details.  This will require you to look for non-verbal cues, such as a
reluctance to commit to an actual time for a meeting or an enthusiastic
response.

Fatalism 

The concept of fatalism stems from one of the most characteristic traits of
Indian culture – spirituality. The notion of Karma and that everything
happens for a reason is still significant in the decision making process of
many Indians. It also influences the concept of time in India and as a
consequence business negotiations may take longer and are never rushed.

Collectivism 

India’s strong sense of community and group defined orientation mean a

greater acceptance of hierarchical settings. In India, there is a noticeable
lack of privacy and a smaller concept of personal space, where several
generations often live together under one roof. For Indian business practices
this places an additional importance on interpersonal contacts, avoidance of
conflict and a more indirect approach to communication. 

Doing Business in India

India, home of the sacred River Ganges and the Himalayan mountains, has a
history of invasion and migration that has influenced both its culture and its
economy. Following the economic reform process of 1999, India’s market
has continued to strengthen and expand. Geographically, India benefits from
its close proximity to the major Indian Ocean trade routes and together with
the country’s rich centre of mineral and agricultural resources, India’s
economy is witnessing significant inflows of foreign investment. India is also
recognized for its fiercely competitive education system and is one of the
largest providers of experienced scientists, engineers and technicians,
making it an attractive market for foreign business.

Etiquette and Customs in India

Meeting Etiquette

 Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India. 

This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person
first.

  When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually. 

  Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the

more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.

 Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands
with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between
men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait
for them to extend their hand.

Naming Conventions

Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the
country. The following are some basic guidelines to understanding the
naming conventions:

 Hindus: 
 In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname. 
. In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses
the initial of their father's name in front of their own name. 
. The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's
name. Women use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of
their father. 
. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first
name with their husband's first name as a sort of surname. 

 Muslims:
. Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's
name to their own name with the connector 'bin'.  So, Abdullah bin
 Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad.
. Women use the connector 'binti'. 
. The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person
has made their pilgrimage to Mecca. 

 Sikhs:
. Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as
a connector name to the surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. 

 Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family
to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage.

  It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given,
that is important to the recipient.  

 If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a

gift, although one will not be turned down. 

  Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals. 

 Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap
gifts.

  A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his
wife/mother/sister or some other female relative. 

 Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. 

  Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic

products. 

  Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

 Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other

public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances. 
   Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect
foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time. 

 Take off your shoes before entering the house. 

 Dress modestly and conservatively. 

 Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be
asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the
protocol.

There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect
the foods that are served: 

 Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians. 

 Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol. 

 Sikhs do not eat beef. 

 Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses
for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the
religious groups.

 Never use your left hand for eating, serving, or taking food or in fact
handing over or accepting things. The left hand is considered the toilet
hand and thus taboo.

Table manners

 Are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious

beliefs of the various groups. 

  Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers. 

  Wait to be told where to sit. 

  If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork. 

  Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is

served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last.
Women typically serve the men and eat later. 
  You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to
a meal. 

  Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or
your fingers. 

 In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in
other situations you may be allowed to serve yourself from a
communal bowl.

  Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are
satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in India

Relationships & Communication

 Indians prefer to do business with those they know.

  Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect. 

  In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal

relationships prior to doing business.

 It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This

gives you immediate credibility. This must take place on a business
level, i.e. demonstrating strong business acumen, and at a personal
level, i.e. relating to your partner and exhibiting the positive traits of
trustworthiness and honour.

Business Meeting Etiquette

Meeting and Greeting

 When doing business in India, meeting etiquette requires a

handshake. However, Indians themselves use the namaste. This
is where the palms are brought together at chest level with a
slight bow of the head. Using the namaste is a sign of your
understanding of Indian etiquette.
  When addressing an Indian whom you know personally, always
use the appropriate formal title, whether Professor, Doctor, Mr.,
Mrs. or if you do not know their names then Sir or Madam will
suffice.

 When doing business in India, business cards should be

exchanged at the first meeting. It is a good idea to have it
translated on one side into Hindi, more as a sign of respect as
opposed to linguistic necessity. Be sure to receive and give with
your right hand. Make sure the card is put away respectfully and
not simply pushed into a trouser pocket.

Doing Business - Meetings and Negotiations

 Meetings should be arranged well in advance. This should be

done in writing and confirmed by phone. Avoid meetings near or
on national holidays such as Independence Day, Diwali or either
of the two Eids. Avoid the heat by scheduling between October
and March.

 Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not

have disastrous consequences. Flexibility is paramount. Family
responsibilities take precedence over business so last minute
cancellations are possible when doing business.

 When entering a meeting room you must always approach and

greet the most senior figure first. Meetings should always
commence with some conversation. This is part of the 'getting to
know you' process. Favourable topics of conversation are the
latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock
Exchange or cricket. Avoid talking about personal matters and, if
new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or
beggars.

 If your business dealings in India involve negotiations, always

bear in mind that they can be slow. If trust has not yet been
established then concentrate efforts on building a rapport.
Decisions are always made at the highest level. If the owner or
Director of the company is not present, the chances are these
are early stage negotiations.

 Indians do not base their business decisions solely on statistics,

empirical data and exciting PowerPoint presentations. They use
intuition, feeling and faith to guide them. Always exercise
 patience, show good character and never exhibit frustration or
anger.

 When negotiating avoid high pressure tactics. Do not be

confrontational or forceful. Criticisms and disagreements should
be expressed only with the most diplomatic language. Indian
society has an aversion to saying "no" as it is considered rude
due to the possibility of causing disappointment or offense.
Listen carefully to Indians' responses to your questions. If terms
such as "We'll see", "I will try" or "possibly" are employed then
the chances are that they are saying 'no'.

 Once terms have been agreed you will be expected to honour

them. When negotiations end successfully continue the
relationship building process with a celebration dinner.

Business Negotiating

Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree,

although this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks. 
 Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority. 
Decision making is a slow process. 
If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect
and trust. 
Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government. 
 Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to
expect concessions in return for those you grant. 
Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not
trust the legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an
agreement. 
Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team. 
Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.

Negotiating Process
 The pace of business meetings in India is comparatively far more
relaxed than in some of the western countries, such as the
United States.
 Indians are somewhat lax about time. Even if you arrive on time,
it is likely that the scheduled meeting may start with some
delay, or that you are kept waiting. This often happens, and
does not necessarily mean much. However, a long delay in the
meeting can be a signal that you are being given less
importance.
 Indians do not directly jump into business negotiations; in fact,
that may be seen as rude. Building a relationship is often
considered a prerequisite to doing business.
 Meetings normally start with small talk about non-work-related
topics [ranging from weather to whether your journey was
comfortable], before people start talking about business issues.
Do not feel surprised if you are asked some 'personal' questions
about your family, children, etc.
 Compared to many other cultures, relationships and feelings play
a larger role in decisions in India. In general, Indians tend to
take larger risks with a person whose intentions they trust. Thus,
one's credibility and trustworthiness are critical in negotiating a
deal.
 Indians are 'polychronic' people, i.e., they tend to deal with
more than one task at the same time. So be prepared for some
distractions/ disturbances during the meeting, e.g., a secretary
walking in to get some papers signed, or the conversation
sometimes digressing into unrelated topics. One must appreciate
 that such behaviour/occurrences do not show a lack of interest
or attention.
 Indians are inductive in their approach to understanding things.
In the Indian psyche, reality can be understood only in its overall
context. Knowing the personal, social and historical contexts [of
people, events, ideas, etc.] are a precondition to comprehending
them accurately. Therefore, one should be prepared for
questions and enquiries, which may not seem to be directly
related to the subject. To people coming from more deductive
cultures, this behaviour often appears to indicate a lack of focus
and digression.
 PowerPoint presentations are generally accepted to start the
discussion. It is necessary, however, to send a more detailed
proposal in advance. Often, the details of the proposal are vetted
by some middle-level executive, who will then brief the superior
about them.
 In general, Indians are cautious in accepting a new idea or
proposal. Openness to a new idea depends not only on its
quality, but also on its source and endorsement. That is,
information about who else has implemented it or who has
proposed it has a major influence on the decision about a new
idea. In making a proposal, you must include such details
accordingly.
 Indians usually do not express their disagreements openly and
directly; doing so would be considered discourteous. Instead,
when differences arise, they may circumvent them by
statements such as 'we will discuss this later' or 'I will have to
check with others about this.'
 Bargaining for the price or additional concessions is normal in
India. Indian negotiators expect and value flexibility in
negotiation. Therefore, sometimes a straightforward offer may
be perceived as a rigid stand. It is always advisable to build
some buffers in one's initial offer, which allow for bargaining
later.
  Do not insist on commitment in the first meeting. Making a
decision, in Indian organizations, is often a long-drawn out
process. This is not only because of the bureaucratic nature of
many Indian organizations, but also because a decision may
have to be ratified by people who may not be present at the
negotiating table.

Working in India (Pre-departure)

Working practices India

 Indians appreciate punctuality but may not reciprocate it.

It is advisable to make appointments at least one month in
advance and confirm them when arriving in India. A
flexible schedule will prove useful.
 Business appointments should ideally be made for late
morning or early afternoon, between the hours of 11 and
4.
 Making decisions is often a slow and thoughtful process in
Indian culture. Deadlines should not be rushed as
impatience is seen as aggressive, rude and disrespectful. 

Structure and hierarchy in Indian companies

 Within the system of hierarchy in the Indian work place,

senior colleagues and especially elders are obeyed and
respected. Discussions are almost always lead by the most
senior person.
 Final decisions rest with the highest-ranking business
executives, therefore it is important to maintain strong
relationships with senior figures in Indian business.

Working relationships in India

 It is the responsibility of the senior management to

monitor, check and look after their Indian subordinates.
 Face and self-esteem is an essential part of Indian culture,
therefore any individual criticism in business situations
must be done carefully and with sensitivity.
 Despite the distinguished hierarchical system, the
relationship between an Indian boss and his employee can
be similar to that of close relatives. This is a direct
 influence of the community life experienced for thousands
of years in India.

Business practices in India

 Meetings in India will generally begin with friendly small

talk. This may include personal questions about your
family and is seen as a way of building rapport and trust
before business.
 In India, the family unit is highly valued, therefore showing
interest and respect towards your Indian counterpart’s
family is vital for establishing successful relationships.
 In Indian culture disagreement is rarely expressed in a
direct manner. The word ‘no’ is often avoided and is
replaced by other non-verbal cues and indirect
communication.
 During negotiations, trust and well-established
relationships with your Indian counterparts must be in
place before any form of business can take place.

Dress Etiquette

Business attire varies in different parts of India. Decency and decorum is the
guiding principle here. It is better to dress slightly more conservatively than
too casually. In India position in the hierarchy of business dictates formality
of dress. Use common sense in dressing
 Business attire is conservative. 
 Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits. 
  Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
  The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the
country, dress is less formal, although dressing as suggested above
for the first meeting will indicate respect.

Traditional India Clothing and

 Business Attire

Business attire in India has traditionally been

classified as formal business dress for
Westerners consistent of suits and shirts and
ties.  Fancy suits and loud colors on shirts and
ties are generally not recommended and may
offend certain people.  Conservative suits and
ties should be worn unless you know
otherwise.  Many information technology
companies have adopted the “business
casual” format of Western Countries which
usually consistent of pants and a collared
shirt.    For women, pants suits are generally
recommended over skirts but can be worn but
as a general rule, the length should be past
the knees.

Casual wear is usually unrestricted and should

be done in consideration of others, exposure
of legs for women is generally recommended
for swim and bathing suits.

Indian attire or costumes are not required

typically unless there is a celebration whereby
foreigners may be asked to participate in
following the traditions of the family’s
culture. 

 
Giving Gifts

Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift

Gift giving is customary in India, and is seen as a sign of friendship.
However, it is generally not expected at the first meeting.

 If your Indian host insists on your opening the gift, do so and

show appreciation for his/her choice.
 It is advisable not to give expensive gifts, unless you are very
close to the person. Normally, large and expensive gifts are
given only by family friends and close relatives--and for specific
family occasions, such as a wedding. Since Indians try to
reciprocate a gift, if it is too expensive, it can cause
embarrassment for the recipient.
 Use red, yellow, green or blue coloured wrapping paper. White
and black colors are considered inauspicious.
 Normally, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
However, sometimes your Indian host may insist on your
opening the gift, and would expect appreciation for his/her
choice.
 If you are invited to an Indian's home for dinner, you must take
some kind of gift, such as a box of chocolates or flowers. If your
host has children, carrying a gift for the child [a toy or a book] is
also appreciated.
 If you are visiting an Indian during a festival, it is customary to
carry a box of sweets.
  If you are giving money as a gift, do remember that 11, 51, 101,
501, etc. are considered auspicious numbers. Your gift would be
more appreciated if it is in these denominations.
 Before the opening up of the Indian economy, many foreign
products were not available in India, and would have made a
good gift. However, now most foreign-made products are
accessible to Indians, and have, consequently, lost their value as
a gift. However, Indians do appreciate a gift which is
representative of your, or a specific, culture [e.g., Dutch wooden
shoes/clogs, a Swiss knife, French perfume, etc.].
 If you have worked or lived with Indians, a framed photograph
with them as a gift would be viewed as a warm and friendly
gesture.
 Different flowers have different connotations across India. If you
are planning to give flowers, do check with the florist as to what
would be appropriate. A bouquet of roses, however, is the safest
choice across the country.
 Drinking alcohol is culturally not accepted in most parts of India.
Many Indians do not drink at home. However, if your host drinks
and keeps drinks at home, a bottle of Scotch whisky or wine will
be appreciated.
 Be cautious in giving a leather item as a gift. Since many Hindus
are vegetarians, they may not appreciate items made of leather.
 A jewelry item is considered an intimate gift, and would be
viewed as inappropriate if given by a man to an Indian woman.
It is acceptable if the jewelry is given as a gift by a woman;
however, gold jewelry is normally exchanged/given only among
family and relatives.

Appointments

Appointments must be fixed well in advance. Always confirm beforehand to

make sure nothing has changed meanwhile. Traffic is always unpredictable
so leave a lot of margin. Be prepared to be kept waiting when visiting
government officials.

Invitations

Foreigners visiting India might receive many social invitations. A direct

refusal to an invitation (e.g., "Sorry, I can't come.") would be seen as
impolite or arrogant.
Use "I'll try" or "I will confirm with you later," etc. when declining social
invitations.

When refreshments/ snacks or beverages are served, it is customary,

though not compulsory, to refuse the first offer, but to accept the second or
third. Accept what is offered to you even if you don't want to eat or drink
everything. Leave some on the plate or all of it untouched. If you eat all, it is
a sign you want more.

Titles

 Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer. 

 Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession. 

 If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title
"Sir" or "Madam". 

 Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending
upon the person's name.
Visiting Cards

The visiting card ritual is not so formal as in China or Japan but you
should always carry decent and presentable cards with you. Cards in
English are fine. You don't need to print them in local languages.
Never use the left hand to give and receive cards.

Business Cards

 Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and

greeting. 
  If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business
card. 

 Use the right hand to give and receive business cards. 

 Business cards need not be translated into Hindi. 

 Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card
as it is handed to them.

Focus of Business

One of the major blunders Western people make in India is to forget people
and concentrate on schedule, contracts, results, facts and issues.
Western Business = End Results
Indian Business = Process of Interaction, Relationships

The credibility and trustworthiness of a business partner are critical in

securing cooperation so these have to be built up over time.

Orientation to time

West: Time = Scarce commodity

India: Time = Expression of eternity
In India everything takes time. Indian business people like to be on time but
in real life things don't work like clockwork. Keep a lot of margin in your
schedules for the unexpected events. A Western person likes to concentrate
on one thing at a time while his Indian counterpart is poly chronic and
attends to many things at the same time. Be prepared for lots of
interruptions all the time.

Personal space

 Indians keep very small bubbles of personal space around them and
there is so much touchy cuddly walking hand in hand behavior all
around. However:
 Men don't touch women in public and vice versa.
 Superiors pat subordinates on their shoulders and there is much
collegial backslapping. The handshake is practiced everywhere in
cities. The traditional Indian greeting is the "Namaste," which you do
with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed
upwards, in front of the chest with a slight nod or bow of the head.
 This has a spiritual basis in recognizing a common divine essence
within the other person.
 Always be polite, although you need to be firm.
 Never lose your temper, even when it is to your advantage to show
anger.

Conversation

 All meetings start with some small talk. Indians are very curious and
like to exchange views even with total strangers. Be prepared for
Indians talking about matters which would be considered an invasion
of privacy in the west.
 Learn to recognize the "NO" as Indians don't say NO directly, unless it
is a crucial issue.
 Don't point out poverty, dirt, and social ills to Indians as they might
interpret it as condescending coming from a foreigner. Indians are
proud of their rich history and appreciate intelligent discussions with
mutual respect, so avoid preaching about democracy and women's
rights etc.

Addressing others

 Indian businesses are hierarchical. Titles such as Mr, Mrs or Professor

are used almost always unless the other person asks you to go on a
first name basis.
 Get used to people always calling you Mr this or Madam this or saying
"yes, Sir" or "yes, Madam" all the time.
 Find out how you should address the other person - naming and
addressing practices vary across the country.

Indian business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)

 Do use titles wherever possible, such as “Professor” or “Doctor”.

If your Indian counterpart does not have a title, use “Mr”, “Mrs”,
or “Miss”.
 Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate the greeting.
Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of
respect.
 Do remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that
your objectives are sincere.
 Don’t be aggressive in your business negotiations – it can show
disrespect.
  Don’t take large or expensive gifts as this may cause
embarrassment. If you do take a gift make sure you present the
gift with both hands.
 Don’t refuse any food or drink offered to you during business
meetings as this may cause offence. In addition, it is useful to
bear in mind that traditionally, Indians are vegetarians and do
not drink alcohol.

Language

 Presenting and exchanging business cards are a necessary part

of doing business in India. You must bring plenty since people
exchange business cards even in non-business situations.
 English is the common language for conducting business, and
therefore, it is not necessary to get your card translated into any
Indian language. If you are not from an English-speaking
country, then you must get your brochures and other
promotional material prepared in English.
 Though widely spoken and used, there are nuances of Indian
English which are quite native. For instance, there are local
meanings of terms like 'Himalayan blunder' [grave mistake],
'godown' [warehouse], 'deadly' [intense or very good], etc.
Similarly, you may find people using terms like 'cousin-brother'
or 'cousin-sister', or overuse terms like 'actually', 'obviously',
'simply', etc., in their sentences.
 In addition, the pronunciation varies widely across the country,
which can sometimes make it difficult to understand spoken
English. You can, however, request a person to repeat what s/he
has said slowly. Such a request from a foreigner is not
considered as a discourtesy.

General tips, eating and drinking

General Tips

 Hospitality is a key value in Indian culture, and the guest is

considered the equivalent to a god. Indians normally go out of
their way to accommodate the requirements of the guests. Any
 breach of etiquette by the guest is normally ignored and never
brought to his or her attention.
 A foreigner visiting India is likely to receive social invitations
from even minor acquaintances. This is mostly because Indians
like to make a visitor feel welcome.
 Visitors from some countries are often perplexed by the rather
casual and unclear invitation extended to them to 'drop in
anytime.' This is, however, a genuine invitation. Nevertheless, it
is advisable to phone before going to someone's house.
 Conversely, you should also not expect that your Indian guests
will always inform you before their arrival. It is normal among
Indians to 'drop in' for a social visit.
 A direct refusal to an invitation [e.g., 'sorry, I will not be able to
come'] is likely to be seen as impolite, or even arrogant. If you
have to decline an invitation, it is more acceptable to give a
somewhat vague and open-ended answer such as 'I'll try' or 'I
will confirm with you later', etc.
 It is common practice in India to offer beverages [tea, coffee or
soft-drink] with some light snacks/ refreshments to a guest,
even in business settings. When refreshments/ snacks or
beverages are served, it is customary [though not mandatory] to
refuse the first offer, but to accept the second or third. It would,
however, be a breach of etiquette not to accept it at all. Even if
you don't want to have the refreshments/ snacks, it is advisable
to accept them--though it is acceptable to leave these offerings
untouched later on in the visit.

Important Do's and Don'ts about Eating and Drinking

 Eating and drinking are intimately tied to Indian customs and

religions. In planning any invitations, a knowledge and
sensitivity to these customs are very important.
 For a large number of Indian Hindus, eating meat is a religious
taboo. While planning a meal for your Indian guests [or placing
 an order in a restaurant], it is advisable to ask if they are
vegetarians or non-vegetarians.
 If you are hosting a dinner or lunch party, it is advisable to have
a few varieties of vegetarian dishes. It is also important to keep
the vegetarian and meat dishes on separate tables, and label
them to enable people to select what they can eat.
 Many Hindus keep a fast once a week, and during this time they
can eat only fruits. When inviting people, do check and make
arrangements for them accordingly.
 Non-vegetarian Hindus do not eat beef, and Muslims do not eat
pork. Muslims eat meat which is 'halal' or ritually slaughtered.
Jains eat cereals and lentils, but do not eat meat, honey, and
even most vegetables.
 In planning for [or ordering] non-vegetarian dishes, chicken,
lamb or fish are safe options.
 Indians are very particular about cleanliness. It is essential to
wash both of your hands before and after meals.
 Traditional Indian dishes are eaten with the hands. When it is
necessary to use your hands, use only your right hand, as the
left hand is considered unclean. It's considered acceptable,
however, to pass dishes with the left hand.
 Offering food from your plate to another person is not culturally
acceptable, since this practice is seen as 'unclean.'
 Drinking is prohibited among Muslims, Sikhs and in many other
Indian communities. However, with changing times, and
especially among urban educated Indians, this is not strictly
observed.
 Traditional Indian women, regardless of their religion, don't
smoke or drink. Among urban elite Indians, however, some
women do drink wine or beer, and also smoke.
 Compared to a few years back, most well-known brands of hard
liquors [whiskey and scotch] are now available in India. Many
Indian brands are also as good as the global brands. However,
 most Indian drinkers feel that an imported foreign brand of drink
is superior to Indian brands.
Business Entertaining

 Business lunches are preferable to dinners in India. However, in

recent times, business dinners and 'power breakfasts' are also
becoming popular.
 Mostly, business meals are organized in either high-class
restaurants or in five-star hotels. Some of these places are very
much in demand, and you will need to book your table in
advance.
 In large cities [e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai,
etc.], restaurants offer a wide choice of cuisines, ranging from
traditional Indian food to Chinese, Thai, Continental, etc. In
selecting the restaurant, you must check what cuisines
the restaurant offers to suit the tastes of your guests.
 Most restaurants have separate smoking and non-smoking
sections, and you must select the space according to the
preference of your guests.
 Most Indian dishes are quite spicy to the western palate. While
ordering Indian food you might want to ask the waiter/steward
how spicy a given dish will be.
 Toasting is not a normal custom in India. However, in business
meals where drinks are served, it is normal for the host to toast
by raising the glass and saying 'cheers.'
 If a business associate invites you for a meal, unless it is an
official function, it is customary to arrive a few minutes late.
 Businesswomen can take Indian businessmen out for a meal
without causing awkwardness or embarrassment. A male guest,
however, may insist on paying for the meal. Conversely, if you
are a male, and are invited for a meal by an Indian
businesswoman, it is expected that you will offer to pay [which,
though, may be politely declined].
  Normally, excessive tipping is not encouraged, but a certain
amount of tip is expected. In most restaurants, 10% is a
sufficient tip, which may be added to the bill. You can, however,
give an additional tip by leaving the change to show your
appreciation.

Social entertaining

 If you are invited for dinner at a home, it is advisable to arrive

15 to 30 minutes late.
 In many Indian homes, one is expected to remove his or her
shoes before entering. Observing this custom is particularly
important if you or your family have received a
personal invitation or if the function you are attending is a
familial one.
 In many Indian homes, women remain mostly in the confines of
the kitchen. They see their contribution in making the guest feel
at home in terms of the food they cook [or supervise to get
cooked]. Appreciating and praising the food are considered
proper etiquette, since it is a compliment to the lady of the
house.
 Saying 'thank you' at the end of the meal is considered as an
inappropriate and impersonal gesture. Instead, offer to
reciprocate by inviting your hosts out to dinner. This invitation
will be seen as that you value the relationship you have
established with your hosts.
 If you are hosting a social event, it is desirable to contact every
person by phone personally, even if you have already sent a
printed invitation. Indians do not normally 'R.S.V.P.' Invitations
should be sent out early, and phone calls should be made close
to the day of the party.
 Be prepared for the fact that your guests will be late, since
arriving punctually for a social invitation is considered bad
manners. Also, some of your guests may not turn up at all, even
after promising that they will.
  Do not be surprised if some of your Indian guests bring their
own guests. Such behaviour is considered as a sign of their close
informal relationship with the host, and not bad manners. In
such situations, the host is expected to remain warm, gracious
and accommodating.
 Since it's difficult to predict when the guests will arrive, or how
many will attend, it is sensible to make arrangements for
a buffet rather than a formal 'sit-down' meal.
 A variety of catering services are available if you don't want to
cook. Some restaurants and hotels also cater, or you can host
parties on their grounds.

Acceptable public conduct

 The traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding

your palms together, as in praying, and saying 'Namaste' [nah-
mas-tay] or 'Namaskar' [nah-mas-kar], with a slight bow.
 While, the Namaste or Namaskar are Hindu ways of greeting,
they are also accepted among all other communities. These
other communities, however, also have their own traditional
greetings. For instance, among Muslims, the traditional greeting
is 'Salaam-Wale-Kum', which is responded to by saying 'Wale-
kum-Salaam.' Similarly, Sikhs traditionally greet each other by
saying 'Sat-Siree-Akaal.'
 Shaking hands is also an acceptable way to greet people among
urban and westernized Indians.
 Among the younger urban Indians, a 'Hello' or 'Hi' with a wave of
the hand is also an acceptable form of greeting when making
informal contact.
 In general, Indian society is conservative about heterosexual
physical contact and relationships. Refrain from greeting people
with hugs and kisses.
 Shaking hands with women, since it involves physical touch, is
not universally accepted in Indian society. Among the urban
westernized Indians, you may find some Indian women offering
 to shake hands. However, it is advisable to shake hands only
when it is offered. In most other situations, 'Namaste' is the
safest way to greet--in fact, it will also be appreciated as a
gesture of friendliness.
 It is customary to allow women and guests to proceed before
yourself.
 The acceptable way to beckon someone is to hold your hand out,
palm downward, and make a scooping motion with fingers.
Beckoning someone with a wagging finger, with the palm upward
is seen as an authoritarian/ condescending signal, and will be
perceived as an insult.
 Do not point to someone with your finger, since that is likely to
be interpreted as an accusatory gesture. Use of hand/palm or
chin is a more acceptable way of pointing towards someone.
 Standing erect with your hands on your hips is likely to be seen
as an aggressive and dominating posture.
 Among Indians, it is normal for them to use their hands to
gesticulate while talking with each other. Folded hands, or hands
in one's pockets while talking are likely to be perceived as
arrogant gestures.
 Whistling and winking are usually perceived as rude and
unacceptable behaviours, as they have sexual connotations.
 Talking to a woman who is walking alone is not advisable, since
it is likely to be seen as a proposition or other inappropriate
gesture.
 Seniority, age and authority are respected in India, both in
business and in public life.

More tips

 Feet are considered unclean in India, so avoid pointing your feet

at another person. In the case that your feet or shoes touch
another person, you are expected to apologize by saying 'sorry.'
  Indians do not maintain continuous eye-contact while talking
with others. Direct eye-contact may be seen as intrusive. On the
other hand, do not feel uncomfortable if you find an Indian
gazing at you; this is because Indians are curious--to the extent
of sometimes being intrusive--about foreigners.
 The comfortable distance to be maintained during an interaction
is much closer in India than in most Western countries. In
general, a distance of about 2 or 2 ½ feet is seen as
comfortable. However, since India has very high population
density, in public spaces [e.g., public transport, a queue, etc.],
don't be surprised if you find people almost rubbing against you.
 The public spaces [e.g., markets, roads, public transportation,
etc.] in India are far more crowded than in the West. You need
to be careful while crossing roads, and of pick-pockets who can
steal your purse/ wallet.
 Being a poor country, you are likely to find beggars in most
public places. It is advisable to ignore them, since if you give
them alms, you are likely to be pestered by many others.
 Most Indians are very courteous to foreigners. However, many
also see foreigners as a target for being swindled. You need to
be careful about people who try to give you 'great deals'--do
check their credentials before giving them money.

Indian Culture Quiz – true or false

1. Shaking your head from side to side is a non-verbal signal for ‘no’.
2. In India, the word ‘caste’ can be translated as ‘colour’.
3. During a group meeting, it is customary to greet the youngest member
first.
4. Feet are considered unclean; therefore you must never point your feet
at a person.
5. When greeting business colleagues it is polite to bow deeply from the
waist and say 
“namaste” three times.

Cultural Quiz – Answers

1. False. It is a visual way to communicate to the speaker that you
understand what they are saying or that you agree with him.
2. True.
3. False. It is customary to greet the oldest members first as a sign of
respect.
4. True.
5. False. The correct way is to hold your hands together below your chin,
nod or bow slightly, and say “namaste". However, handshakes are also
appropriate in contemporary Indian culture.

Close familiarity with the Indian business ethic can

help you when doing business in India. It is
advisable to pay attention to the following tips:
 A short and light, not firm, handshake is the customary start to a
business meeting. It is advisable to start the meeting with 'small
talk' and only after that to pass to business matters. During the
meeting it is customary to address your Indian colleagues with
the title that signifies their status: "Professor X" or "Mr. X" or
Miss X" with the name that follows the title being the surname
and not a first name.
 Business cards should be exchanged at the beginning of a
business meeting. Take care before the meeting to have an
adequate supply of business card that will be sufficient for all
those present at the meeting
 Business behavior in India is very similar to that of most western
countries. Most Indians of the managerial and technical levels
have a good command of both spoken and written English.
 Senior executives in India wear suits. At the same time, because
of the climatic conditions, they sometimes dress less formally.
Business women are recommended to dress conservatively.
 Although it is customary to shake a male colleague lightly by the
hand at the start of the meeting, shaking hands with women is a
very sensitive point in Indian culture. The important rule is that
shaking a woman by the hand is at the woman's initiative. Only
when an Indian woman offers her hand, is it acceptable to shake
it. In the absence of a handshake, the custom all over India is
the greeting of peace known as "Namaste". When making this
greeting, hold the palms of both hands together under the chin,
smile, bow slightly and say "Namaste".
 In Indian culture, it is considered improper for a man and
woman to embrace and kiss in public.
 When presenting gifts, take care that the gift-wrapping is neither
black nor white as these are believed to bring bad luck. On the
other hand, the colors that are thought to bring good luck are
red, green and yellow. It is not customary in India to open a gift
in the presence of its donor. If you receive a gift from your
Indian colleague, open it only after your colleague has left the
room.
 Acceptable gifts are flowers, chocolate, perfume and small
electronic goods. Sensitivity should be shown to ethnic
background in India. Thus, for example, you should refrain from
giving gifts that have a picture of a dog (dogs are considered
unclean animals). It is also important to know that many Indians
do not drink alcohol or eat beef.
 During meetings, try not to stand with your hands on your hips.
This is considered as an aggressive posture in India.
 The best time of the year for a visit to India is between the
months of October and March. Do not arrange business meetings
for national holidays, It is important to remember that apart
from the national holidays there are many festivals that are
specific to certain regions of India As holidays are not fixed
according to the Gregorian calendar, it is important to make sure
of the dates of holidays with the Embassy of India in your
country of origin before fixing an appointment.
 Indians are not particularly punctual and if you have fixed a time
for a meeting, this may be regarded with some "flexibility" by
your Indian counterpart.
 In such a richly diverse and complex country as India it is
difficult to impart generic conclusions that can be used by those
doing business there. Regionalism, religion, language and caste
are all factors that need to be taken into account when doing
business in India. Behaviour, etiquette and approach are all
modified depending on whom you are addressing and the
context in which they are being addressed.   

 However, most of those doing business in India will do so in

cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad and with
a particular socio-economic class. This short guide to doing
business in India will explore a few cultural facts and their
influence on business culture and etiquette. These are in no way
meant to be an all-inclusive summary on doing business in India
but an introduction.
 FRANCE

France - French Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location

Western Europe, bordering Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451
km, 
Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km,
Switzerland 573 km

Capital

Paris

Currency

French franc

Climate

Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers
along 
the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind
known as mistral

Population

65,073,482, 2009

Ethnic Make-up

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque
minorities

Religions

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%,

unaffiliated 
4%

Government

Republic

Languages in France
French

The official language is the first language of 88% of the population. Most of
those who speak minority languages also speak French, as the minority
languages are given no legal recognition. 3% of the populations speak
German dialects, predominantly in the eastern provinces of Alsace-Lorraine
and Moselle. Flemish is spoken by around 90,000 people in the northeast,
which is 0.2% of the French population. Around 1m people near the Italian
border, roughly 1.7% of the population, speaks Italian. 
Basque is spoken by 0.1% and mainly along the French-Spanish border.

Catalan

The dialects are spoken in the French Pyrenees by around 260,000 people or
0.4% of the French population.
The Celtic language, Breton, is spoken by 1.2% and mainly in the north west
of France. These three languages have no official status within France.

In the South of France, over 7m speak Occitan dialects, representing 12% of

the population of France, but these dialects have no official status. Nor too
does Corsu, the dialect of the island of Corsica that is closely related to
Tuscan and is spoken by 0.3%.

Arabic, the third largest minority language, is spoken by around 1.7% of the
population throughout the country. Other immigrant languages from the
former French colonies include Kabyle and Antillean Creole.

French Society & Culture

Cuisine

 Food is one of the great passions of the French people.

 French cooking is highly refined and involves careful preparation,

attention to detail, and the use of fresh ingredients. 

 It varies by region and is heavily influenced by what is grown locally.

French Family Values

 The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has
certain duties and responsibilities. 

 The extended family provides both emotional and financial support. 

  Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical
approach towards marriage. 

 Families have few children, but parents take their role as guardians
and providers very seriously.

Relationships - Public vs. Private

 The French are private people and have different rules of behaviour for
people within their social circle and those who are not.

 Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with
their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves.

 Friendship brings with it a set of roles and responsibilities, including

being available should you be needed. Friendship involves frequent, if
not daily, contact.

Etiquette & Customs in France

Meeting Etiquette

 The handshake is a common form of greeting. 

 Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on
the left cheek and once on the right cheek. 

 First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited
before using someone's first name. 

 You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good
evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a
shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. 

 If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your

neighbours with the same appellation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is

considered unlucky. 
  Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving
certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at
funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers
as they are used at weddings. 

 Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young.

When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. 

  If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford.
The French appreciate their wines. 

  Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a French house for dinner:

 Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more

than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain
you have been detained. 

 The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time
is. 

  If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send

flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be
displayed that evening. 

  Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version
of casual is not as relaxed as in many western countries.

Table manners

 Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and
the knife in the right while eating. 

  If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat.

  Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. 

  If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your
plate with the fork over the knife. 

  Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be
visible and not in your lap. 
   Finish everything on your plate. 

  Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your
fork. 

  Peel and slice fruit before eating it. 

  Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in France

Relationships & Communication

 French business behaviour emphasizes courtesy and a degree of

formality. 

 Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done. 

 Trust is earned through proper behaviour.

 Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very

important. 

 If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language
may aid in developing a relationship. 

  It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases, since it

demonstrates an interest in a long-term relationship.

  The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their

social status, education level, and which part of the country they were
rose.

 In business, the French often appear extremely direct because they

are not afraid of asking probing questions. 

 Written communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings

and may be used to relay information from your French business
colleagues.

Business Meetings Etiquette

 Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in

advance. 
  Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending
upon the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the
secretary. 

 Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a

common vacation period.

 If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an

explanation. 

 Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions. 

 Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.

Business Negotiation

 French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality. 

 Wait to be told where to sit.

  Maintain direct eye contact while speaking. 

 Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not

appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol.

 Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can be

counterproductive. 

 The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless

of how minute. 

 Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of

the company. 

 The French are often impressed with good debating skills that
demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the situation and all the
ramifications. 

 Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally

compartmentalize their business and personal lives. 

 Discussions may be heated and intense. 

  High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more
receptive to a low-key, logical presentation that explains the
advantages of a proposal in full. 

 When an agreement is reached, the French may insist it be formalized

in an extremely comprehensive, precisely worded contract.

Dress Etiquette

 Business dress is understated and stylish. 

 Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the

initial meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the
personality of the company with which you are conducting business. 

 Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft

colours. 

 The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality
accessories.

Business Cards

 Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without

formal ritual. 

 Have the other side of your business card translated into French.
Although not a business necessity, it demonstrates an attention to
detail that will be appreciated. 

 Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card. 

  French business cards are often a bit larger than in many other
countries.
 EGYPT

Egypt - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics
Location

North East Africa bordering Palestine (Gaza Strip) 11 km, Israel 266 km,
Libya 
1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km

Capital

Cairo

Currency

The Egyptian pound or gineih (sign: £ code EGP)

Climate

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Population

79,000,000, 2010

Ethnic Make-up

 Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek,

Nubian, 
Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%

Religions

 Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%

Government

Republic

Language in Egypt

For almost 13 centuries Arabic has been the written and spoken language of

Egypt. Before the Arab invasion in AD 639, Coptic, the language descended
from ancient Egyptian, was the language of both religious and everyday life
for the mass of the population; by the 12th century, however, it had been
totally replaced by Arabic, continuing only as a liturgical language for the
Coptic Orthodox Church. Arabic has become the language of both the
Egyptian Christian and Muslim. The written form of the Arabic language, in
grammar and syntax, has remained substantially unchanged since the 7th
century. In other ways, however, the written language has changed the
modern forms of style, word sequence, and phraseology are simpler and
more flexible than in classical Arabic and are often directly derivative of
English or French

Egyptian Society & Culture

Islam

Islam is practiced by the majority of Egyptians and governs their personal,

political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi
Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries
(following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation
to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of
mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah
and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The
Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnath) are used as the basis for
all guidance in the religion. 

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at
dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the
local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is
closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend
Thursday and Friday.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk
and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating,
drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to
fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

Each night after sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the
breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night.
In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses
operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual
times.

Family Values

 The family is the most significant unit of Egyptian society. 

 Kinship plays an important role in all social relations.

 The individual is always subordinate to the family, tribe or group. 

  Nepotism is viewed positively, since it is patronage of one's family.

 The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family.

Egyptian Honour

 Honour is an important facet of interpersonal relationships. 

 Respect and esteem for people is both a right and an obligation.

  An individual's honour is intricately entwined with the reputation and

honour of everyone in their family.

  Honour requires that Egyptians demonstrate hospitality to friends and

guests.

 It also dictates that people dress as well as their financial

circumstances allow, and show proper respect and deference to their
elders and those in authority.

  A man's word is considered his bond and to go back on your word is

to bring dishonour to your family.

Social Class

 Social class is very apparent in Egypt since it determines your access

to power and position.

 The social class an Egyptian is born into dictates their everyday life
and the opportunities they will have. 

 There are three social classes: upper, middle, and lower.

  Status is defined more by family background than by absolute wealth.

 There is little social mobility.

Etiquette & Customs in Egypt

Meeting Etiquette

 Greetings are based on both class and the religion of the person.

 It is best to follow the lead of the Egyptian you are meeting.

  Handshakes are the customary greeting among individuals of the same
sex.

 Handshakes are somewhat limp and prolonged, although they are

always given with a hearty smile and direct eye contact.

 Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on one cheek

and then the other while shaking hands, men with men and women
with women.

 In any greeting between men and women, the woman must extend
her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 If you are invited to an Egyptian's home for dinner, bring good quality
chocolates, sweets or pastries to the hostess.

 Do not give flowers, which are usually reserved for weddings or the ill,
unless you know that the hosts would appreciate them.

 A small gift for the children shows affection.

 Always give gifts with the right hand or both hands if the gift is heavy.

 Gifts are not opened when received

Dining Etiquette

 If you are invited into an Egyptian's house.

 You would normally remove your shoes before entering.

 Dress well and conservatively. Appearances are important to

Egyptians.

 Compliment the host on the house.

Table manners

 Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit.

 Eat with the right hand only.

 It is considered a sincere compliment to take second helpings.

  Always show appreciation for the meal.

 Salting your food is considered an insult.

 Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished
eating. Otherwise they will keep filling it up for you!

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Egypt

Relationships & Communication

 Egyptians prefer to do business with those they know and respect,

therefore expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship
before business is conducted.

 Who you know is more important than what you know, so it is

important to network and cultivate a number of contracts.

 Expect to be offered coffee or tea whenever you meet someone, as

this demonstrates hospitality. Even if you do not take a sip, always
accept the beverage. Declining the offer is viewed as rejecting the
person.

 Since Egyptians judge people on appearances wear good quality

conservative clothes and present yourself well at all times.

 Egyptians believe direct eye contact is a sign of honesty and sincerity,

so be prepared for disconcertingly intense stares.

 Egyptians are emotive and use hand gestures when they are excited.
In general, they speak softly, although they may also shout or pound
the table. This is not indicative of anger; it is merely an attempt to
demonstrate a point.

 You should demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the

group, who will also be their spokesperson. This is a country where
hierarchy and rank are very important.

Business Meeting Etiquette

 Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance.

 Confirm the meeting one week in advance, either in writing or by

telephone.
  Reconfirm again a day or two before the meeting.

 Meetings are generally not private unless there is a need to discuss

matters confidentially. In general, Egyptians have an open-door policy,
even when they are in a meeting. This means you may experience
frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room and
start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the
topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.

 High- level government officials often adhere to more western

business practices and hold private meetings without interruptions.

 Business meetings generally start after prolonged inquiries about

health, family, etc.

 If you send an agenda and presentation materials in advance of the

meeting, send both an English and Egyptian Arabic translation.

Business Negotiation

 The social side of business is very important. Egyptians must know

and like you to conduct business. Personal relationships are necessary
for long-term business.

 Business is hierarchical. The highest ranking person makes decisions,

after obtaining group consensus.

 Decisions are reached after great deliberation.

 If the government is involved, discussions will take even longer since

approval must often be given by the ministers of several departments.

 Business moves at a slow pace. The society is extremely bureaucratic.

It may take several visits to accomplish a simple task.

 It is advisable to include older people with impressive titles in your

team since Egyptians respect age and experience.

 Expect a fair amount of haggling. Egyptians seldom see an offer as

final.

 Egyptians do not like confrontation and abhor saying 'no'. If they do

not respond, it usually is a negative sign.
  Always include research and documentation to support your claims.

 Do not use high-pressure tactics.

 Egyptians are tough negotiators.

Dress Etiquette

 Business attire is formal and conservative. Dress well if you want to

make a good impression. 

 Men should wear dark coloured, lightweight, conservative business

suits, at least to the first meeting. 

 Men should avoid wearing visible jewellery, especially around the face
and neck.

 Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and

dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the
arm.

Business Cards

 Business cards are given without formal ritual.

 Have one side of your card translated into Egyptian Arabic.

 Always hand the card so the recipient may read it.

 Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting
into your business card case.

USA
 UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA

USA - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location

North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific
Ocean, between Canada and Mexico

Capital

Washington, DC

Currency

USD, $

Climate

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska,

semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the
Great Basin of the southwest.

Population
309,016,000, April 2010

Ethnic Make-up

White 81.7%, black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%, Amerindian and Alaska native 1%,
native Hawaiian and other Pacific islander 0.2%

Religions

Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%,
other 10%, none 10% (2002 est.)

Government

Constitution-based federal republic

Language in the USA

The United States does not have an official language, but English is spoken
by about 82% of the population as a native language. The variety of English
spoken in the United States is known as American English; together with
Canadian English it makes up the group of dialects known as North American
English. Spanish is the second-most common language in the country,
spoken by almost 30 million people (or 12% of the population).

American Society and Culture

Diversity

America is ultimately a nation of immigrants and as a result is a cultural

mish-mash in every sense of the word. Not only is the country populated by
people from foreign countries but all Americans in one way or another trace
their ancestry back to another culture, whether Irish, German, Italian or
Scottish. Looking around any major city one will notice the ‘melting-pot’ that
it is.

Informal and Friendly

Most people who come to the United States may already know a few things
about the people through TV. Although this is of course a skewed reality
some of the stereotypes are true, especially American friendliness and
informality. People tend to not wait to be introduced, will begin to speak with
strangers as they stand in a queue, sit next to each other at an event, etc.
Visitors can often be surprised when people are so informal to the point of
being very direct or even rude.

Time is Money

The country that coined the phrase obviously lives the phrase. In America,
time is a very important commodity. People 'save' time and 'spend' time as
if it were money in the bank. Americans ascribe personality characteristics
and values based on how people use time. For example, people who are on-
time are considered to be good people, reliable people who others can count
on.

The Family

The family unit is generally considered the nuclear family, and is typically
small (with exceptions among certain ethnic groups). Extended family
relatives live in their own homes, often at great distances from their
children.

Individualism is prized, and this is reflected in the family unit. People are
proud of their individual accomplishments, initiative and success, and may,
or may not, share those sources of pride with their elders.

Customs and Etiquette in the U.S.A

Meeting and Greeting

 Greetings are casual.

 A handshake, a smile, and a 'hello' are all that is needed.
 Smile
 Use first names, and be sure to introduce everyone to each
other.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 In general, Americans give gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and

major holidays, such as Christmas.
 A gift can be as simple as a card and personal note to something
more elaborate for a person with whom you are close.
 Gift giving is not an elaborate event, except at Christmas.
 When invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a
small box of good chocolates, a bottle of wine, a potted plant or
flowers for the hostess.
 Gifts are normally opened when received.
Dining Etiquette

 Americans socialize in their homes and ‘backyards’, in

restaurants and in other public places.
 It's not at all unusual for social events to be as casual as a
backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park.
 Arrive on time if invited for dinner; no more than 10 minutes
later than invited to a small gathering. If it is a large party, it is
acceptable to arrive up to 30 minutes later than invited.
 Table manners are more relaxed in the U.S. than in many other
countries.
 The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating. The fork
is held tines down. The knife is used to cut or spread something.
To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To
continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
 If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your
plate with the fork over the knife. Indicate you have finished
eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side
of your plate.
 If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner,
go ahead. It will not offend anyone.
 Feel free to refuse specific foods or drinks without offering an
explanation.
 Many foods are eaten by hand.
 Food is often served family-style, which means that it is in large
serving dishes and passed around the table for everyone to
serve themselves.
 Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or says to begin.
 Remain standing until invited to sit down.
 Do not rest your elbows on the table.
 Put your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down.
 Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have
finished eating.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Business Dress

 What is considered appropriate business attire varies by geographic

region, day of the week and industry.
 In general, people in the East dress more formally, while people in the
West are known for being a bit more casual.
  Executives usually dress formally regardless of which part of the
country they are in.
 Casual Friday is common in many companies. High technology
companies often wear casual clothes every day.For an initial meeting,
dressing conservatively is always in good taste. Women can wear
business suits, dresses or pantsuits. Men should wear a business suit
unless you know the firm to be quite casual.

Greetings

 The hand shake is the common greeting.

 Handshakes are firm, brief and confident.
 Maintain eye contact during the greeting.
 In most situations, you can begin calling people by their first names.
 Most people will insist that you call them by their nickname, if they
have one.
 In formal circumstances, you may want to use titles and surnames as
a courtesy until you are invited to move to a first name basis, which
will happen quickly.
 Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
 It is quite common for the recipient to put your card in their wallet,
which may then go in the back pocket of their trousers. This is not an
insult.

Communication Styles

 Americans are direct.

 They value logic and linear thinking and expect people to speak clearly
and in a straightforward manner. To them if you don’t “tell it how it is”
you simply waste time, and time is money.

 If you are from a culture that is more subtle in communication style,

try not to be insulted by the directness.

 Try to get to your point more quickly and don’t be afraid to be more
direct and honest than you are used to.

 Americans will use the telephone to conduct business that would

require a face-to-face meeting in most other countries.

 They do not insist upon seeing or getting to know the people with
whom they do business.
Business Meetings

 Arrive on time for meetings since time and punctuality are so

important to Americans.

 In the Northeast and Midwest, people are extremely punctual and view
it as a sign of disrespect for someone to be late for a meeting or
appointment.

 In the Southern and Western states, people may be a little more

relaxed, but to be safe, always arrive on time, although you may have
to wait a little before your meeting begins.

 Meetings may appear relaxed, but they are taken quite seriously. If
there is an agenda, it will be followed.

 At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a summary of what was

decided, a list of who will implement which facets and a list of the next
steps to be taken and by whom.

 If you make a presentation, it should be direct and to the point. Visual

aids should further enhance your case.

 Use statistics to back up your claims, since Americans are impressed

by hard data and evidence.

 With the emphasis on controlling time, business is conducted rapidly.

Expect very little small talk before getting down to business.

 It is common to attempt to reach an oral agreement at the first

meeting.

 The emphasis is on getting a contract signed rather than building a

relationship.

 The relationship may develop once the first contract has been signed.
 CHINA

China - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location

Eastern Asia bordering Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185
km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km,
Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km,
Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km,
Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

Capital

Beijing

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Population

Over 1.3 billion people (1, 330, 044, 605, mid-2008)

Currency

Currently, the Renminbi (Chinese: 人 民 币 ), literally the People's currency,

abbreviated to RMB, is the currency on the mainland of the People's Republic
of China.

The units for the Renminbi are the Yuan (元), Jiao (角), and Fen (分): 1 Yuan
= 10 Jiao = 100 Fen. Fen has almost disappeared, so the coins in circulation
are one yuan, five jiao, and one jiao. Banknotes range from one yuan to one
hundred yuan, and vary both in size and color.

Ethnic Make-up

Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol,
Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%

Religions

Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim 1%-2%, Christian 3%-4%

Government

Communist state

The Chinese Language

Chinese is a family of closely-related but mutually unintelligible languages.

These languages are known variously as f¨¡ngy¨¢n (regional languages),
dialects of Chinese or varieties of Chinese. In all over 1.2 billion people
speak one or more varieties of Chinese. 
All varieties of Chinese belong to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages and
each one has its own dialects and sub-dialects, which are more or less
mutually intelligible.

Chinese Society & Culture

The Importance of "Face"

 The concept of 'face' roughly translates as 'honour', 'good reputation'

or 'respect'

 There are four types of 'face':

1) Diu-mian-zi: this is when one's actions or deeds have been exposed
to people.
2) Gei-mian-zi: involves the giving of face to others through showing
respect.
3) Liu-mian-zi: this is developed by avoiding mistakes and showing
wisdom in action.
4) Jiang-mian-zi: this is when face is increased through others, i.e.
someone complementing you to an associate.
It is critical you avoid losing face or causing the loss of face at all
times.

Confucianism

Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations

of people towards one another based upon their relationship. The basic
tenets are based upon five different relationships:

 Ruler and subject 

 Husband and wife 

 Parents and children 

 Brothers and sisters 

 Friend and friend

Confucianism stresses duty, sincerity, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for
age and seniority. Through maintaing harmonious relations as individuals,
society itself becomes stable.
Collectivism vs. Individualism

 In general, the Chinese are a collective society with a need for group
affiliation, whether to their family, school, work group, or country.

 In order to maintain a sense of harmony, they will act with decorum at

all times and will not do anything to cause someone else public
embarrassment.

 They are willing to subjugate their own feelings for the good of the
group.

 This is often observed by the use of silence in very structured

meetings. If someone disagrees with what another person says, rather
than disagree publicly, the person will remain quiet. This gives face to
the other person, while speaking up would make both parties lose
face.

Non-Verbal Communication

 The Chinese' Non-verbal communication speaks volumes.

 Since the Chinese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they
rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what
someone feels.

 Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of

disagreement. Therefore, most Chinese maintain an impassive
expression when speaking. 

 It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person's eyes. In

crowded situations the Chinese avoid eye contact to give themselves
privacy.

Chinese Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

 Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first.

 Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.

  Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone. 

 Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they

want to move to a first-name basis, they will advise you which name
to use. 

 The Chinese have a terrific sense of humour. They can laugh at

themselves most readily if they have a comfortable relationship with
the other person. Be ready to laugh at yourself given the proper
circumstances.

Gift Giving Etiquette

 In general, gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births and
more recently (because of marketing), birthdays.

 The Chinese like food and a nice food basket will make a great gift.

 Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate

the severing of the relationship.

 Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are

associated with funerals and death.

 Do not give flowers, as many Chinese associate these with funerals.

 Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper.

 Four is an unlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the

luckiest number, so giving eight of something brings luck to the
recipient.

 Always present gifts with two hands.

 Gifts are not opened when received.

 Gifts may be refused three times before they are accepted.

Dining Etiquette

 The Chinese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their

homes, especially when entertaining foreigners.
  If you are invited to their house, consider it a great honour. If you
must turn down such an honour, it is considered polite to explain the
conflict in your schedule so that your actions are not taken as a slight.

 Arrive on time.

 Remove your shoes before entering the house.

 Bring a small gift to the hostess.

 Eat well to demonstrate that you are enjoying the food! 

Table manners

 Learn to use chopsticks.

 Wait to be told where to sit. The guest of honour will be given a seat
facing the door.

 The host begins eating first.

 You should try everything that is offered to you.

 Never eat the last piece from the serving tray.

 Be observant to other peoples' needs.

 Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few

bites and when you drink or stop to speak.

 The host offers the first toast.

 Do not put bones in your bowl. Place them on the table or in a special
bowl for that purpose.

 Hold the rice bowl close to your mouth while eating.

 Do not be offended if a Chinese person makes slurping or belching

sounds; it merely indicates that they are enjoying their food.

 There are no strict rules about finishing all the food in your bowl.

Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is becoming more commonplace, especially with younger workers
although older workers still consider it an insult. Leaving a few coins is
usually sufficient.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in China

Relationships & Communication

 The Chinese don't like doing business with companies they don't know,
so working through an intermediary is crucial. This could be an
individual or an organization who can make a formal introduction and
vouch for the reliability of your company.

 Before arriving in China send materials (written in Chinese) that

describe your company, its history, and literature about your products
and services. The Chinese often use intermediaries to ask questions
that they would prefer not to make directly.

 Business relationships are built formally after the Chinese get to know
you.

 Be very patient. It takes a considerable amount of time and is bound

up with enormous bureaucracy.

 The Chinese see foreigners as representatives of their company rather

than as individuals.

 Rank is extremely important in business relationships and you must

keep rank differences in mind when communicating.

 Gender bias is nonexistent in business.

 Never lose sight of the fact that communication is official, especially in

dealing with someone of higher rank. Treating them too informally,
especially in front of their peers, may well ruin a potential deal.

 The Chinese prefer face-to-face meetings rather than written or

telephonic communication.

 Meals and social events are not the place for business discussions.
There is a demarcation between business and socializing in China, so
try to be careful not to intertwine the two.
Business Meeting Etiquette

 Appointments are necessary and, if possible, should be made between

one-to-two months in advance, preferably in writing.

 If you do not have a contact within the company, use an intermediary

to arrange a formal introduction. Once the introduction has been
made, you should provide the company with information about your
company and what you want to accomplish at the meeting. 

 You should arrive at meetings on time or slightly early. The Chinese

view punctuality as a virtue. Arriving late is an insult and could
negatively affect your relationship

 Pay great attention to the agenda as each Chinese participant has his
or her own agenda that they will attempt to introduce.

 Send an agenda before the meeting so your Chinese colleagues have

the chance to meet with any technical experts prior to the meeting.
Discuss the agenda with your translator/intermediary prior to
submission.

 Each participant will take an opportunity to dominate the floor for

lengthy periods without appearing to say very much of anything that
actually contributes to the meeting. Be patient and listen. There could
be subtle messages being transmitted that would assist you in allaying
fears of on-going association.

 Meetings require patience. Mobile phones ring frequently and

conversations tend to be boisterous. Never ask the Chinese to turn off
their mobile phones as this causes you both to lose face.

 Guests are generally escorted to their seats, which are in descending

order of rank. Senior people generally sit opposite senior people from
the other side.

 It is imperative that you bring your own interpreter, especially if you

plan to discuss legal or extremely technical concepts as you can brief
the interpreter prior to the meeting.
  Written material should be available in both English and Chinese, using
simplified characters. Be very careful about what is written. Make
absolutely certain that written translations are accurate and cannot be
misinterpreted.

 Visual aids are useful in large meetings and should only be done with
black type on white background. Colours have special meanings and if
you are not careful, your colour choice could work against you.

 Presentations should be detailed and factual and focus on long-term

benefits. Be prepared for the presentation to be a challenge.

Business Negotiation

 Only senior members of the negotiating team will speak. Designate the
most senior person in your group as your spokesman for the
introductory functions.

 Business negotiations occur at a slow pace.

 Be prepared for the agenda to become a jumping off point for other
discussions.

 Chinese are non-confrontational. They will not overtly say 'no', they
will say 'they will think about it' or 'they will see'.

 Chinese negotiations are process oriented. They want to determine if

relationships can develop to a stage where both parties are
comfortable doing business with the other.

 Decisions may take a long time, as they require careful review and
consideration.

 Under no circumstances should you lose your temper or you will lose
face and irrevocably damage your relationship.

 Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might find yourself

outmanoeuvred.

 Business is hierarchical. Decisions are unlikely to be made during the

meetings you attend.
  The Chinese are shrewd negotiators.

 Your starting price should leave room for negotiation.

Dress Etiquette

 Business attire is conservative and unpretentious.

 Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.

 Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses with a high

neckline.

 Women should wear flat shoes or shoes with very low heels.

 Bright colours should be avoided.

Business Cards

 Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction.

 Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using
simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is
an auspicious colour.

 Your business card should include your title. If your company is the
oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be on your card as
well.

 Hold the card in both hands when offering it, Chinese side facing the
recipient.

 Examine a business card before putting it on the table next to you or

in a business card case.

 Never write on someone's card unless so directed.