Business Etiquette aroundthe

World

© 2001-2015 Globalization Partners International.

All rights reserved. Trade marks are property of their respective owners.
 Business Etiquette around the World

Globalization is one of the best and

fastest ways of growing your business,but
it comes with certainchallenges.
2
Cultural differences result in different setsof
business etiquette and ethical practicesfrom
country to country.
3
 Respecting and
adopting these
practices can lead
to your business's
success globally.

4
 There is an ongoing debate over whether businesses should adapt to the
local environment or if there should be a standard set of principles for
business etiquette around theworld.

Globalization, social media and technology, along with factors like

environmental issues and political conflicts, continue to influence business
trends across the world.

5
The appropriate etiquette for business varies greatly
from place to place and must be considered before
entering into global markets.

Ihave compiled a few of the most important business

etiquette tips for many of the popular regions for
global business in the below sections.

6
 Business in Europe

Although European countries are located close to each other

and have common practices, it is important to know that their
business cultures have many differences.

7
 Here are some useful tips to keep inmind:

1
Germans do not like sudden changes in business plans, evenif
it willimprove the outcome.

8
2
Negotiations and team work are highly valued inDenmark.

9
3
In France, speaking in French is appreciated as it ahighly
valued part of theirnational identity.

10
4
In Spain, people place an emphasis on their social life, rather
than their professional life.

11
5
In the Czech Republic, do not schedule a meeting for Friday
afternoon or during August. Many Czechs leave town for the
weekend after lunch on Fridays and many businesses are closed
during August.

12
 Business in Africa

Africa has a strong presence on the map and you may have an
African business trip in yourfuture.

13
 Here are some useful tips to keep inmind:

1
When entering a social function, shake hands with the person to
your right and then continue around the room going from right
to left. Saygood-bye to each person individually whenleaving.

14
2
In the countries with colonial pasts, European etiquette is
socially acceptable. For example, English manners in Kenyaand
Nigeria and Dutch manners in various parts of South Africa.

15
3
Soft handshakes are common across Africa. In countries like
Kenya and South Africa, with postcolonial populations, youwill
see European-style handshakes. In Muslim countries, such as
Morocco, men may hold handshakes so long that they become
handholds.

16
 Business in Asia

Unlike Westerners, Asians place importance on the group

rather than the individual. In general, they conductbusiness,
make decisions and socialize as agroup.

17
 Here are some useful tips to keep inmind:

1
Handshakes are a common greeting and are accompanied by a
nod or bow.

18
2
Business cards withboth your native language and the language
of the Asian country you are doing business in are
recommended. Always include your titleon the card.

19
3
Business cards are offered with both hands graspedbetween
thumb and forefingers.

20
4
This culture respects personal space, so avoid back patting,
putting an arm around someone's shoulders andhugs.

21
 Business in the Middle East

People in the Middle East prefer to do business in person, with

someone they trust. Relationships and mutual trust are
necessary for any successful businessinteraction.

22
 Here are some useful tips to keep inmind:

1
It is important to have a contact in the Middle East who can
make introductions for you.

23
2
Face-to-face meetings are preferred.

24
3
When entering a meeting, general introductions will begin with a
handshake.

25
4
Greet each of your Middle Eastern counterpartsindividually.

26
5
The Middle East is known for its lavishgenerosity.

27
 Business in the UnitedStates

American are known for their friendliness and informality. People

usually do not wait to be introduced, they will begin speaking with
strangers in a group or when seated next to each other at anevent or
show.
28
 Here are some useful tips to keep inmind:

1
In business, American greetings are usually informal.

29
2
Stand while being introduced.

30
3
Firm-grip handshakes are expected.

31
4
Maintain eye contact when shaking someone's hand.

32
5
Americans are very direct when communicating.

33
 Conclusion
There are many factors that must be considered in order to successfully
conduct business in a marketplace foreign from your own. Learning the
language and translating or localizing your products or services for your
target audience is an important step but so is understanding the customs
and etiquette of thatmarket.

There is no standard of business etiquette around the world. Each market

and region must be individually researched to understand the proper way to
conduct yourself socially and professionally. Being well-prepared before
you travel to a location to conduct business will show your dedication to
doing business in the region and will help improve your chances of being
successful.

34
 Translation and LocalizationResources

You may gain further insights into global e-business, global SEO,website translation
and country specific cultural facts and related topics by reviewing some previous blogs
written by GPI:

Website Translation Tips and Best Practices by Country Series

Language Translation Resources
Translation Portal and Localization Tools
10 Tips for Website Localization
Global SEO:4 Top Factors Social
Media Localization
Doing Business via the WWW in China
Creating Culturally Customized Content for Website Translation

Please feel free to contact GPI at info@globalizationpartners.com with any questions

about our language and technology services. Also let us know if you have any
interesting blog topics you would like us to cover in our future blogs. You may request
a complimentary Translation Quote for your projects aswell.
35
Global Headquarter
Washington, DC
1600 Tysons Blvd, 8th Floor
McLean, VA22102
Phone: +1 703-286-2193
Toll Free: +1 866-272-5874
Global Fax: +1 202-478-0956
E-mail: info@globalizationpartners.com

Dubai, United ArabEmirates Rosario, Argentina Cairo, Egypt

Dubai Media City, Business Centre 2
Building 8, Office Number71
P.O. Box 502068, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 501079810
Global Phone: +1 703-286-2193
E-mail: info@globalizationpartners.com
Av. Carlos Colombres 1799 Casa 1
2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Phone: +54-9-341-3156370
E-mail: info@globalizationpartners.com
17 KorashStreet
6th District
Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Phone: +2 0100 128 0914
Global Phone: +1-703-286-2193
E-mail: info@globalizationpartners.com

36