October 27th 2017
No two days in any office are ever the same, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of travelling for your work, you’ll know that there is a huge difference between cultural and business practices around the world.
From Germany to the Middle East, it is important to remember how important these differences in cultural and business practices are. You do not want to offend or insult your host and risk important meetings or deals falling through.
The smartest thing to do when travelling for your work is to thoroughly research your destination and its customs before you arrive. This will help you to avoid committing a faux pas.
English is often considered to be the international language of business, but, as international business and trade grow increasingly popular, it’s becoming more important than ever for executives and employees to respect other cultures’ business customs.
While we might take certain actions for granted, like looking a superior in the eye, this can be considered rude in some Eastern cultures. Perhaps for us, business meetings are all about business, but in many nations, it’s disrespectful not to inquire about one’s health and family before talking about business matters, so be sure you know all of these things before you sit down to a meeting.
We’ve collected some of the more unusual, but incredibly important, cultural and business practices for you to remember next time you travel.
Don’t make sudden changes to a plan in Germany
The Germans do not enjoy sudden changes to business plans, even if those plans might be beneficial to both parties. To avoid a disgruntled host be sure to stick to your original plans, or if that is not possible, give them enough warning as you can to allow for changes.
Be wary of your meeting time in The Czech Republic
If you are meeting with someone in The Czech Republic do not schedule to meet on a Friday afternoon, or during the whole month of August. Most Czechs enjoy lunching on Friday afternoons and won’t thank you for scheduling business meetings during this time. Most businesses close during the month of August as well so they will not be open to doing business with you. Either plan in advance and meet with them on or before July, or you will just have to wait till business picks up again in September.
Watch how you shake hands in Africa
While certain greetings customs differ across the continent, especially in ex-colonial areas where the colonial powers differed, it is customary to enter a room, including meetings and social events, and shake everyone’s hand, beginning with the person on your right and working your way around to the left. It is also customary to individually bid everyone goodbye when leaving.
Business cards have importance in Asia
While business cards might be somewhat losing their importance for us, the same cannot be said for Asian countries. It is considered a sign of respect to have your business cards printed in two languages; your native language and the language of the Asian country in which you wish to do business.
It is also important to accept all business cards you are given in a certain manner. They will be offered to you with two hands, with the thumb and forefingers grasping the business card. Accept the business card in the same manner (with two hands, with the thumb and forefingers) and read the card carefully before thanking them and putting it somewhere safe.
Personal space is also important
While we might consider a pat on the back to be a sign of trust and affection, in certain Asian countries they put a lot of value on their personal space, so do not pat someone on the back, touch their arm or stand too closely beside them. Give them their personal space and they will give you yours.
Be prepared to wait in The Middle East
It is the norm in the Islamic Middle East to keep your visitors waiting, so don’t be offended. However, you must always show up on time; just be prepared to wait!
It’s also completely acceptable to have your meeting interrupted because your counterpart needs to sign some documents or take a phone call. This is not considered rude, and is part of the Middle Eastern tradition of mixing business with pleasure.
Bring a gift if visiting Japan
In Japan, it is customary to bring a gift to the senior member of staff that you are meeting with. American Whiskey is particularly valued. However, don’t be surprised when they refuse your gift. It is customary to refuse a gift three times before accepting it, so just keep offering your gift until they accept.
Always say yes when offered tea or coffee in Egypt
Even if you do not drink tea or coffee, it is considered rude to refuse when you are offered some. Just accept your host’s offer, and sip your drink as best you can.
So, the next time you travel, be sure to be aware of all the necessary cultural and business practices that will help you to land that deal.
