International Business Etiquette Basics

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

When doing business in another country, it's essential to know the respectable way to conduct yourself. The last thing you want to do is to offend your international friends, colleagues, partners and clients! All it really takes is a bit of research and taking a few notes with you (read them on the plane, boat, etc there!).

Know the facts first

Do some basic research first. It will not only be helpful for you to know some of the following things whilst you are traveling, but they will allow you to understand business conversation in the country a little better too. For each country you visit, learn the following:

• Travel: know the names of the main business destinations and airports
• Contacts: know the international direct dialing (IDD) code and country number
• Money: know the currency name, rate, colour and denominations
• Dates: know the important celebrations and also the public holidays
• Population: know the number and ethnic make up of the country
• Language: know what languages business people use in the country
• Religion: know the religions and whether they impact of everyday business
• Time Zones: know the time difference
• Weather: know the season, usual weather and the forecast for your stay

Once you have an understanding of those basic issues you can move onto business etiquette!

Etiquette basics

• Business Attire

Projecting the appropriate image is just as important overseas, yet often differences in weather or climate will dictate what we choose to wear. Check that what you do wear is suitable and not inappropriate, for example, short-sleeved business shirts on men or open-toes shoes on women.

• Business Entertainment/Dining

Aspire to good table manners overseas! In many countries, dining and entertainment are part of the business process (particularly in Asia). Save yourself the embarrassment and learn the very basics of table manners - how to hold cutlery or eating utensils, whether you should eat before or after you host has taken their first mouthful, whether you should leave food on your plate, etc.

• Conversation

Know and be able to correctly pronounce a few useful phrases in the native language of the country, such as introductions and farewells ('thank you' is also very useful). Make sure you understand what topics of conversation are considered appropriate with certain people and at certain times, to avoid embarrassing the person you're dealing with. Be prepared to respond to the way conversation works in the country (some countries, for example, consider very personal questions to be quite reasonable).

• Greetings and Introductions

Get a grapple on bowing, handshakes, business-card exchange and any 'ceremonies'.

• Gestures and Public Manners
  

Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal. Eye-contact, handshakes, personal space and smiling can differ from country to country. You also need to watch you gestures in public, as in some countries actions like nose-blowing, chewing gum and puckering lips are extremely rude, and in some cases, illegal!

• Gift-giving and receiving

Gift-giving and receiving are often important rituals of business and can benefit your international relationships. Ensure the gift colours, numbers, type and wrapping are appropriate.

• Meeting Manners

Mind your meeting manners by investigating whether small talk, hand gestures, interruption and presentations are appropriate. Learn the lingo too - as often "We'll see" or "Maybe" means "No!". Seating etiquette is also very important!

• Punctuality

Some countries are more relaxed about time than others, but as a general rule, be punctual. Learn how strict deadlines are as well.

• Tipping

Most travel guides can tell you whether tipping is appropriate in a country (and how much is expected), and generally, the same rules apply to business as they do to tourism. Find out whether it is you or your host that is expected to tip (or neither) in any given situation.

A note about women traveling on business

Women should expect different customs and reactions to men. Often this is out of courtesy or custom, but unfortunately, there are still some countries where women in business are frowned upon, and simply not received. Investigate in particular the etiquette for handshakes and clothing.

Sources of information

Travel guides

• The internet
  
• www.executiveplanet.com
• www.worldbiz.com
• www.businesstravelogue.com
• www.fredonia.edu/business/etiquette/links.htm

Books (by authors like Ann Marie Sabath)
Tourist Information Centres
International Business Centres
Business people in the country you attend to visit

Business Netiquette

www.bspage.com/1netiq/Netiq.html

Business Travel

www.btonline.com
and the other links under 'Youth Hotlinks' at www.youth2youth.com.au

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.