Business culture briefings
Doing business abroad
Doing business in another country requires you to understand the norms of different cultures, how business is conducted and how to develop successful personal and business relationships. Below are some examples of some differences in business “styles” for a range of countries. Please check with your host or a friend on what is common practice in the area and region you visit.
| Appearance | Behaviour | Communications | Doing Business | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Dress is very important for making a good impression. Business dress is conservative: dark suits & ties for men; white blouses & dark suits or skirts for women. | Maintaining eye contact is very important. A guest should wait for the host to sit down before sitting, and to open the door for him before leaving. | Handshaking is common when meeting for the first time. Titles are very important, especially among the elderly. Address a person directly by using his or her title only. | Business dinners are popular & are usually held in restaurants; business lunches are uncommon outside Buenos Aires, since most people go home to eat lunch. |
| China | Conservative suits for men with subtle colours are the norm. Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much. | Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public. As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered | Bowing or nodding is the common greeting but you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles. | Decision making is slower than in UK. Some Chinese may want to wait for a “lucky day” before they make a decision. Present/receive business cards with both hands. |
| India | When dressing casual, short-sleeved shirts and long trousers are preferred for men; shorts are acceptable only when exercising. Women should keep their upper arms, chest, back, and legs covered at all times. | The head is considered the seat of the soul. Never touch someone else’s head, not even to pat the hair of a child. Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. If you receive a wrapped gift, set it aside until the giver leaves. | Titles are very important. Always use professional titles. There are more than fourteen major languages spoken in India. English is widely used in business, politics and education. | Business lunches are preferred to dinners. Hindus don’t eat beef and Muslims don’t eat pork. At a first meeting, present and exchange business cards. Have one side translated, as a sign of respect. |
Robertson Languages International run cultural briefings about most world regions to help you settle in, learn about the culture you are engaging with and some do’s and don’ts to make sure your business runs smoothly, easily and enjoyably. To find out more about how a cultural briefing can help you, click on the Red Button opposite or call us on +44 118 934 6000.
In an ever-expanding global marketplace, it is important to function effectively and speak and comprehend the language of your global colleagues, customers and partners. However, increasingly this isn’t enough. You need to understand the norms within different cultures, how business is actually conducted within those cultures and how to develop successful personal and business cross-cultural relationships.
Robertson Languages International can help you develop this cross cultural awareness so that you are ready and able to deal confidently with any business situation in whatever country and culture you find yourself in.
Whether you are intending to relocate to another country, expand your business into foreign markets, or have recently relocated to the UK, you can choose from a tailor-made inter-cultural briefing programme or an in company workshop. Both will equip you with the knowledge and awareness of another culture that will make you more successful in your new business and social environment.
All our cultural awareness training is designed according to your specific requirements i.e. country, industry/profession, business purpose, timescales and availability, thereby ensuring that you achieve your objectives. To discuss your requirements, please contact us.
Sample one-day workshops
1. Working in an International Environment: How to reduce misunderstandings and tensions between clients and colleagues from other countries
Objectives
- To increase understanding of your contact's behaviour and attitudes
- To enhance communications between foreign and UK colleagues
Content
- Identification of national traits and qualities
- Building the team using identified work methods
- Techniques for chairing and managing work methods
- Documentation and work flow, time management
- Delegation and authority, decision making and communicating
- Motivational methods
2. International English: How to adapt your English to make it more accessible to clients or colleagues in other countries
Objectives
- To reduce misunderstandings between colleagues of different nationalities
- To enhance colleagues' appreciation of areas of potential misunderstanding
- To foster positive attitudes to working in an international environment
Content
- Awareness of potential problems
- Examination of the extent of problems
- Solutions for verbal communication (conducting meetings, giving presentations)
- Solutions for written communication (minutes, letters, emails, company literature)
- Managing work practices for enhanced international communication
To talk about your specific needs, call us on
+44 118 934 6000.