Cultural Differences in Business When you conduct business overseas or play host to international visitors, cultural differe

Cultural Differences in Business
    Today we are going to talk about the cultural differences in business. When you conduct business overseas or play host to international visitors, it makes good business sense to understand and appreciate their cultural differences. By making an effort to close the culture gap,(2)you’ll gain respect, increase credibility and foster healthy business relationships.
    Although it’s impossible to generalize guidelines for all cultures, here are some do’s and don’ts with respect to three nationalities that have become major players in international commerce. We’ll look at the Americans, Japanese, Latins and Germans when it comes to how to address them, their concepts of time, their dining styles, and appropriate gifts.
    Firstly, addressing people varies from different countries.(3)As Americans, they tend to be much more casual and informal when they meet people. Germans and Japanese, for example, are very unlikely to use first names in business.(4)Asians prefer to use less eye and physical contact.
    With Asian and German associates, punctuality is a must! It is safe to begin a meeting with a more formal tone that can always be relaxed by following their lead.(6)Business cards are treated with more respect by people from other countries, and there is a strong emphasis on titles and positions.
    Secondly, people behave differently at meals. Most of the world eats in continental style with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right, eating off the back of the fork. However, on the other hand, it is uncomfortable when people keep both of their wrists above the table for the whole meal. Americans usually place the hand we are not eating or drinking with on our laps. Europeans often find it strange and may wonder what they are doing!
    (7)When you eat with chopsticks, never leave your sticks standing up in the bowl and never leave them crossed. Never make a negative comment about the food. Asians consider it appropriate to pick up soup and rice bowls while eating. Some groups even show their pleasure by slurping their soup and noodles. In Germany, Japan and Brazil, the service charge may be included in the bill. In Latin countries and in Germany, the main meal is served at midday.
    The last tip is on gift giving and accepting.(8)Be aware that gifts are important, but some may be taboo in certain cultures. For example, for the Japanese people, white is the color of death and four of anything is unlucky. And gifts are normally given and received with a slight bow and are not opened in front of the guests.(9)For the Latins, gifts of knives suggest "cutting" of the relationship. For Germans, red roses signal romantic interests, and carnations signify death. For Mexicans and Brazilians, purple is the color of death, so it’s best to avoid purple flowers and gifts.
    In a word, when you are in doubt about how to act in a certain situation, ask questions. By becoming an enthusiastic student of cultural differences and helping international business associates learn more about our culture, you will leave a more favorable and memorable impression.