European Business and Communication Culture

When expecting such meetings to be delayed, try not to be the one to come up with reasons to postpone.

Shake hands and bow

Shaking hands when meeting is a Western custom and when working in Asia, this ritual is no different. If someone extends their hand, accept it immediately – do not shake it too firmly, too long, or vigorously as if it were an exercise. Remember that Muslim women will not shake hands with men. In Japan, bow respectfully when shaking hands, but do not try to bow unless you have learned how to bow in Japan, as it will look ridiculous if you do it incorrectly. Filipinos are very sociable and open when shaking hands.

Gestures

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Never put your hands in your pockets when talking to someone. The “Okay” sign in the US means “money” in Japan. Never point in Cambodia. Never give something to someone with your left hand because in some Asian countries it is considered disrespectful. Never touch a Thai or Cambodian person on the head, or even mess up a child’s hair. This is considered disrespectful.

Correspondence

Eliminate jargon and informal language. Proofread your letters and notes before sending them, making sure the language is clear and easy to understand. In Asia, the style of correspondence is different – letters tend to be longer. After a meeting, a thank you letter is usually sent to the attendees, confirming what was discussed and decided.

Dress code

Wear a suit or tuxedo to any meeting or conference. Pay attention to the weather as it is very hot in India and the Philippines.

Therefore, choose and prepare suits or suits with thin and light fabrics. When going to the office, you should not wear jeans. Be aware of and respect the customs of the locality and country.

In some Asian countries, it is considered acceptable to take off your shoes before entering a particular building, room or restaurant. Buy new socks before such a trip and always carry a spare pair. Do not, either intentionally or unintentionally, wear socks with holes or rips as this can be very inconvenient.

b. Business communication practices

When following the same superior

When you go to a karaoke bar in Japan, Taiwan or China and are asked to sing, proper etiquette is to give it your all, even if you can’t sing. Be mindful of rewards and special favors. If you are offered a fish head for a meal, it is considered an honor. Refusing will offend the host or hostess. Be polite, accept the reward and enjoy it.

Drink at the right time

Never have a glass of wine at lunch unless everyone else has done so first. Muslims do not drink alcohol and in certain countries, alcohol has no place during the workday. After work is a different story.

Drinking heavily after work may be a common way to relieve stress in Korea and Hong Kong. However, do not overdo it as it can have a direct impact on your health and work. At dinner, be appreciative if your host asks you to make a toast.

Pay bills

In most countries, in business negotiations and arrangements, anyone who wants to invite partners or guests to dinner is allowed to do so.

Consider yourself the host of the party, and of course offer to pay the bill. Compliment the host on his or her choice of restaurant. Never assume that a wife or girlfriend is included in a dinner invitation. This will damage business relationships and leave the guest embarrassed or deterred by an unexpected appearance.

Food taste

Unless you are picky eaters or allergic to strange local dishes, you can refuse. Otherwise, when the host invites you to try a certain dish, you should not refuse. Take the initiative to ask the host to introduce and describe the dishes. Never let your chopsticks leave your rice bowl. You must know in advance some prayer procedures before and after meals, so do not rush to eat with your chopsticks when you feel there is no signal for permission.

Save face

It is extremely important to understand the concept of losing and regaining face for yourself and others. Never do anything that would make an Asian person feel embarrassed or ashamed. When you absolutely must correct someone, do it discreetly, carefully, and politely. Take the blame yourself: “I apologize, Tanaka-san, I would like to explain. I appreciate your response, however, I need to add some information to my proposal.”

This allows the person to change his answer while maintaining dignity. Never appear embarrassed, your attitude and actions are linked to the customer.

Create relationships

In India, establishing relationships is a prerequisite for any meetings and gatherings. In some other parts of Asia, the initial request for meetings and gatherings may require a letter explaining in detail.

details of the issues to be discussed. For the Chinese, guanxi (relationships) is extremely important. In all parts of Asia, build relationships before attempting to negotiate a business deal.

Expand knowledge and understanding

Always prepare and educate yourself first. Anyone can be sent on a business trip to Asia unexpectedly, so while preparing for the trip, buy a guidebook to study the customs, habits, and working style of the host country. Basically, Asians like to introduce their country. Show interest, ask questions, and absorb a new culture.

Choose the right gifts

Do your research before you buy a gift. Avoid buying pigskin for Muslims and four-piece sets for Chinese (the number four symbolizes death). In Indonesia, it is considered inappropriate to give a gift on a first meeting, while most Japanese companies appreciate a gift that everyone in the room can share, such as a box of chocolates.

Apologize when others are waiting for it.

If you offend someone, don't be afraid to apologize. Failure to do so could damage your career. Remember that humor is not always culturally acceptable. Leave the jokes and lighthearted humor at home, so you don't have to apologize for anything that doesn't matter.

Diplomacy and tact

Always be considerate of other people's feelings, never ignore their situation, country and culture. Never assume that anyone is better than you.

They don't understand anything and never understand what you say. English may be their second language but remember they are not deaf. Being honest doesn't mean not being tactful. Think before you speak. Never criticize or discuss divorce, death or politics.

Always be flexible and remember that you are just a guest, open to receiving and learning new experiences. Gain competitive advantages by cultivating and absorbing differences in behavioral and communication culture. When we equip ourselves with basic communication knowledge, we will gain the respect of customers, thus the business will progress better.

3.2.2. European communication and business culture

Every day, companies receive a flood of business correspondence from Helsinki, Hamburg, London, Lisbon. In addition, business trips to sign contracts are becoming a normal part of the business world. When doing business with members of the European Union, there are many customs and traditions to be aware of. From Glasgow to Warsaw and Oslo to Athens, there is a diversity of regional characteristics and customs across the continent.

Cultural studies also play an important role in doing business in Europe. Here are some tips to avoid cultural misunderstandings and help build a professional image.

a. Make a good impression

Meet in person

If you have not been given permission to use the client’s first name, do not use it personally. Europeans are very formal, always introducing the least important person to the most important: you might say, “Mr. Schmidt, may I introduce my colleague, John Brown?” Unless otherwise specified, give them your greeting.

Please be courteous before asking any questions. Business can be seriously affected by an unintentional breach of etiquette. Compliance with rules and respect for others are important.

On time

Paying attention to time can have an impact on a business person's image. Plan meetings and appointments in Nordic countries, Germany and Australia, where punctuality is a top priority.

In the UK, arrive early. In Italy, there may be a wait but don't assume it's the same everywhere else. In Spain, there's a bit more flexibility.

Handshake or kiss?

Stand up straight, look someone in the eye and give a firm, quick, confident handshake when greeting someone and at the end of the meeting. Italians shake hands a lot. When greeting someone you already know, if you follow German etiquette, they may bow slightly. Nod but don't try to imitate them.

In Austria, it is acceptable to lightly kiss a woman's hand. Trying to imitate her will likely result in you being made a laughing stock. Be prepared for two kisses on the cheek, even from another man, but wait for your European host to initiate after a working relationship has been firmly established.

Observe body language

While Danes like to have more space when talking, Spaniards like to stand closer together. Don’t move back to increase the distance if you don’t want to offend them. Don’t put your hands in your pockets in France, Switzerland and Sweden.

Control your gestures

Snapping your fingers is considered an obscene gesture in Belgium. When in another country, always be conscious of your fidgeting and never assume that gestures from your own country mean the same thing abroad. During introductions, if a French person sends an OK sign, it means “nothing”. The thumbs up gesture is a sign of approval.

b. Extracurricular activities

Drink in moderation

Enjoy the local brew, but try to stay sober. Belgian beer is stronger than North American beer, and some business relationships may have been ruined by drinking too much and talking too loudly.

Beware of Greek ouzo. In England, business is always discussed after a pint of beer at a club. Wine is considered an essential drink at lunch and dinner in France and Italy, and can be served without asking. Don’t be offended by refusing, but a little bit every now and then is fine.

Toast

European hosts will always be the first to raise their glasses. Raise your glass and respond with “skal” in Copenhagen, “prost” in Dusseldorf or Vienna, “santé” in Paris or Geneva, and “salute” in Venice. Look them in the eye before taking a sip. In Switzerland, clink glasses with everyone after making a toast. Respond with a thank-you toast at the end of the meal.

Pay bills

In Denmark, you may be invited to dinner at someone’s home. If so, bring flowers or local chocolates as a way of saying thank you. In the rest of Europe, business dinners are usually held in restaurants, where the host can pick up the bill. It is considered bad manners to fight over who pays the bill, especially in Germany.

However, often the German waiter may ask if it is one bill, and then the other party may reply that it is two separate bills. So be prepared to pay if you are not invited as a guest.

What does the expression "Going Dutch?" mean? It's an old English expression used to mock the Dutch. Splitting the bill is not actually done in the Netherlands, so don't make fun of it.

Have fun exploring food

In Europe, good food and drink in a convivial atmosphere are considered very important. Show interest in the local cuisine. Try mussels and frites in Brussels, veal cutlets in Vienna. Mention any allergies or dietary restrictions before a meal, not after it has been served. If the food has been prepared in advance, it is likely to embarrass your host and yourself.

Mind your manners

Never put your hands in your lap if you are in Italy, Switzerland, Belgium or Austria. Keep your hands on the table but keep your elbows down. In German and Dutch restaurants, do not eat with your hands. Even if meat is still attached to the bone, do not chew it. In Austria, use a fork to cut your food, including meat, whenever possible. Using a knife is an insult and is interpreted as saying that the food is tough.

c. Be considerate

Create relationships

It is best to be introduced by a third party. Italians and Swiss like to know who introduced you and your company. Doing business in Europe is formal, discreet and hierarchical. It is important to gain respect, show honesty and build trust. Intelligent conversation is very important in doing business. Although Europeans may react informally during meetings and when giving criticism, it is always advisable to maintain professionalism in communication.

Culturally conscious

Europeans are very educated and very polite in their dress and behavior. Show that you are not inferior in this respect. The French interrupt each other a lot. That does not mean you should. Be careful with jokes. Humor and business do not go together in Germany. The attitude of knowing everything will be quick.

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