International Etiquette
Chapter 1
WHOSE PROPER ETIQUETTE?
PROPER ETIQUETTE IN TODAY’S BUSINESS WORLD GOES WELL BEYOND BASIC TABLE MANNER (THEY ARE, AFTER ALL, A GIVEN IN MOST CULTURES) AND COMMON COURTESIES (ALLOWING AN ESTEEMED COLLEAGUE OR SUPERIOR TO PRECEDE YOU THROUGH A DOORWAY, FOR EXAMPLE). THINK OF ALL THE ELEMENTS THAT GO INTO MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION. THE LIST IS LENGTHY. THERE IS YOUR MANNER OF DRESS, YOUR PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE, THE COLOR OF YOUR DRESS OR TIE, YOUR BODY LANGUAGE, HANDSHAKE, POSTURE, AMOUNT OF EYE CONTACT ON INTRODUCTION, WHERE YOU PUT YOUR HANDS, HOW YOU ACCEPT A BUSINESS CARD AND HOW YOU PRESENT YOURS AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL CONTENT OF THE CARD-AND YOU haven’t even sat down to begin talks.
Many experienced international business travelers will advise you “when in Rome do as the Romans do.” While this may work if you are trying to figure out which fork to use or whether to bow or shake hands, it is, in most cases, far easier said than done. And besides, except in superficial areas, doing what the Romans do may be against your ethics, morals, and company policy or home government laws.
Regardless of the culture, proper etiquette means maintaining your own values while respecting those of others. It does not mean slavishly following the rituals and practices of to hers to please your host. If you make an effort at the language, at understanding the basics of common courtesy, and avoid any flagrantly offensive or obnoxious acts, don’t be overly concerned about the subtleties-at least the first time around. To be honest, not that much is really expected of the first time visitor to another culture, though a deeper understanding will be expected each time you visit. The real value in understanding etiquette and protocol is in the confidence it gives you and the impression it makes on colleagues.
GENERAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
FIRST GET GOOD Meetings, conventions and trade shows account for almost half of all business travel
WHOSE PROPER ETIQUETTE?
PROPER ETIQUETTE IN TODAY’S BUSINESS WORLD GOES WELL BEYOND BASIC TABLE MANNER (THEY ARE, AFTER ALL, A GIVEN IN MOST CULTURES) AND COMMON COURTESIES (ALLOWING AN ESTEEMED COLLEAGUE OR SUPERIOR TO PRECEDE YOU THROUGH A DOORWAY, FOR EXAMPLE). THINK OF ALL THE ELEMENTS THAT GO INTO MAKING A FIRST IMPRESSION. THE LIST IS LENGTHY. THERE IS YOUR MANNER OF DRESS, YOUR PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE, THE COLOR OF YOUR DRESS OR TIE, YOUR BODY LANGUAGE, HANDSHAKE, POSTURE, AMOUNT OF EYE CONTACT ON INTRODUCTION, WHERE YOU PUT YOUR HANDS, HOW YOU ACCEPT A BUSINESS CARD AND HOW YOU PRESENT YOURS AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL CONTENT OF THE CARD-AND YOU haven’t even sat down to begin talks.
Many experienced international business travelers will advise you “when in Rome do as the Romans do.” While this may work if you are trying to figure out which fork to use or whether to bow or shake hands, it is, in most cases, far easier said than done. And besides, except in superficial areas, doing what the Romans do may be against your ethics, morals, and company policy or home government laws.
Regardless of the culture, proper etiquette means maintaining your own values while respecting those of others. It does not mean slavishly following the rituals and practices of to hers to please your host. If you make an effort at the language, at understanding the basics of common courtesy, and avoid any flagrantly offensive or obnoxious acts, don’t be overly concerned about the subtleties-at least the first time around. To be honest, not that much is really expected of the first time visitor to another culture, though a deeper understanding will be expected each time you visit. The real value in understanding etiquette and protocol is in the confidence it gives you and the impression it makes on colleagues.
GENERAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
FIRST GET GOOD Meetings, conventions and trade shows account for almost half of all business travel
References: AXTELL, ROGER E.(1990). DO’S AND TABOOS AROUND THE WORLD(ED). NEW YORK: JOHN WILEY & SONS. Axtell, Roger E.(1990). Do’s and Taboos of Hosting International Visitors. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Bosrock, Mary M.(1997). Put Your Best Foot Forward- Asia: A Fearless Guide to International Communication and Behavior(2nd ed), International Education System. Dresser, Norine(1996). Multicultural Manners: New Rules of Etiquette for a Changing Society. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Gardenswartz, Lee, and Rowe, Anita(1990). The ABC’s of Culture: A Blueprint for Cooperation in a Diverse Environment. Working World, 4 June, 28-30 Lovelock, Christopher H, Patterson, Paul G., and Walker, Rhett H.(2001) Mitchell, Charles(1999). A Short Course in International Business Cultures. Novato, CA: World Trade Press. Nwanna, Gladson I.(1998). Do’s and Don’s Around the World: A Country Guide to Cultural and Social Taboos and Etiquette. Baltimore, Maryland: World Travel Institute. Sabath, Ann M.(2002). International Business Etiquette: Asia and the Pacific Rim, NY: ASJA Press.