S.R.

LUTHRA INSTITUTE OF
MANAGEMENT

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
ETIQUETTES

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

GROUP MEMBER
NAME

ROLL NO.
01
55
56
57
60

I hear and I Forget

I see and I Remember
I do and I Understand
confuclus
Chinese philosopher & reformer
(551BC-479 BC)

PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING ALL ETIQUETTE

GOLDEN : TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

PLATINUM: TREAT OTHERS AS THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social
behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society,
social class, or group. The rules are not limited to face to face
conversations but can be applied in most areas of interaction within a
business.
E.g. Emails, Virtual meeting and Phone Conversations.
When business etiquette is practiced in appropriate manner can open
communication channels, which can lead to building successful
relationships, as well as your own personal success.
Its important to consider appropriate practice with regard to business
etiquette in one business or even within one country may not be
appropriate practice in another country.
Business etiquette often start with first impressions, when it comes to
first impressions, we often decide, consciously or subconsciously, how we
feel someone in about 3 seconds. So it is important what is socially and
professionally acceptable when conducting business, as within the
business environment, first impressions often leave a lasting impression.
But etiquette isnt recognized as one uniform set of standards around the
globe
For example, a hand gesture in one country may have the exact
opposite meaning in another culture

WHY BUSINESS ETIQUETTE?

1. Differentiates you from others in a competitive job market
2. Enables you to be confident in a variety of settings with a variety of
people
3. Honors commitment to excellence and quality
4. Modifies distracting behaviors and develops admired conduct
5. Exhibit Professionalism and develop a polished image Be one step
ahead, practice the social skills necessary to help you make a great
first impression and stand out in a competitive job market

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

FOCUS REGIONS

INDIA
FRANCE
BRAZIL
JAPAN
GERMAN
ETIQUETTE IN INDIA
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Business Etiquette is composed of a

multitude of religious cultures
coexisting side by side. The
dominant religion is Hinduism
approximately 80%, about 14%
Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains and 0.4%
other live in India. Despite the elimination of the traditional caste
system that derives from Hinduism, attitudes still remain and aspects
of the system still influence the hierarchical structure of business
practices in India today.
Given how complex a country India is, it is important to not impart
generic conclusions on how to do business there. Regionalism,
industry, and people are all factors that need to be taken into account
when doing business in India. Behavior, etiquette and approach may
need to be modified depending on whom you are working with.

MAKING APPOINTMENTS
English is the business language of India. While Hindi is the official language of India
and there are a more than 29 regional languages spoken in the country,
Time format in India is expressed in the British manner of day, month, year; so August
15, 2015 is written 15 August 2015 or 15/08/15. The business calendar year is from
April to March and there are multiple holidays throughout the year that vary dependent
upon region and religion.
E-mail is the preferred and easiest method for setting up meeting appointments with
contacts in India as the postal service is regarded to be unreliable. Indian names are
comprised of given name and family name similar to Western style; there are
implications of class and religion with names. It is common for Mr. or Ms. to be
used in initial communications but once contact has been established the formality
decreases.
In any initial communication, be sure to provide a clear overview of who you are, your
role, and a brief description of your organization. It is very normal for meetings to start
a few minutes late or have some interruptions and should not be considered a sign of
disrespect. Everything takes time in India and things do not always work like
clockwork. Indian culture has a slower, informal pace when it comes to business and
many Indians believe that schedules are required to be flexible in order to accommodate
different peoples timetables. Furthermore, if you are visiting government officials, be
prepared to be kept waiting. Also note that Muslim businessmen may take small breaks
during meetings for their prayers.

APPEARANCE
WEARING THE CORRECT DESS FOR ANY OCCASION IS
A MATTER OF GOOD MANNERS
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

LORETTA YOUNG

FORMAL BUSINESS
For men, the normal business attire is a button-down shirt, trousers
and a jacket or tie depending on the formality of the meeting or
industry.
The India has a warm climate, a full-sleeved shirt with a tie is
acceptable. In most offices, men will wear at least a shirt and jacket,
foregoing the tie in summer months. However the long cotton pyjama
bottoms and kurta are also very common and very comfortable.
Western executives should wear light summer suits a silk and light
wool mix is best and cotton, not silk shirts (cotton absorbs, silk does
not).
The women should wear pant-suits or long skirts, which cover the
knees. The neckline of the blouse or the top should be high. For
women, a salwar-suit is also acceptable for business dress. However
you will still see women dressed in saris in the workplace.

CASUAL BUSINESS
The Jeans with a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt are acceptable as casual
wear in informal situations for both men and women. In the IT sector,
the dress code is much more casual. It is common to find employees
wearing T-shirts and jeans with sneakers.
Use of leather products may be offensive

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

GREETINGS
The traditional India greeting is the Namaste, which you do with
hands
pressed
together,
palms
touching and fingers pointed upwards,
in front of the chest with a slight nod
or bow of the head. In a business
setting, it is customary to shake a
male colleagues hand; shaking hands
with women is less common and it is
better to wait for a womans initiative
in a handshake out of respect. In the
absence of a handshake, you can do a
Namaste. It is very common for
people, especially those younger than you, to call you Sir or
Madam out of respect.

BEHAVIOR

Never touch someone elses head. The head is considered the

seat of the soul.

Be careful with your feet. Feet are considered unclean. Never

point your feet at a person. If your shoes or feet touch another
person, apologize.

If you are invited to an Indians home for dinner, it is highly

recommended to take some kind of gift, such as a box of sweets
or flowers.

If you receive a wrapped gift, set it aside until the giver leaves.
Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.

Business lunches are more popular than dinners. Keep in mind,

Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork.

In many Indian homes, people remove their shoes before

entering. Observing this custom is particularly important, so if
you notice host without shoes on you should remove yours as
well. However, if the host insists you keep your shoes on, this is
ok as well.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

If you are attending a wedding and giving money as a gift, note

that the Indian custom is to add an extra rupee for good luck
(101, 501, 1001, etc.). The adding of one is considered
auspicious and your gift would be more appreciated if it is in
these denominations.

If you are visiting an Indian during a festival, it is customary to

carry a box of sweets, known as mithai.

COMMUNICATIONS
The official languages are English and Hindi. English is widely used in
business, politics and education.
Do not thank your hosts at the end of a meal. "Thank you" is
considered a form of payment and insults your hosts.
The word "no" is considered particulary harsh in India. Refusing a
request in a more evasive manner is both common and polite. Never
directly refuse an invitation. Instead, use non-verbal cues and indirect
communication to voice your disagreement.

INDIAN WORKING PRACTICES

Indians appreciate punctuality but may not reciprocate it. Try to be
flexible. Make business appointments in the late morning or early
afternoon, ideally between the hours of 11am and 4pm.
Deadlines should not be rushed making decisions is often a slow and
thoughtful process in Indian culture. Showing impatience is seen as
rude and disrespectful. Indian businessman has a lot of experience
wheeling and dealing so its important to be patient during the
negotiating process. Decision-making is a slow process and final
decisions are typically reached by the person with the most authority.
Delays are frequent and to be expected, especially when dealing with
the government.

DOS AND DONTS

Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate the greeting.
Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of
respect.
Do use titles whenever possible, such as Professor or
Doctor. If the person doesnt have an official title, use Mr.,
Mrs., or Miss and their last name.
Dont refuse any food or drink offered to you during business
meetings
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE
IN FRANCE
ABOUT FRANCE
France is one of the most important business and trading partners on
a European and global level. In order to do business with French
people successfully, it is helpful to make oneself familiar with some
characteristics of French business culture.
The English word etiquette comes from the French word
tiquette meaning social etiquette or professional protocol
France is the largest Western European country, thus Americans
partake in many business deals with the French.
France is known as a world center for culture.
The French are very proud of their long history and of their roles in
world affairs.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

The French go to great lengths to protect and maintain their culture.

For example, the Acadmie Franaise was established in the 1600s
to be the official authority of the French language.
French is the official language
If you dont speak French, it is very important that you apologize for
your lack of knowledge.
However, most individuals in business do speak English.

MEETING
The common form of greeting in a professional environment is the
handshake.
Among friends it is much more common to kiss each other lightly on
the cheeks:
One kiss on the left and one kiss on the right cheek. The same applies
when
Leaving: a handshake for colleagues, two kisses on the cheeks for
friends.
Men may also initiate handshakes with women.

COMMUNICATION

The French appreciate conversation as an art form.

They frequently interrupt each other, not to be rude, but because

argument is considered entertaining.

They complain that Americans often lecture rather than

converse.

As an American, you should be sensitive of the volume of your voice

(dont be too loud!)

French eye contact is frequent and intense, dont be intimidated.

NAMES AND TITLES

Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your
French host or colleagues to use their first names. First names are
used only for close friends and family. Address people as Monsieur,
Madame or Mademoiselle without adding the surname.
Madame is used for all adult women, married or single, over 18 years
of age.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Academic titles and degrees are very important. You are expected to
know them and use them properly.

CORPORATE CULTURE
Professionalism is highly valued in business and is the key to
acceptance of outsiders.
France enjoys a skilled, well-educated labor force. Hard work is
admired, but workaholism is not. Be on time. The French appreciate
punctuality.
Many French speak and understand English, but prefer not to use it. An
interpreter will probably not be necessary, but check ahead of time.
Use French only for greetings, toasts and occasional phrases unless
your French is perfect. Don't discuss personal life with business
people. Personal lives are kept separate from business relationships.
Corporate Culture

APPEARANCE
Public life in France can appear quite formal. This is manifest in
greetings, manners and the language. When doing business in France,
the adhesion to protocol and a formal means of communication can
appear stuffy, cold and unfriendly.

The French are very careful of their appearance.

One should dress in well-tailored conservative attire

Dark colors or patterned fabrics are preferred. Bright colors and

glitzy jewelry should be avoided.

French men do not loosen their ties or take off their jackets. Such
behavior is considered unprofessional.

Other Important French Cultural Trends

Punctuality is treated casually

French meals are to be enjoyed, not rushed through. Expect for a

lunch or dinner to last anywhere from two to three hours!

Handshakes are brief and are accompanied by distinct eye contact,

yet they arent as firm as were used to. Always shake upon meeting
and leaving.

Education is very highly valued in France

Gift giving as a business meeting is up to the foreigners discretion,

however suggested gifts are books and music, as they demonstrate
interest in intellectual pursuits.

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

DOS AND DONTS

1. Lower your voice a little and behave graciously and you will enjoy a
warm response from the French.
2. The French value their privacy. Dont ask personal questions related
to occupation, salary, age, family or children unless you have a
well-established friendship.
3. Try to demonstrate some knowledge of history, politics and French
culture.
4. Compliments may be appreciated, but usually are received by
denial instead of "thank you."
5. The French do not tell or like to hear jokes. They prefer intelligent
and satirical wit. Funny stories of real life situations are
appreciated.
6. The American symbol for "O.K" (forming a circle with the thumb
and index finger) means "zero" or "useless" in France. The French
symbol for approval is the thumbs up sign.
7. If you need to point at something, use your whole hand instead of
the index finger.
8. France has a turbulent history and history is common topic of
conversation in France. However, when talking to a French do not
criticize Napoleon, who is closely tied to the French spirit.

ETIQUETTE
IN BRAZIL
APPEARANCE

Brazilians pride themselves on their attire

3-piece suits means executive whereas 2-piece suits are

associated with office workers

Conservative attire for women in business is very important. Also

make sure your nails are manicured

Avoid wearing the combination of green and yellow in any fashion

(colors of the Brazilian flag)

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

COMMUNICATION

Handshaking, often for a long time, is common. Shake hands for

hello and goodbye; Use good
Eye contact; when leaving a small group, be sure to shake hands
with everyone present.
When women meet, they exchange kisses by placing their Cheeks
together and kissing the air.
If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she must extend her
hand first
First names used often, but titles important
Music and long, animated conversation are favorite Brazilian habits.
When conversing, Interruptions viewed as enthusiasm. Brazilians
enjoy joking, informality, and friendships
Portuguese is the language of Brazil
Good conversation topics: soccer, family, and children
Bad conversation topics: Argentina, politics, poverty, religion, and
the Rain Forest
The OK symbol is a RUDE gesture and should never be used
To express appreciation, one may pinch their earlobe with thumb
and forefinger
To say good luck, one uses the gesture The Fig

GIFT GIVING

Gifts are not required at the first business meeting

Instead, buy lunch or dinner

Never give purple flowers for they are used extensively at

funerals

Gifts are opened when received

DINING

Midday is the main time for a meal unless it is a formal

entertainment

If it is a dinner invitation, arrive 30 minutes late

If it is a large party, arrive 1 hour late

Dress to impress; casual clothing is considered more formal

in Brazil than in other countries

BUSINESS MEETING

Never start into business discussion before the host does; meetings
begin with casual chat
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

One may talk about soccer, family, or children

Dont bring up the topics Argentina, politics, poverty, religion, or the

Rain Forest

Prefer face-to-face meetings

Communication is informal

It is acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking

Never rush the relationship-building time

Expect a great time reviewing details

Use local lawyers and accountants

Business meeting may be scheduled at last minute but try to

schedule 2-3 weeks in advance

In Sao Paulo and Brasilia, arrive on time for meetings

In Rio de Janeiro and some other cities, it is acceptable to arrive a

few minutes late

Dont appear impatient if kept waiting

ETIQUETTE
IN JAPAN
GREETING
It is best to wait for them to take the initiative in the form of greeting.
With foreign
negotiators they usually shake hands. On formal occasions they bow.
The depth of the
bow shows the status of the other person. For westerners, the most
appropriate is to

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

respond with a slight bow. When you bow you must look down and
place the palms of
your hands at the side of your legs.

NAMES AND TITLES

The business culture is very formal. People are addressed by Mr or
Mrs followed by
their surnames. When you know the person you can use the suffix san
-meaning Mr
after the surname. For example, Obuchi- san (Mr Obuchi). You must
never use first
names. First names are only for the family or with close personal
relationship.

APPEARANCE

It is important to Dress to Impress

Men should wear dark conservative attire/business suits

Casual dress is never appropriate in a business setting.

Shoes should be easy to remove, as you will do so often. Slip-ons

are the best choice.

Women should dress conservatively, minimal accessories and low

heels

No pants, Japanese men find it offensive

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

BUSINESS MEETING
Time is absolutely rigid. Meetings begin and end on the dot. Even if you have
not finished
discussing an item, the meeting will finish all the same. This is because
japanese executives
usually have a very full business diary. At each meeting they only discuss the
matters that have
been agreed on the agenda beforehand. Improvising is not allowed, nor is
there any flexibility in
the items to be covered.

Preliminary small talk before the business conversation is minimal. You

must not ask any
personal questions or any question that puts them in an awkward
situation. You should
not speak about the second world war or sensitive business issues like
the bankruptcy
of financial institutions or trade protectionism. It is a good idea to ask
questions about
the countrys culture, art and customs. Other favourite topics of
conversation are travel,
food and sport, especially golf

GIFT GIVING
Japan is the country par excellence for company gifts. They are
generallyoffered at first
meetings. When a regular relation has been established, it is almost
compulsory to exchange
gifts twice a year: in the second half of december (oseibo) and mid-july

(ochugen).
leather items, pens, ties or handicrafts are good choices for gifts.

DOS AND DONTS

DO use apologies where the intention is serious and express

gratitude frequenctly
DO avoid confrontation or showing negative emotions during
business Express opinions openly evade direct or aggressive
refusals

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

DO be calm and cordial. Japanese are more concerned with

maintaining harmony than they are with achieving higher profits.
DO greet your counterparts with the proper respect and politeness.
Avoid the "OK" sign; in Japan it means money.
DONT use large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions or
dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands.
DONT overemphasize money. Financial details should be left for a
later time. The relationship comes first, money second
DONT give excessive praise or encouragement to a single Japanese
colleague in front of others.
DONT disagree in front of a Japanese business team during
negotiations. Disagreement with leadership is seen as a weakness

ETIQUETTE
IN
GERMANY
ABOUT GERMAN PLANNING CULTURE

In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of

planning.

This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what

they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day.

Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a

sense of security.

Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and

plan their life accordingly.

Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no

need to think of doing it any other way.

Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation

between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a
structured and ordered life.

Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

There is a proper time for every activity. When the business day
ends, you are expected to leave the office. If you must remain
after normal closing, it indicates that you did not plan your day
properly.

MEETING ETIQUETTE

Greetings are formal.

A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title
and their surname until invited to use their first name. You should
say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their surname.
In general, wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a
group.
When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually,
including children.

APPEARANCE

Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.

Men should wear dark colored, conservative business suits.
Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.

GIFT GIVING

If you are invited to a German's house, bring a gift such as

chocolates or flowers.
Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received.
Do not give red roses as they symbolize romantic intentions.
Do not give carnations as they symbolize mourning.
Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
If you bring wine, it should be imported, French or Italian. Giving
German wines is viewed as meaning you do not think the host will
serve a good quality wine.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

DINNING
1. If you are invited to a German's house:
2. Arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning. Never
arrive early.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

3. Never arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited without

telephoning to explain you have been detained.
4. Send a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank
your hostess for her hospitality.

RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNICATIONS

Germans do not need a personal relationship in order to do

business.

They will be interested in your academic credentials and the

amount of time your company has been in business.
Germans display great deference to people in authority, so it is
imperative that they understand your level relative to their own.
Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with
their office door closed. Knock and wait to be invited in before
entering.
German communication is formal.
Following the established protocol is critical to building and
maintaining business relationships.
As a group, Germans are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that
sound too good to be true, or displays of emotion.
Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness.
Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up
decisions and to maintain a record of decisions and discussions.

BUSINESS MEETING

Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in

advance.
Letters should be addressed to the top person in the functional
area, including the person's name as well as their proper business
title.
If you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be
written in German.
Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be
delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is
extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could
jeopardize your business relationship.
Meetings are generally formal.
Initial meetings are used to get to know each other. They allow
your German colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy.
Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending
times.
Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Although English may be spoken, it is a good idea to hire an

interpreter so as to avoid any misunderstandings.
At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their approval by
rapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
There is a strict protocol to follow when entering a room:
The eldest or highest ranking person enters the room first.
Men enter before women, if their age and status are roughly
equivalent.

BUSINESS NEGOTIATION

Do not sit until invited and told where to sit. There is a rigid
protocol to be followed.
Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending
times.
Treat the process with the formality that it deserves.
Germany is heavily regulated and extremely bureaucratic.
Germans prefer to get down to business and only engage in the
briefest of small talk. They will be interested in your credentials.
Make sure your printed material is available in both English and
German.
Contracts are strictly followed.
You must be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence
to protocol. Germans are detail- oriented and want to understand
every innuendo before coming to an agreement.
Business is hierarchical. Decision-making is held at the top of the
company.
Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action
steps that you can expect will be carried out to the letter.
Avoid confrontational behaviour or high- pressure tactics. It can be
counterproductive.
Once a decision is made, it will not be changed.

GLOBAL GUIDE TO BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

01

: JAPAN

Save

the best seat for the boss: in taxis and

private rides alike, the Japanese observe a
strict hierarchical seating plan where the best
seat in a taxi is behind the driver. If your
customers driving, the highest-ranked person
must sit alongside to show respect.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

02

: INDIA

In

India, punctuality varies according

to where you are. Traffic in Mumbai
means that being slightly late is more
acceptable than in a government city
like Delhi, which operates like
clockwork. Check the local custom
before you arrive.

03

: RUSSIA
In Russia, women do not normally expect to be greeted
during introductions. This is changing as more people
travel, however, so be ready to follow your hosts lead.

04

: CANADA
In Canada, drinking alcohol is not usual during
business lunches. Stick to water unless your host
suggests otherwise.

05

: CHINA
In China, taste everything youre offered during
meals but never clear your plate as your host will
assume youre still hungry. Dont talk business
during meals.

06

: INDIA

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Indians dont like to say no to a request. If they are unable to do
something, you are unlikely to get a direct refusal. Similarly, use
tactand subtlety if you need to explain why a business proposal is
not possible.

07

: JAPAN
In Japan, always have a
business card close to
hand. And when an
associate gives you their
card, handle it with care.

08

: USA
Americans like to be relaxed and those in charge are keen to
relive the easygoing business practices of the 1960s.So drop the
formality but, of course, keep your manners.

09

: CHINA
Using only a forefinger is an empty
gesture in China: making a point
requires the whole hand. Dont go
further
than that though a back-slap is
considered inappropriate.

10

: CHINA

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

In China, starters are served as severalsmall dishes on a plate.
Start from the left and eat your way to the right, as the flavour of dishes
increases in intensity along the way.

11

: BRAZIL
Dont put your briefcase or bag on the
ground in Brazil: national security
measures have informed the national psyche, so place
it on a chair or a hook.

12

: MIDDLE EAST
Women can avoid embarrassment in the Middle
East by waiting to follow their male hosts lead when
being introduced. Women might not be taken
seriously at first, and some men may place their
own hand on their chest rather than taking yours.

13

: SWEDEN
Be prepared for a detailed debate in Sweden: the
Scandinavians love a meeting. Push it forward by setting
dates, tasks and times, and dont be surprised if a further
meeting is required. Once something is agreed upon, its
carried out with speed and efficiency.

14

: JAPAN
Always turn up on time: if you arrive a minute
past the appointed hour it is considered strange,
five minutes is a cause for concern.
There is no word for late in Japanese.

15: SINGAPORE
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

In Singapore, modesty is key. Overconfident

behaviour will not impress and will not produce
good working relationships.

16: GERMANY
At mealtimes in Germany, fold your
napkin at the left side of your plate when
you are done, and lay your cutlery parallel
on your plate, with the handles on the righthand side, to show you have finished

17: USA
In the US be ready to produce proof of
your identity. Increased security means
photo ID is required to access many office
buildings, so dont be offended when youre
asked.

18: UK

In the UK, small talk is an essential

preamble to business talk. The weather, the
surroundings or the days events are all
acceptable topics. After skirting round the
real reason youve met, everyone will be
happy to attend to the matter in hand
professionally.

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THANK YOU

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