Cross-Cultural Business Etiquettes



Cross-Cultural Business Etiquettes

Introduction

Etiquette is the expected code of behavior, which vary from society to society. These contemporary norms are also known as manners which guide people how to interact. In the business environment, etiquettes are like laws which codify the behavior of professionals (Robinson, 2000). There is no standardized punishment for the violation of these codes. Every organization has its own policies regarding the punishment and reward for the violation and acceptance respectively. Today, we are living in a global world, where borders are removed, and people have the freedom to move from country to country within hours.

In this way, businesses are also integrated, and a large number of multinational corporations (MNCs) are introduced came on the surface. In multinational companies, workers are from various backgrounds. For most of the professional, communicating and interacting becomes a thorny issue. It is because; they are not familiar with the norms and codes of others' cultures. In order to have smooth and workable environment, researchers have done extensive work. They have presented different models. These models are applied by various MNCs and have experienced significant positive change.

Cultural Differences

Cultural diversity or commonly known as cultural differences that exist between humans. In the context of business, culture means language, clothing, attendance, attitude, facial expression and other traditions such as the overall organization of the company. To avoid a clash among the cultures, businesses are trying to have such an environment which should be neutral. On the contrary, there are many ideological companies which are representing any particular trait of culture. Following are some cultural differences, which are common in the business environment. Some Common Business Etiquettes

Clothing

Clothing in business environments matters a lot for professionals. Wearing appropriate clothing makes a good first impression and sets the tone for how you will be seen. If you work in an industry in which casual dress is the norm, make sure it is also the norm in the country and company you are visiting. For example, men tend not to wear suit jackets and ties in Colombia and the Middle East, but are still expected to be dressed smartly. Women may also need to think about the appropriate skirt length, makeup, jewelry and heel height (Gruys et al, 2010). When in doubt, it is always best to dress conservatively, and in dark colors.

Conversation

Communicating in a foreign country can be difficult. Often you may find that your business colleague speaks English -- but if they speak imperfectly, you will need to remember not to correct them as that may be seen as impolite. You should also determine what makes an appropriate topic of conversation in the country you are visiting. For example, in Japan, people do not tend to talk about money, and in Switzerland personal questions are usually not appreciated among mere acquaintances. It is a good idea, however, to learn a bit about the history of the country or place you are visiting and to be prepared with a few questions about local culture ...