Taking a holdiay abroad rarely involves having to think about the impact wearing socks with sandals will have on local sensibilities.
When it comes to business, however, going global is a huge step for any company, and any Managing Director or Chief Executive will plan their forward strategy very carefully.
Everything from exploratory sales trips abroad to hosting inward investors requires sensitivity to cultural differences.
So, if you’re planning foreign expansion – or perhaps you’re tempted to consider one of the Executive positions on s1jobs that involves travel – here are cultural traps to avoid with five of our top trading partners!
India
Above all, be happy. In business, as in life, Indians are very polite and always positive. So, if you think something isn’t going to work, don’t immediately dismiss it. Instead of negativity, try to find a way that it could possibly work or be worked around. And be prepared to go veggie at dinner. Cows are considered sacred.
Japan
We all know about the bow and the importance of having business cards to swap at every meeting. But did you know it’s vital to offer a card with two hands while facing your guest or host? Formality and politeness informs all Japanese culture, so don’t be in a rush to get down to business.
Germany
Patience is everything when doing business with our German counterparts. Think ‘vorsprung durch zzzz’ – roughly translated as ‘progress through painstaking examination of every single last detail’. The good news is once every ‘t’ is crossed, a deal will be delivered quickly and bang on time.
Canada
It’s very hard to upset a Canadian. Most of them are so open and easy going, all you really need to do is be yourself. If you’re a nice person, that should about do the trick for everyone. One cautionary top tip: avoid ever mentioning the ‘A’ word in conversation. What happens in America, should forever stay in America.
China
It could be some of Granny Ina’s homemade shortbread, though a bottle of fine single malt might go down better. Whatever it is, present your potential new business partner with a small gift from Scotland. They will decline three times before accepting, so always insist. If you’re offered a gift, remember to go through the same routine with the bottle of sake. Slainte!
Go global with top Executive and Management opportunities on s1jobs