20 August 2008  15:05

Meetings

Never book a meeting for a Friday, as this is a holy day (like our Sunday). Schedule meetings in the mornings (never at sunset, which could clash with an evening prayer). Be practical.

Greetings

Use the customary greeting of 'Salaam alaykum' (peace to you) and shake hands; do not shake hands with women unless they initiate it.

What to wear

Conservative Western business suits are appropriate, although women should take extra care to be modestly dressed - collarbones and knees should be covered up and firm-fitting suits or dresses avoided.

Business Cards

Business cards - printed in English and Arabic - are readily exchanged, although there is no particular ritual attached.

Communication

Expect prolonged enquiries into health and family before settling down to business. Do not discuss women - in particular, anyone's wife or daughters.

Hospitality

Standard Arabic customs may apply, like not eating with your left hand, taking your shoes off and not showing anyone the soles of your feet - just follow your host's lead. Ramadan should be respected by not openly eating or drinking during the fast.

Meetings

Chinese culture is hierarchical: Senior members get the best seats, enter the room first and lead negotiations - any interruption by subordinates is considered shocking. Proposals must be printed in black and white, as some colours have negative meanings.

Greetings

Use titles and last names. Use official titles like 'Committee Member' or 'Bureau Chief' where appropriate. Nod rather than bow; shakes hands only if it's initiated. If you greeted with applause, respond by applauding back.

What to wear

Conservative Western business suits are appropriate - bright colours should be avoided.

Business Cards

Keep a stash of cards printed in English and Chinese (making sure the Chinese side is facing the recipient). Always exchange cards with both hands, making a show of examining theirs. Respect their card - never scribble on it or stuff it in your back pocket.

Communication

You may be asked intrusive questions about your age, income and marital status. Negative replies are impolite - reply instead with phrases like 'maybe' or 'I'll think about it'.

Hospitality

It's polite to taste all dishes, but impolite to leave a 'clean' plate (this indicates to your host that they have not been hospitable enough). Do not stand chop sticks up as this is symbolic of death. Do not discuss business during the meal itself. If hosting a corporate event, avoid numbering tables or groups, as the number four is considered bad luck.

Meetings

Many cities are moving towards the international Monday-Friday model - however arranging a meeting, bear in mind that a siesta-style break after lunch is standard.

Greetings

To be friendly without being familiar, use 'Abu' (meaning father of) followed by the name of this eldest son. The female equivalent is 'Umm'. In the Gulf, fresh cardamon Arabic tea is often offered, and it is considered polite to accept two to three cups, before shaking your cup from side to side to indicate when you've had sufficient.

What to wear

Unlike elsewhere in Arabia, it is inappropriate for foreigners to wear local garb. Stick to conservative Western business suits; women should take extra care to dress appropriately and to cover up.

Business Cards

As in Saudi Arabia.

Communication

The UAE is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan, so many topics are acceptable. Intelligent argument is admired, but as in Saudi Arabia, don't discuss women. If your partner has joined you on a business trip, never show public demonstrations of affection - holding hands is actually illegal,

Hospitality

Hospitality is highly regarded, so sticking to tight schedules are nigh impossible; often meetings are set for general times of day rather than specific hours. Observe standard Arabic rules (as for Saudi Arabia).

Meetings

As in China, business is done on a Western timetable and punctuality is essential. Japan is a modest culture, so avoid looking 'too comfortable' by slouching, crossing your legs or having arms below the table.

Greetings

While bowing is prevalent, you're likely to be offered a handshake. It's the norm to add '-san' to the end of a last name, rather than use first names.

What to wear

As in China.

Business Cards

As in Saudi Arabia.

Communication

Business cards should be printed in English and Japanese, and presented with the English version face up. Business cannot begin until cards have been exchanged: Present yours with both hands, then receive your counterpart's with both hands. Take a good look at it. Do not put cards away until you have received everyone's.

Hospitality

Never pour your own drink, only your Japanese colleague's. Again, don't stand chop sticks upright, as this is symbolic of death.

Meetings

Western business hours are adhered to. However there are numerous national holidays - so check prior to arranging meetings.

Greetings

Unless you are asked to use someone's first name, use honorifics. Shaking hands is an accepted greeting among men; don't shake hands with women unless they initiate it - use the greeting 'Namaste' instead. Stand when introduced to people.

What to wear

Conservative Western business suits are appropriate. Women should keep their shoulders covered. When entering someone's home, you may be asked to remove your shoes.

Business Cards

Business Cards are readily exchanged, although there is no ritual attached.

Communication

Discussing personal life is considered normal, so expect questions you might find intrusive. Indian society is polite, so avoid disagreeing with anyone. Upward palms are considered rude, as is using a finger to point.

Hospitality

Be aware that Muslim business colleagues don't eat pork, and Hindus don't eat beef, and that many will be vegetarian. As in Arab countries, avoid using your left hand.