#interculturalbusiness

[stylidentitas]

IMPORTANZA DE L'ETICHETTA IN UN MONDO GLOBALE

IMPORTANZA DE L’ETICHETTA IN UN MONDO GLOBALE

Viviamo in un mondo senza confini dove non ci sono più limiti nelle relazioni personali e d’affari, in cui avere savoir-faire è sinonimo di rapportarsi ad altre culture connettendosi a stili di vita diversi dai nostri. Poiché  sappiamo bene che la nostra immagine crea un impatto nei primi secondi in cui interagiamo con qualcuno, “non c’è una seconda occasione per fare una buona prima impressione”,

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Kiev, Ukraine. 

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NICARAGUA

Business behavior:

It is best to show up on time for an initial meeting although they typically will start 1⁄2-1 hour late.

There is usually some form of small talk before discussing business. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.

Topics to avoid: politics, class issues, and religion.

Negotiations

Avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation.

Decisions are usually made from the top down.

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United Arab Emirates

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Greetings, titles, business cards:

You should greet the person with the highest title first then greet the rest of the people in the room in a counter-clockwise direction.

For men, a light handshake is common. Placing your right hand on your heart or chest after shaking hands is a show of great respect to the person you are greeting.

There is little to no touching between men and women during greetings in public. Women may extend a sleeve-covered wrist or hand to be shaken. Always wait for the woman to initiate, if at all.

When it comes to business cards it is always best to treat the card with respect.

Always give and receive cards with the right hand.

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Tulum, Mexico.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Communication style:

Emiratis tend to favor an indirect style of communication. Avoiding confrontation is paramount.

People stand a little more than arm’s length apart while conversing.

Touching members of the opposite sex is not allowed and is offensive.

Emiratis favor direct eye contact in conversations. However, foreign men should avoid staring into the eyes of an Emirati woman.

While talking to an elder, there usually is not much direct eye contact as a sign of respect.

Do not discuss the subject of women, not even to inquire about the health of a wife or daughter.

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Sheikh Zayed Mosque. 

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Gestures:

Always give, pass, and receive objects (including food) with your right hand as the left is viewed as unclean.

Do not point with your finger, use the whole hand.

Do not cross your legs at the knee, but at the ankle.

Beckon someone by extending an arm palm down and making a scratching motion with the fingers.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Business behavior:

You are expected to be on time for meetings but the key speaker or person with the highest position at the meeting can be late.

It is normal for things not to start on time.

Meetings do not tend to follow set schedules. Frequent interruptions and cancellations are common.

Small talk is expected; inquiring about the person’s health, family, etc., is common.

It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a carpeted room. When in doubt, follow an Emirati’s lead.

Negotiations:

It is best to remain calm during negotiations and avoid any hard selling or high-pressure tactics.

Decisions are usually made from the top down and usually take time. It is important to not come across as impatient or overly eager.

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Ooty, India. 

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SAUDI ARABIA

Negotiations:

Always remain calm during negotiations. Saudis do not tend to be very expressive in public.

Always expect to bargain. It is an integral part of the Saudi culture.

Decisions are made from the top down and usually take time.

The Saudi world is an enigma. A great deal of relationship building must be spent in advance of getting down to “business.” Personal trust and respect will carry the day over productivity and profitability.

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Arabic: Thank you. 

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SAUDI ARABIA

Communication style:

When Saudis are asking for a favor or in need of something, they tend to be indirect. However, if one is making a statement, they are more direct.

It is important to include pleasantries; asking about a person’s family, health, etc., before getting to the purpose of the conversation.

Familial and business hierarchy plays a big role in communication and it is always best to defer to the oldest and most senior member of a group.

Saudis stand a little less than an arm’s length apart from one another. This space is much, much greater between men and women.

There is a decent amount of touching between members of the same gender during conversations. There is no touching between men and women in public places.

Direct eye contact is acceptable between men and between women. There is little to no eye contact between genders.

Do not discuss the subject of women, not even to inquire about the health of a wife or daughter. The topic of Israel should also be avoided.

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

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SAUDI ARABIA

Gift giving:

Gifts are not usually given at business meetings. It is best to avoid giving gifts until a very strong bond has been established.

If invited to a Saudi home or someone's office, be aware that it is not polite to openly admire something which a Saudi owns or has on display as he/she will feel obliged (most likely unwillingly) to offer it to you as a gift and may be offended if you then do not accept it.

Avoid bringing flowers, alcohol, or perfume as a gift.

Alcohol and pork are illegal.

Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.