Learn Business Culture and Etiquette Around the World

Through the evolution of technology the world has become a very small place. The technological advances in the last decades – casual air travel, fax machines, affordable international telephone calls, video conferencing, and the Internet – made international business markets a commonplace. According to the International Trade Center, more than 5,300 products are being traded in the international marketplace between hundreds of countries. While electronic communication may facilitate the managing of accounts, initial business relationships and many deals are still conducted through face-to-face communication.

In an age of multinational corporations and organizations, the average business person traveling abroad needs a basic understanding of the culture they will be visiting. Despite surface appearances, cultural attitudes and traditions can vary widely. What may be an innocent gesture in one culture might cause great offense in another. By the same token, taking the time to understand the cultural traditions of your hosts can go long way toward showing respect and good will.

There are some cultural rules that might be very different from yours. In many countries you might find yourself frustrated with a business associate who seems wishy-washy about a deal. In this case, it would help to know that it’s rude to refuse a deal directly in his country, and he is attempting to be polite in saying “no.” Even in countries with similar cultures, it should never be assumed that they are the same. For example, the business culture in New Zealand is a bit more conservative than the one in Australia. A businessperson that has taken the time to become aware of international business etiquette and cultural differences will have fewer frustrations and a greater degree of success.

Australia

• Beyond Shaking Hands: An explanation of how business is conducted in Australia

Belgium

• Doing Business in Belgium: Tips on Belgian business etiquette from the Australian government

Brazil

• Conducting Business in Brazil: Brazilian etiquette tips for business

Canada

• Business in Canada: Business behavior in Canada

China

• Chinese Social and Business Etiquette: A comprehensive list of social customs and business etiquette

Egypt

• Business Customs in Egypt: A guide to doing business in Cairo

England

• Britain's Business Etiquette: The subtle differences in business customs between Britain and North America, from Executive Travel magazine

France

• Etiquette in French Business: A helpful chart on the business etiquette of France

Germany

• The Devil in the Details: 25 helpful tips for business professionals in Germany

Hong Kong

• Business and Social Etiquette in Hong Kong: Working in Hong Kong’s business climate

India

• Business in India: An overview of Indian business culture

Ireland

• Business in Ireland: Customs in the Irish business culture

Japan

• Guide to Japanese Manners: Exploring Japanese manners and etiquette

Philippines

• Business in the Philippines: Subtleties of business in Manilla

Russia

• Russian Business: Culture in Russian transactions

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Business Center: A background for Saudi business etiquette

Scotland

• British Business: Etiquette for business in the United Kingdom

Singapore

• Singapore Business Etiquette: Doing business in Singapore

South Africa

• Business in South Africa: Tips from Capetown

South Korea

• Doing Business in South Korea: Etiquette and customs in the South Korean industry

Spain

• Spanish Culture: Tips for business in Spain

Swizerland

• Swiss Business Etiquette: Doing business in Geneva

Taiwan

• Taiwan Business and Culture: The etiquette for Taiwan

Thailand

• Bangkok Business Practices: Tips for business in Thailand

Venezuela

• Venezuelan Business Culture: The culture of business in Venezuela