Business Etiquette – Success with Style
As a business traveler, you should know some rules of conduct. After all: what is considered standard in business life in Austria can lead to embarrassing misunderstandings in other countries. To avoid misunderstandings during negotiations and business meetings, we have summarized the most important etiquette rules for you.
With us, you’ll learn which business etiquette applies in China, Denmark, or Kenya. This way, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your next business trip.
Brazil
In Brazil, trust is highly valued. Brazilians are very proud of their country and love to talk about it. Criticism is avoided as much as possible. It is also considered polite to stare at others, and you will be closely observed as well.
China and Japan
Black and white are mourning colors in China. For this reason, black business attire is inappropriate. Chinese people place great importance on hierarchies, so only people of equal rank should negotiate with each other. Critical and loud remarks are taboo, and a clear “no” is avoided. In Japan, confrontation and outright refusals are also avoided. Courtesy, patience, and punctuality are very important in both Japan and China. Equality, however, is not common in business: as a businesswoman, you may find yourself ignored by Japanese men. While Japanese women play an important role in society, they are less prominent in business life. Note: In China and Japan, people do not greet with a handshake but with a bow.
Great Britain
Britons love small talk. Caution: asking about someone’s profession is taboo. They prefer a certain distance and dislike overly detailed questions. Punctuality is very important in business life, but you should not arrive too early. After work, colleagues often go for a drink at a pub. The British are known for their politeness, which means they avoid clear rejection. Words like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” should be used generously.
Poland
In Poland, personal relationships are highly valued, and people enjoy talking about private matters such as family or leisure activities. When introduced to a lady, wait to see if she offers her hand first. There is no clear separation between professional and private life. Organizations in Poland are very hierarchical, so it is advisable to initiate first contacts at the top of the company.
Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal)
Food is very important in Southern Europe. In Italy, an invitation to lunch is a sign of hospitality. Tip: set aside several hours for it. Italians are very sociable. For businesswomen, casual clothing and discreet makeup are recommended. Businessmen should opt for a modern business-casual look. A stylish appearance is always expected.
Turkey
Turkish people are known for their hospitality. Great importance is placed on appearance. Small talk before negotiations is very helpful. Hierarchies are strictly observed in Turkey, and important decisions are usually made solely by the company’s boss. Invitations should be accepted; rejecting them or offering to pay part of the bill is not well received by Turkish business partners.
USA
In the USA, people often introduce themselves using only their first name and are addressed the same way. Titles are not important in greetings. Americans are very open and may quickly invite you to their home—this is normal. They are tough business partners and negotiate with a strong focus on goals, but they also value a relaxed atmosphere. Businesswomen should dress conservatively and use discreet makeup if they wear any. The conservative dress code also applies to men: a suit is almost always standard.
Australia
In Australia, communication is very casual and direct. An informal tone and good humor are especially appreciated. Conversations often quickly switch to first names, but start formally and let your Australian counterpart lead the way. Follow their example. Punctuality is important, and if you’re running late, always inform them. Business attire is generally conservative but more relaxed and less strict than in Europe.
Canada
Communication in Canada is polite, reserved, yet direct. Avoid excessive emotionality. Initial greetings are formal, using titles and last names, but often quickly switch to first names. Punctuality is highly valued. Clothing is usually conservative and professional—men wear suits, women wear business suits. It is especially important to respect cultural diversity and the differences between English- and French-speaking regions, particularly Québec.
Denmark
Modesty is especially important in Denmark. Boasting is avoided. Conversations are very direct but remain factual. People usually address each other by first name, even when speaking to superiors. Punctuality is a top priority: always arrive on time or a few minutes early. Dress style is generally smart casual, though a slightly conservative look is also common.
France
In France, education plays an important role. Business etiquette requires polite and rather formal communication. Address people using “Monsieur” or “Madame” followed by their last name. Wait until your counterpart offers you the informal “tu.” Punctuality is valued in France, though a slight delay is generally not taken too seriously. In business life, great importance is placed on a stylish, elegant appearance—pay attention to high quality and a good fit in your suit or dress.
India
In India, forms of address are always formal and include titles and last names or “Mr./Ms.” followed by the last name. Age and position of your conversation partner are highly significant and should be respected. Conversations are strongly influenced by hierarchy. Communication is often indirect, and a “no” is frequently phrased in a roundabout way. Your business attire should be conservative, consisting of a suit or business dress; avoid revealing clothing. Punctuality is handled flexibly in India, so expect waiting times and accept them calmly. A key cultural note: never hand anything to someone with your left hand, as it is considered unclean.
Singapore
If you are on business in Singapore, you should dress professionally and conservatively despite the climate. Conversations in Singapore are efficient, direct, and factual. Forms of address remain formal, using titles and last names until your host offers the use of first names. Punctuality is highly valued.
South Korea
In South Korea, business life is strongly hierarchical, which also shapes communication—usually indirect and very respectful. Forms of address are formal, using titles and last names. Prepare well, as these names can be challenging for non-native speakers. Respect for age and position is extremely important, as is punctuality. The exchange of business cards has an almost ritual character: always accept cards with both hands and place them respectfully on the table. Other etiquette matters too: greetings involve a bow, often combined with a handshake when meeting older or higher-ranking individuals.
United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, business conversations are very personal and relationship-oriented, yet formal. Always address people using titles and last names or formal terms such as “Sheikh” or “Sayyid/Sayyeda.” Punctuality is expected, but meetings may start flexibly or be interrupted, so patience is essential—decision-making often takes longer. Dress conservatively: men wear suits, women wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are strictly prohibited. Handshakes occur only if initiated by the host, especially between men and women. Also note: the left hand is considered unclean.
Tunisia
Tunisian business culture differs significantly from European norms: meetings rarely start on time, so expect delays, though you should always be punctual yourself. Leave control of the agenda to your host. Negotiations can be lengthy and non-linear; renegotiations are common, and flexibility is essential. Pay close attention during discussions: active listening and reading between the lines are crucial, as communication is often indirect and nonverbal. A “yes” does not always mean agreement. Management is often the responsibility of the top executive, and rank and titles are highly valued, as are business cards. The lead negotiator must be clearly identifiable. French is the language of commerce—keep this in mind for greetings and formal address, alongside seniority and hierarchy. Address people formally using “Monsieur” or “Madame.”
Kenya
Small talk is a key element in building business relationships. In Nairobi, greetings often involve a nod instead of a handshake—be sure to stand while doing so. The business language is English. Maintain direct eye contact during conversations. Seniority is important, and address people using “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss” followed by their last name. Have your business card ready during introductions. Men wear suits with ties; women wear business suits or pantsuits, which can be complemented with color and jewelry. In conservative sectors, opt for more discreet attire. Hierarchies are respected, and decisions are made by the highest-ranking person; responsibility is rarely delegated downward. For private meetings, delays of up to an hour are common—plan accordingly.
South Africa
For business appointments in South Africa: English is the business language, and you should always greet the highest-ranking person first. Use “Mr.” or “Mrs.” followed by the last name—“Sir” and “Madam” are also common. Otherwise, Western etiquette dominates. Relationship-building often involves discussing personal topics. Cultural nuances, such as maintaining eye contact, should be observed. Criticism is usually expressed indirectly. For business occasions, wear formal, classic attire; for informal events like a Braai (South African barbecue), dress is more casual. Dress codes can also vary regionally. The South African philosophy of “Ubuntu” means humanity and compassion, shaping both private and business interactions. Consensus-based decisions and family businesses are typical in South Africa.
Ivory Coast
Thorough preparation is essential for your business meeting in Ivory Coast. Work with local intermediaries and maintain contact with staff—many decisions are made informally. Small talk plays a central role and should focus on well-being and family. Do not end the small talk yourself. Always let the host lead the conversation. Listen attentively, as direct refusals are rare and agreement is often merely polite. Dress neatly and conservatively for your meeting—men should wear a suit, a pressed shirt, and clean shoes. Remove your jacket only when invited to do so. Use formal titles and full names. In conversation, respect hierarchy and status—even among colleagues.
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