BUSSINES CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE
IN INDIA
Fedorchenko
Anastasiia
1 course
MТ-26
1
Greetings and titles
2
Body language
3
Business cards
4
Dress code
Indians are strongly guided by their respective religions and
their shared values.
Respect for elders and hierarchy are core values that
permeate all aspects of Indian society.
Building good business relationships and trust are
important in India. In a first meeting, let the Indian host
guide the initial stages of the conversation.
So expect to be asked – and prepare to ask your own
questions – about family
Greetings and titles
A handshake is the standard way to greet men and women in a
business setting, whatever their age or seniority. When meeting with
small independent retailers in non-urban areas, you may be greeted
by your potential partner with the word namaste (pronounced nahmas-tay).
You may reciprocate by repeating
the word, with the palms of your
hands together and a slight bow or
nod of the head.
Often people will slightly nod or bow their heads when shaking
hands, particularly with senior figures. The left hand is considered
unclean and as such, should never be used alone to offer or accept
a handshake, drink, food, money, gifts or business cards.
Body language
Indians tend to value their personal space and are generally not
prone to making much physical contact. However, it is not uncommon
for Indian men to engage in friendly back patting.
This is a sign of friendship and a positive signal for your working
relationship. Indians are generally expressive and use body language
to convey messages that are not always verbal.
Showing the soles of your feet or your shoes,
or pointing your feet towards anyone, is
considered highly disrespectful and insulting in
India, as is stepping on or over papers, books,
religious offerings on the ground – and
especially people.
It is rude to touch anyone’s head. Pointing with fingers
is also disrespectful.
If you must point, use your thumb, with the rest of your
fingers curled into a fist, palm facing upward.
Business cards
Cards are essential when conducting business in India
and must be handled with respect. Make sure your card
includes your name, company name, position and email
address, all in English.
When presenting your card, do so with both hands holding the
card at the top in between your thumb and index finger with the
writing facing the recipient.
After receiving a business card, spend a few
moments examining it, providing positive feedback
with a smile, before placing it either in your chest
pocket or in front of you at the table.
Dress code
Conservative, professional attire is expected in the
business setting, although this can differ depending on the
season and the city.
Men should generally wear a suit (with tie) and women
should wear a business dress or a suit with a blouse (not
low-cut and, in the case of skirts, not too short).
In summer, however, it is more acceptable for men to
not wear a jacket. Women should avoid wearing short
outfits or exposing their shoulders.
Thank you for
attention!