Dos and Taboos1
1. General remarks
This collection of country specific traits can be only representative
in general. There will always be the danger of prejudices. Of
course individuals can differ a lot. There can be much difference
within the country, and societies that are changing fast will
experience even more differences between the older and the
younger generation. You will always have to check whether the
general characteristic is correct for each individual situation.
Some of the described tips are not exclusively found in one
country; you can find them more or less as well in other countries,
especially if there are a lot of similarities between the countries, for
example because they are of Latin origin.
The dos and taboos are listed for the following countries:
Australia
Germany
France
The Netherlands
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States of America
1
Harris, Philip R.; Moran, Robert T.: Managing Cultural Differences, Gulf Publishing
Huston, 1996
^1Company,
2. Australia
Dos
It is customary for men to shake hands at the beginning and
ending of a meeting, but women are not required to do this.
Eye contact is important, especially in business meetings.
Like the British, respect is given for lines of people, or
queues.
Be patient.
Expect to be treated casually (e.g. by use of first names).
If you are at the pub with a group of friends, make sure you
buy them a round of drinks.
Take the time to smile and say hello to people you know, and
stop for a chat.
Say "sorry", if you accidentally bump into somebody.
Give people at least a metre personal space.
Expect people to be sarcastic or cynical (or be aware, that
they say opposite of what they really mean)
Use at many abbreviation words as possible in order to be
understood and accepted (e.g. "Chrissie" instead of Chrismas,
"prezzie" instead of present, "Barbie" instead of "barbecue",
etc.).
It is quite acceptable for visitors to introduce themselves
without waiting to be introduced by someone else.
Don'ts
Don't criticise Australia or the Australian accent.
Men should never wink at a woman, even if they are friends,
as this is considered as inappropriate behaviour.
The American gesture for "2", forming a "v" with the index
finger and the middle finger of one hand is considered vulgar.
The "O.K." or hitchhiking sign used frequently in the US is
also considered very rude.
Don't stand on ceremonies or expect formality.
Don't be arrogant or a snob.
Don't take yourself too serious.
Don't whinge or complain.
Don't mistake an Australian for a New Zealander (or vice
versa).
Don't turn down an invitation to a barbecue and don't forget
to bring your own alcohol (BYO).
Don't push in even if you are waiting to be served (e.g. in a
post office), even if you are in a hurry.
Never sit in the back seat of a taxi if you travel alone.
3. Germany
In business, Germans look for steady growth and minimal
risks. They want to receive high-quality goods over a period of
time and are not interested in one-time purchases. If you are not
interested in long-term business arrangements, find another
country for your products or service.
Trade fairs are important places for foreign businesspeople to
make contacts. Obtain a catalogue ahead of time, and arrange
meetings with companies in which you are interested.
Address a business letter to the firm rather than to an
individual executive. Begin your letter, "Dear ladies and
gentlemen" or if you write in German: " Sehr geehrte Damen
und Herren". If you address a letter to a specific executive who
happens to be away, the response will be greatly delayed.
Do not expect to find women in top positions in German
firms. Foreign businesswomen must make a very good
impression to be taken seriously. Some German clients might
expect a woman to consult her male boss before making a
decision.
English is widely used, especially among senior
businesspeople. In south-western Germany, people also speak
some French. To make a good impression. learn a few words of
German.
Bring a large supply of business cards, printed in English on
one side and German on the other. Be sure, your title is featured
prominently on the card, Germans are very conscious of titles,
in small town even more than people in big cities.
Don't be surprised if a company director passes you on to a
junior executive.
Be punctual. It's very important.
Germans have a strong sense of privacy and always keep
their office doors closed. That is not only a signal that the
person does not want to be disturbed; it is meant also to keep
protective boundaries between people who feel "exposed" and
unbusinesslike with doors open.
Keep this sense of privacy in mind when you are offered a
chair in an office. Do not try to move your chair closer to the
Germans' or you will make them feel uncomfortable.
The atmosphere at German business meetings is serious and
formal. Do not try to "lighten things up" by telling what you
think are humorous stories.
German businesspeople operate more slowly than Americans
do. They believe that doing a good job requires time, so they
proceed very deliberately. They generally distrust the quality of
business specialising in fast service.
Germans are generally slow and conservative and risk
averters, but are also thorough and efficient.
Plan to present agreements in writing. Germans want
concrete, precise offers.
Guests usually stand when the host enters the room and
remain standing until he or she offers a seat again.
Do not talk with your hands in your pockets.
Do not prop your legs on desks, chairs or tables.
Chew gum only in private.
Do not point at your head, which means you are crazy.
Do not talk about personal finances.
4. France
The mode of handshaking is usually as follows: a light,
quick, single handshake, which is done with great frequency
(arrivals, departures, each and every day). A strong, pumping
handshake is considered uncultured. Also, when entering a
room, greet each person in the room. A French woman offers
her hand first.
Friends, good acquaintances and young people often kiss on
either cheek (but it is usually really toughing cheeks and
"kissing the air")
Be certain to carry a good supply of business cards, since
they are exchanged often.
Some common actions and gestures should be avoided:
Resting the feet on tables or chairs
Using toothpicks, nail clippers or combs in public
Conversing with hands in pockets
Chewing gum in public
Yawning or scratching in public
Loud conversation in public
Snapping the fingers of both hands, or slapping an open palm
over the closed fist have vulgar meanings.
When seated, the French customarily cross the legs at the
knees. Good posture and decorum are virtues in France.
The "O.K." sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) in
some parts of France means "zero" or "worthless".
When using the hands to count, start with a fist, palm facing
you, and then lift the thumb to signify "one", then add the index
finger to signal "two" and so on.
Playing an imaginary flute is a way of signalling that
somebody is talking on and on and becoming tiresome.
Always use an tissue or handkerchief when sneezing, and be
as discreet as possible when blowing your nose.
Pointing to the eye means "You can't fool me."
To say "how dull", flick the fingers across the cheek.
Using the index and middle finger to push the nose upward
signals " It is so easy I could do it with my fingers up my nose."
When the French issue their famous shrug with the shoulders,
palm extended, it means "It doesn't worry me." But if the palm
is raised chest high, it becomes "What do you expect me to do
about it?"
At mealtime a French person enjoys pleasant conversation,
but not personal questions or the subject of money.
Lunch and dinner are very important for French people. You
need at least two hours for the meal.
The quality of food is important and never serve a meal even
at lunch time without a bottle of good wine.
Punctuality in business and social invitations is important.
If invited to a person's home for a social occasion, it is polite
to bring a gift of flowers or wine., but not roses or
chrysanthemums, because they are used at funerals.
Great importance is placed to neatness and taste.
5. The Netherlands
Always shake hands when greeting and leaving someone –
even young children.
Everyone stands up, when exchanging greeting or departing.
Good topics for conversation: Dutch politics; travel; or sports
such as soccer, cycling, sailing and ice-skating, and the job.
Don't be surprised when Dutch bring up money or costs in a
conversation or ask personal questions in your first
conversation.
Don't offer personal compliments until you know somebody
well.
Don't tough or be physically demonstrative with anyone
except relatives or good friends. People occasionally tough the
shoulder of a good friend when shaking hands.
Never issue an invitation you don't really mean ("I'll call you
a few days" or "I'll call you to come over to dinner next week.").
Dutch people usually are very literal and will take you seriously.
For business, men should wear suits and women should wear
suits or dresses.
If you are invited for dinner at home, be on time. Don't get up
during a meal, even to get to the bathroom – it's considered
rude. Leave after the coffee is served, usually around 10.00 p.m.
When you eat with a group in a restaurant, pay your share
unless you have been specially invited as a guest. If someone
does treat you to a meal, reciprocate as soon as possible.
Remember that birthdays are extremely important in the
Netherlands. Families post a birthday calendar, noting all family
birthday's, very often on a door of the downstairs bathroom. If
you are staying with the family, check the calendar so you can
offer your birthday wishes. If you enter a birthday celebration in
a group, offer wishes to everyone.
Don't worry to encounter clannishness. Dutch people usually
are open and friendly.
Dutch people usually are highly organised and don't like
anything to be impromptu or spontaneous. Avoid making spurof –moment suggestions such as "Lets go out for dinner
tonight."
You won't make a better impression by staying in the most
expensive hotels and eating in the best restaurants. Dutch people
usually retain a bit of Calvinism and will see your high expenses
as meaning a higher cast for your product.
Make appointments from abroad at least two weeks to one
month in advance. Dutch businesspeople travel a great deal.
Dutch usually are practical and down-to-earth. Your
presentation should be factual and contain many figures. Use
charts and visualise if they are necessary, but don't include them
to impress.
If you say you'll do something for example, putting
something in the mail the next day – be sure to do it.
Decisions in larger companies are made by a consensus
among many people. In smaller companies, one person on the
top usually makes the decisions.
Dutch businesspeople like to entertain and be entertained.
Business lunches are common, though business dinners are
more popular for formal meetings.
6. Russia
A good, firm handshake along with direct eye contact is the
customary greeting. In many parts of Russia, among close
friends or politicians the "Russian bear hug" is common and is
often accompanied by two or three quick kisses to alternate
cheeks – even among men – and sometimes with one kiss
directly on the lips. There are exceptions to this practice,
however.
Bear in mind that Russia is a country with strong cultural
differences. As a result, certain gestures and body language may
have local flavours and meanings.
At public gatherings, when people whistle it is a signal of
disagreement and disapproval.
Another important taboo in public gatherings might occur in
a theatre. As you enter the aisle to occupy your seat, if you must
pass in front of others, always turn and face them. Never pass in
front of seated people in a theatre with the back to them.
The "O.K." sign is an ambitious gesture, here. While as an
import from the West it is known to mean "O.K.", in some parts
of Russia it may be interpreted as a vulgar gesture.
Shaking the raised fist shows disagreement and anger. The
"thumbs up" sign signifies approval.
Long, orderly lines of people are a current occurrence in
daily lives, so be polite and respectful when joining one. Never
butt into a line.
Visitors claim that Russian people, especially in Moscow, do
not seem to smile much in public gatherings or while walking
around in the streets. On the other hand, in smaller private
gatherings, the Russian people may be more open, friendlier and
may smile more often. Also, some Russians are not afraid to
show emotions in private situations. People of the same sex may
be seen embracing each other, weeping and kissing in these
situations.
To beckon a waiter in a restaurant, a slight nod of the head
should do the job; if not, just raise the hand.
Be conscious of the emphasis the Russians place on dealing
with high-ranking executives.
Be prepared to devote a lot of senior executive time, because
of the chaotic situation and lingering bureaucracy.
Continuity is an important factor, so one person should be
identified a s the project manager throughout all negotiations.
Russians will enter all negotiations well prepared in research
so it is advisable to be accompanied by at least one member of
your technical personal.
One of the most important problem you have to solve if you
are doing business with Russian partners, is the ability to drink
as much vodka as they do and to be sober enough the next
morning in the business meeting to have good results.
8. Spain
Spanish people are openly affectionate. Male friends embrace
when they meet and women embrace and kiss each other on the
cheek. If you are meeting an old friend, do the same.
Never make negative comments about bullfighting.
People will interrupt you frequently. They are not being rude,
just animated.
Never swear. Many people are religious, and swearing
offends them. Swearing in front of woman is especially
offensive.
Spaniards are rarely punctual for social occasions or business
appointments. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes late is common and
acceptable. The only event for which punctuality is required is a
bullfight or a soccer match.
Before visiting someone at home, call ahead to make sure it's
convenient. Visiting times are usually 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
When planning a business trip, check with the Spanish
Tourist Office to make sure the celebration of a Spanish city's
patron saint's day won't interfere with your work schedule.
You need at least on trip to Spain to make a deal. The
Spanish like to negotiate in person. They assume that if they
establish a relationship with you, you'll feel obliged to give
them a good price and a high-quality product.
Spain is a class-conscious society. Don't get too familiar with
low status employees or you might diminish your counterparts
respect to you.
If you are a foreign businessman dealing with a female
Spanish counterpart, don't be overly familiar or condescending.
Foreign businesswoman should act in a professional manner,
dress elegantly but conservative, and not in any way be
flirtatious. They will then be taken seriously.
Be punctual, but expect your Spanish counterparts are 15-30
minutes late.
When you arrive for a meeting, you will be taken to a private
conference room, or meeting room. The office's size and
furnishings will tell you the person's upper or middlemanagement status.
At the first meeting you'll be evaluated as a person begin.
Spaniards dislike impersonal efficiency, and value and asked
questions about your background, education, and interests. Only
then can serious discussion knowing businesspeople as
individuals.
Many Spanish businesses are made up of family members
who value family and friends over material acquisitions. You
might find yourself dealing with someone who seems
unqualified or unprepared, don't say anything – the person
might be a family member, and you'll offend their honour,
which to Spanish takes precedence over organisation and
efficiency. Imposing a decision in direct language is also
considered humiliating.
If you are invited to dinner, don't discuss business; it's purely
a social occasion.
9. The United Kingdom
Whereas on the European continent handshaking is done
when meeting and departing, day in and day out and even with
the same assortment of acquaintances, in the United Kingdom it
is done less frequently.
In a restaurant, wait to be seated.
Summon waiters at restaurants by raising the hand. To signal
that you would like the check (called the bill there), make a
motion with both hands as if you were signing a paper.
Loud conversations and any form of boisterousness in public
places should be avoided.
Avoid staring at somebody in public. Privacy is highly
valuated and respected in these countries.
The "queue" or line of people is considered almost sacred.
You must never "jump the queue", meaning to put or push your
way into a line of waiting people.
In Wales, when addressing a group, speakers should avoid
rubbing their noses, standing with hand in pockets, or shuffling
the feet.
In England, holding the nose and then pulling an imaginary
chain is a signal for "it stinks", and is something of an insult.
When drinking socially in British pubs, after paying for as
drink, pick up your change. To leave it there (as it is often the
custom in the United States) could imply that you are leaving it
as a tip.
Other common practise: when yawing, cover your mouth; use
handkerchiefs discretely; remove your hat when entering a
building; men should cross their legs at the knees, rather than
placing one ankle across the other knee; women usually cross
them at the ankles.
Politeness and good manners are expected and appreciated.
Never forget that Great Britain had ruled the world for
centuries.
10. United States
A firm handshake, accompanied by a direct eye contact, is
the standard greeting in the United States. Occasionally, among
very good friends who have not seen each other for long
intervals, women call briefly hug other women, and men may
quickly kiss the cheek of a woman. Males rarely hug one
another, however. Occasionally, men may shake hand s with
their left hand either covering the handshake or light gripping
for the forearm.
According to anthropologists, Americans tend to stand just
about one army's length away from each other while conversing
or standing in public. It's called the "comfort zone".
In the past decade, much emphasis has been placed on sexual
equality in the workplace. While many women still enjoy
having men open doors for them, help them get seated, and give
up seats in public transportation, there are some women who
object to such deference.
Direct eye contact in both social and business situations is
very important. Not doing so implies boredom or disinterest.
Americans generally respect queues or lines in public
situations and will form line sin an orderly fashion. To shove or
push one's way into such a line will probably generate both
anger and verbal complaints.
There are two well-known rude and insulting gestures in the
United States. Both are recognised in all parts of America. They
are: the middle finger thrust and the forearm jerk.
Many Americans become uncomfortable with periods of
silence. Therefore in business or social situations, if a gap
occurs they will quickly try to fill in with conversation.
Waving "hello" or "good-bye" is done by extending the arm,
palm facing down, and waving the hand up and down at the
wrist joint. Another variation is to raise the arm, palm outward,
and move the whole arm and hand back and forth like an upside
down pendulum. This way may be very important to know
because in many countries this means "no".
Winking in America can signal diverse messages: flirtation,
friendliness, amusement, or to say "I'm just kidding".
Beckoning can be done by either raising the index finger and
repeatedly curling it in and out, or by raising the hand (palm
facing inward) and waggling the fingers back toward the body.
When dining, many Americans are taught to keep the left
hand in their lap and eat with the right hand. It is permissible to
sit at a table with both wrists resting lightly on the table. When
engaged in deep, close conversation, two people might even
lean forward, with elbows on the table, but strict practitioners of
etiquette will frown on this.
Americans view conflict and confrontation as an opportunity
to exchange viewpoints and as part of the process in resolution,
negotiation and agreement. Americans prefer outlining the issue
or problem and a direct approach to determine possible
solutions.
They have a highly competitive and competition is regarded
as a positive value.
As a rule, Americans encourage individual aspirations and
individual achievements.
Americans are low-context communicators. The message is
primarily in the spoken word.
Americans generally have a monochromic time orientation
and for most Americans "time is money".
Americans are risk-takers.