the importance of good manners in international business

The importance of good manners

in international business

It is universally acknowledged that modern society is a global society and modern business is an international business. The world is developing quickly in the age of economic globalization, which is not just the coming together of business people, but the integration of ideas, cultures and values. As a result, understanding the culture in a country or region in which you are doing business, and observing good manners and etiquette is essential for developing good international business relationships.

Working with foreign companies and interacting with foreign customers mean dealing with many different cultures. Good manners allow people to establish and maintain stronger, longer lasting, and more profitable business relationships with international business partners in the long run.

Here, I take China as an example.

In Jane Hu’s article In China, Good Manners Mean Good Business, she explains that if one wants to make business with the

Chinese, he has to make friends with them first since all agreements in her country rely much more on trust between both parties than on legally enforceable contracts and lots of documentations.

To begin with, good manners make good first impressions. There is no denying that you never get a second chance to make a

good first impression. Doing business in China is not an exception.

In China, meetings start with the shaking of hands and a slight nod of the head. We Chinese are not keen on physical contact - especially when doing business. The only circumstance in which it may take place is when a host is guiding a guest.

Body language and movement are both areas one should be conscious of when doing business. One should always be calm, collected and controlled. Body posture should always be formal and attentive as this shows that you have self-control and are worthy of respect.

Business cards are exchanged on an initial meeting. They should be presented and received with both hands, and one could never write on a business card or put it in your wallet. Carrying a small card case is a better choice.

If you obey those etiquettes, you can surely gain a good start in doing business in china.

Secondly, good manners contribute to building good relationships. Relationships in China are very formal. It is remarkable that when doing business you are representing your company so always keep dealings at a professional level. Never

become too informal and avoid humor. This is not because we Chinese are humorless but rather jokes may be lost in translation and hence be redundant.

Thirdly, good manners improve the intimacy between business partners. In China, giving gifts is a useful way. Unlike many countries, the giving of gifts does not carry any negative connotations when doing business in China. Gifts should always be exchanged for celebrations, as thanks for assistance and even as a sweetener for future favors. However, it is important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.

Business gifts are always reciprocated. They are seen as debts that must be repaid. When giving gifts, you should not give cash. They need to be items of worth or beauty. The most acceptable gift is a banquet. Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.

The following gifts and colors are associated with death and should not be given: clocks, straw sandals, a stork or crane, handkerchiefs, anything white, blue or black.

If you follow the manners mentioned above, you are surely able to develop good relationships with Chinese and achieve improvements in the business.

In the context of globalization, etiquette is what does make a difference. Cross cultural understanding and good manners is an

important tool for any international business person, company or organization to acquire when doing business abroad. Good manners mean long-term relationships and long-term relationships result in good deals and high profits for the company.

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