| In the world of business, English is widely | | | | found in Europe and the United States. In some |
| acknowledged as the universal language. However, | | | | business cultures, establishing friendships can be a |
| despite using a common language, it is not | | | | potent business tool, so it is important to take the |
| uncommon for misunderstandings to occur. | | | | time to establish such relationships with |
| Differences in cultural and business practices mean | | | | prospective clients. |
| that business travellers should be aware of | | | | Another important cultural difference to observe |
| varying customs, etiquette and cultural differences | | | | is the difference in greeting business counterparts. |
| when conducting business abroad. | | | | In the UK, a firm hand-shake is considered polite |
| When conducting international business, it is | | | | as is making brief eye-contact. In China, bowing or |
| extremely important for business representatives | | | | nodding is the common greeting, and although |
| to be aware of different cultural beliefs and | | | | shaking hands is becoming a popular form of |
| behaviour. After all, behaviour which might be | | | | greeting, this should be initiated by the host. |
| considered normal in a UK boardroom could be | | | | Personal space should also be observed according |
| radically different to behaviour expected in Saudi | | | | to the dominant culture. In the UK and Europe, |
| Arabia or China. As a result, failure to understand | | | | personal space is valued and an acceptable |
| foreign business practices and customs can create | | | | distance should be kept. However, in some |
| insurmountable barriers to successful business | | | | southern European countries and Asia, personal |
| relations. Conversely, taking a little time to learn | | | | space is much decreased so that what could be |
| these cultural differences can reap rewards and | | | | perceived as intimate in the north is akin to |
| help build strong business relationships. | | | | normal conversational distance in the south. |
| The age-old saying "When in Rome, do as the | | | | Regardless of the location of business meetings, |
| Romans do" is sometimes a wise adage to bear | | | | whether in the boardroom of a London Company |
| in mind when conducting business with foreign | | | | or the restaurant of a business hotel in Dubai, it is |
| clients. In the UK, for example, meetings are | | | | important to be aware of the many cultural |
| often business-like and tend to follow a rigid | | | | differences that exist between east and west, |
| time-based structure where points are debated at | | | | north and south. While some traits are worldwide, |
| given times. However, in Japan and other Asian | | | | such as ensuring punctuality at the start of a |
| countries, there is great importance attached to | | | | meeting, other traits are much more subtle. |
| courtesy and hospitality which can cause delays | | | | Taking the time to understand those traits and |
| and prevent keeping to a strict schedule. | | | | the differences in cultural and business etiquette |
| Certainly, in many parts of Asia, forming a | | | | can mean the difference between business |
| personal relationship in your business dealings is | | | | success and an unsigned contract. Adam Singleton |
| very important. Although it can take time to build, | | | | is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur |
| once a relationship has been developed, it tends | | | | photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest |
| to last for a very long time and can be | | | | Photography is available to view online. |
| advantageous over the more 'shallow' relationships | | | | |