Cross cultural etiquette
Etiquette is a
part of your grooming. Your family, friends, school, work place and even the
country you live in define the manners you practice. Each country has a
distinctive culture and it's unique set of etiquette. With the increasing
multitude of options to choose from, the world has become a small place to work
in. So before you pack your bags for an overseas assignment, arm yourself with
the knowledge of basic etiquette in different countries.
Germany
The Germans
are basically straightforward people. Whispering might signal bad manners in
many cultures, but in Germany it might be interpreted as two people discussing
something, which does not concern others.
It's customary
to shake hands both at the beginning of a meeting and when you say goodbye. Not
doing so would make you look like a snob.
Germans treat people of all ranks and
positions with respect. Use of the first name is common. It is appropriate to
address someone in the honorific form
`Sie` and the surname.
If you're
invited for a meal you've to be sure that you reach at the stated time. For
Germans 7 o'clock in the evening means sharp seven.
In Germany
it's customary to take flowers for the host who has invited you for a meal or
tea. The correct etiquette is to unwrap the flowers from the wrapping paper in
the presence of the hostess.
Christmas and
birthdays are occasions for exchanging gifts.
France
The French
greet people by saying ‘Bonjour Monsieur' to a man and ‘Bonjour Madame' to a
woman.
Instead of
shaking hands, relatives and close friends kiss each other.
Group
discussions often become heated. This is not being impolite; it's their habit to
exchange quick ideas.
The French are
expected to dress smartly and use titles correctly.
They believe a
lot in punctuality.
During a
negotiation you're expected to be clean, precise and logical.
French are
warm hosts. They want you to enjoy the meal, but you should desist from clearing
the table.
Japan
The word
‘Thanks' is most common in Japan. When people meet again they express ‘Thank you
for your kindness the other day'.
They bow to
each other on being introduced. Too much of eye contact is impolite behavior in
Japan.
It is bad
manners to point at a person or object with the index finger.
Japanese do
not show affection in public and avoid slapping backs or hugging.
Blowing the
nose is regarded as bad manners.
Winking or
shrugging shoulders is not taken in the usual sense in Japan.
It's an insult
to tip anybody.
Over crowded
trains and buses are endured silently.
When wishing
to say ‘No' in a business deal they will be polite by saying ‘Well, may be' or
‘Do you think so'.
Japanese tend
to telephone or write back promptly even if the news is little.
Businessmen in
Japan on meeting first exchange their visiting cards.
In hotels they
offer a steamed hot towel to wipe the face.
Italy
Being
courteous to foreigners is routine for Italians.
People who can
ill afford anything else exude genuine warmth and are sensitive to your wants
without being interfering.
A chance
meeting with an acquaintance would progress to a cup of coffee but he/she will
not allow you to pay for the two cups.
Men feel
obliged to open and shut doors for women getting in and out of cars.
Italians make
people feel at home.
Shaking hands
is considered to be polite and respectful.
Lightly
kissing a lady's hand is like paying a graceful compliment to her.
Visiting
people with flowers and chocolates is a custom.
Giving 5% to
the waiter in a restaurant is normal in Italy.