Communication Etiquette:
• A handshake is the typically greeting between all genders
– Men will generally throw in a “how do you do”
– Women extend their hand first
• Not very direct – don’t want to make a scene
– Are scene as indirect
• To be polite is highly valued
– Expect a lot of please and thank you
– Pay attention to their tone
• Keeping a few feet of personal space will be appreciated
– Touching is not common useless close friends
• Punctuality is valued
– Trains and buses run on time
• People walk on the left and pass on the right
Business Etiquette:
• Meetings should be planned far in advance
– Arrive on time
– Direct questions will often receive evasive responses
– Small talk is common
• Decisions are made from the top of the company down
– Can take some time
– Humor is often used in negotiations
– As a defense mechanism, self-deprecation or irony
– Avoid hard selling
– Market place bargaining is rare
• Dress etiquette depends on the working culture
– Men – suits, dress shirts, and pants
– Women – pants and blouse, skirt or dress
– Not too short
• Titles are very important – address people directly
– Men – Mr.
– Women – Mrs., or Miss,
– Surname follows
– Wait for an invitation to use first names
• Business cards are crucial
– Exchanged without any formal ritual