Etiquette is the behaviour norms that have been defined for any situation. Knowing the etiquette for any setting helps you behave in socially appropriate ways and have confidence in who you are and what you’re doing.

Some of the more important situations where it is important to follow the etiquette is when doing business. It is of even more importance when the business is being done across countries and at a global level.

Business etiquette abroad becomes essential as people are functioning in different cultures and hence need to be aware of the etiquette for that culture. If you’re doing business abroad it’s necessary to know what the etiquette is for that specific culture so that you don’t commit faux pas’ and unknowingly hurt the sentiments of those whom you’re doing business with.

Business etiquette abroad starts right from handling business cards. Different countries have different ways of giving and receiving business cards like in the Middle East the card should not be given by the left hand and in some Asian countries like Japan, Singapore etc, when you’re given a business card you should study it for several seconds and not write on it or put it in your pocket in front of the giver.

One of the more tricky aspects of doing business abroad is giving gifts. Business etiquette abroad suggest that you find out the etiquette in the culture you are in as in some countries it is almost necessary to give a gift as a sign of willingness to do business while in other countries its ostentatious. When giving gifts, one should check with a local contact about the smaller details. For example, when giving a gift to some on Japan, avoid giving anything in a set of four or nine as these numbers are considered unlucky. Also in China, never avoid your gifts in white or green paper as these are considered unlucky colours.

Business etiquette abroad also includes knowing the correct gestures to use in different cultures. For example, in Iran it is best to not cross your legs and sit, but if you are, you should be very careful that you don’t sit with your soles facing anyone as that is tantamount to insulting that person.

Business etiquette abroad also demands that you don’t insult any culture’s eating habits or sentiments regarding food. For example, in many cultures, you may be doing business with vegetarians for whom it is a religious matter. In such a situation, you need to be aware of their policy regarding sea food, meat, chicken etc before eating in their presence.

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