The document compares business etiquettes between India and Canada. In India, handshakes are common greetings, but there are seldom handshakes between men and women due to religious beliefs. The left hand is not used for eating, which is considered offensive. Punctuality is appreciated but may not be reciprocated. In Canada, handshakes should be firm with direct eye contact and a smile. Table manners are informal and continental style. Canadians are extremely punctual and adhere to schedules. Business hours are generally 9-5 Monday through Friday.

1. BUSINESS
ETIQUETTES
A comparison between India and Canada
By:
Drishesh Nair

2. Content
 Dressing etiquettes
 Language spoken
 Meeting etiquettes
 Dining etiquettes
 Communication etiquettes
 Punctuality & Working hours
 Other etiquettes
 Conclusion
 References

3. Dressing etiquettes
 Both in India and Canada,
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and a
tie for business meetings, conferences, etc. and
women, a conservative dress or pantsuits.

4. Language spoken
 India
The main languages are English and Hindi.
English is widely used in business, politics and
education.
 Canada
Languages spoken are French and English –
and be prepared to use these languages in
meetings.

5. Meeting etiquettes
In India,
 Shaking hands is common, especially in the
large cities among the more educated who are
accustomed to dealing with westerners.
 Men may shake hands with other men and
women may shake hands with other women;
however there are seldom handshakes
between men and women because of religious
beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to
extend their hand.

6. In Canada,
 The most common greeting is the handshake.
 It should be firm and accompanied by direct
eye contact and a sincere smile.
 Wait until invited before using someone's first
name although Canadians tend to move to a
first-name basis rapidly.

7. Dining etiquettes
Similarities
 Ask for whatever you want instead of reaching
out directly or pointing at dishes.
 Don’t make too much noise; don’t talk with
food in your mouth.
 Wait until everyone else is sitting down before
starting to eat.
 Don’t talk on your cell phone during the meal
and if you must get up in-between, ask to be
excused

8. Differences
In India,
 The left hand is generally not used for eating,
this is considered offensive and unclean.
 While sharing is good Indian etiquette but,
sharing a glass, spoon, etc., or coming into
contact with another’s spit is considered
unethical and offensive in many parts of India.

9. In Canada,
 Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal.
 Table manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is
held in the left hand and the knife in the right while
eating.
 Feel free to refuse individual foods or drink without
offering any explanation.
 Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is
generally acceptable.

10. Communication etiquettes
In India,
 Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
 Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
 In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal
relationships prior to doing business.
 It may be a good idea to go through a third party
introduction. This gives you immediate credibility.

11. In Canada,
 It is difficult to specify any national trait in terms of
communication in Canada due to its regionalism
and cultural diversity. Businesspeople are
generally polite, easy-going and somewhat
informal.
 Canadians communicate more by the spoken
word rather than non-verbal expressions.
 Canadians are reluctant to discuss their personal
lives with business associates. They expect
people to speak in a straightforward manner and
to be able to back up their claims with examples.

12. Punctuality
 India
Indians appreciate punctuality but may not
reciprocate it.
 Canada
Be on time. Canadians tend to be extremely
punctual and meetings are well-organized and
adhere to time schedules.

13. Working hours
 Working hours in India usually start from 10am.
However, some companies in large cities such as
Mumbai are known to start as early as 7.30am. This is
an attempt to avoid congestion.
 Whereas in Canada, business hours are generally 9:00
am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Mornings tend to be
the preferred time for appointments.

14. Other etiquettes
India
 Sustained eye contact is not generally the norm,
especially for a woman looking at a man.
 The distance between people is usually 3 feet apart
while conversing
Canada
 Eye-contact is important during business meetings in
Canada. Not making eye-contact might make the
other person think that you are shy, insecure, or even
insincere!
 The usual distance between two people should be two
feet. French Canadians, however, tend to stand
slightly closer.

15.  In India
Business cards are commonly distributed. There
is usually no need to translate part of the
business card if it is English as it is widely
spoken by many business men and officials in
India.
 In Canada
Your business card should have both French
and English translations as both the languages
are widely used in the country.

16. CONCLUSION

17. References
 http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/india.htm
 www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-
business-india.html
 www.marcaria.com/international-business-
etiquette-customs-and-culture....
 http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette
/ce_ca.htm

18. THANK YOU