English business

1. Business Culture
and Etiquette
Around the World
KALBE NUTRITIONALS, JUNE 2023

2. Brazil • Always plan meetings well in advance,
and be sure to confirm the meeting 48
hours before the scheduled time. Important
business is always conducted in-person in
Brazil, so give in-person meetings the
respect they deserve.
• Also, formal titles are used in tandem
with first names rather than last names in
Brazil.
• During greetings, Brazilian women will
shake hands with men, but they exchange
kisses on the cheek with female colleagues.
• Business etiquette in Brazil also includes
long midday lunches during which business
is discussed less formally.

3. ● While foreign business people are expected to
be on time, don’t be surprised if your Mexican
counterparts are 15 or even 30 minutes late.
● Also, be prepared for business people in
Mexico to stand closer than you’re used to
and also to hold handshakes longer than is
typical in the United States.
● Negotiations and meetings progress slowly in
Mexico. Business etiquette in Mexico calls for a
few minutes of small talk before getting down to
detail, and coffee and other drinks are often
offered — always accept.
Mexico

4. ● Formality is foremost in France. Follow French
business etiquette by making sure that you wear
quality business attire — a suit is a must no matter
what day of the week you’re doing business.
● Always use your first and last name when making
introductions, and call others either monsieur or
madame. You can engender goodwill by using French
gestures and simple French words, and also by
printing one side of your business card in French.
France

5. ● While Americans have a tendency to talk in order to fill gaps of silence, the Japanese
are OK with the quiet. In fact, silence is a sign of credibility in Japanese business cultures.
Suppress your outgoingness when doing business in Japan, especially early on in a
relationship.
● In Japanese business culture, group unity is valued above all else. Never single out
individuals as if they are different from the rest of their group in any way, including for
photos, praise, questions, etc.
● Take plenty of business cards when doing business in Japan. Business cards are seen
as important to identity. Always accept them with both hands, read them when they are
given to you, and carefully place them in a business card holder or similarly safe place.
Japan

6. China
• China is similar to Japan in many respects. As in
Japan, accept business cards in China with two
hands, read them briefly, and then place in a
business card holder.
• Never speak over someone or take control of a
conversation while someone else is speaking.
Chinese business culture calls for lengthy speeches
on specific topics, and you may find that you are
also expected to give speeches from time to time.
• After meetings, send a brief email that recaps
the encouraging aspects of the meeting as well as
specific things that were agreed upon.
• Be prepared to participate in business dinners
where speaking about business is taboo. Spend
that time getting acquainted with your
counterparts instead.

7. • You’ll find that women in Singapore do
not shake hands. They will let you know this
by crossing their hands in front of their
chests during greetings. What should you
do in response? A slight nod of your head is
appropriate.
• The business culture in Singapore
includes meetings that start on time, as well
as lengthy negotiations.
• Be patient when hammering out an
agreement, as any effort to rush things or
force a close goes against business etiquette
in Singapore and can backfire on you.
Singapore

8. • The British often rely on unspoken messages to
maintain politeness, and the same holds true in British
business culture. For example, it’s considered rude to
directly end a meeting.
• It’s better to allude to the end of a meeting with
something along the lines of “perhaps I’ve taken up too
much of your time” or “I’m sure you’ve got a busy
afternoon, so …”
• You can engage in small talk during British business
meetings, but keep things more formal — sit up straight,
avoid slang, and act deferentially to the Brits with whom
you’re doing business.
United Kingdom

9. ● Keep in mind that Canada includes several
distinct cultures, and you must know each of
them to adhere to Canadian business etiquette.
For example, while a handshake suffices in
traditionally English-speaking areas,
acquaintances in French-speaking Quebec will
often greet and depart with a European-style kiss
on both cheeks.
● Expectations are also important in Canada.
Set meetings and keep those dates. Show up on
time or early. Always honor commitments.
Canada

10. ● The Netherlands takes a formal approach to
doing business. Never call someone by his or her
first name unless you’ve been asked specifically
do to so.
● Dutch business etiquette calls for getting right
to the point. Don’t expect much small talk,
anticipate negotiations and decision to
proceed quickly, and rely on rational
arguments and facts when making a point —
never emotion.
● Everything is more direct in the Netherlands,
so use clear yeses and nos.
Netherlands

11. ● India is an emerging market, which means plentiful opportunities for
doing business. Make sure that you’re on time, and be prepared for any
type of negotiation to take a long time to reach completion.
● You’ll also encounter two artifacts from India’s time as a British
commonwealth. First, be prepared to take afternoon tea — and don’t
refuse it. And also be prepared for your Indian counterparts to be indirect,
just as the British are. Rather than giving you a direct “no,” they will often
skirt the response by promising to think about it or to try.
● Finally, know that India is home to many different religions, which
means the calendar is full of holidays that must be avoided when planning
meetings. To plan something on a major religious holiday would go against
Indian business etiquette.
India

12. When in Rome, do
as the Romans do