2. Geography Republic of India South Asian country, Ford’s Global site. Area: 1.3 sq. millions miles ( 7th largest country). Capital : New Delhi
3. Demographic Population : 1.2 billions, 2nd most populous country. (2009) Languages: 17 official languages Hindi is the most spoken language and primary tongue of 41% of Indian population. English is the most important languages for educational, national, political and commercial communication. Main cities : Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata.
7. Greeting When doing business in India, meeting etiquette require handshake. However, Indians themselves use the “namaste” Shaking hands with women depend on themselves.
8. Gift Giving Yellow, green and red are lucky colours for wrapping a present Money for birth, death and marriage Gifts not open immediately before the giver Do NOT take large or expensive gift as this may cause embarrassment. Should giving both hands Avoid gift presents that make of leather.
9. Business Dress Normal business dress for men is suits and ties. However, because of warm climate a full-sleeved shirt and a tie is also acceptable. For foreign women, pantsuits of long skirts that cover the knees are most acceptable. The neckline of the blouse or the top should be high. Do NOT use leather products including belts, handbag….
10. Businessetiquette Status determined by age, university degree or profession. Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate a greeting whether it is verbal or physical. Do remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that your objectives are sincere Do NOT be aggressive in your business negotiation – it can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect Do NOT refuse any food or drink offered to you during business meetings as this may cause offence. Keep in mind that traditionally, and religiously, majority of Indians are vegetarians and do not drink alcohol or smoke.
11. Business Meetings Meetings should be arrange in advance. Avoid meeting near or on the national holidays Punctuality is expected. Be prepare to spend time getting to know each other before talking business. Avoid talking about personal matter or sensitive topic ( politician, poverty….of Indian) When enter the meeting room, greet the senior staff first. In meetings subordinates would usually not question, contradict or interrupt a senior colleague, and in an office environment may even stand when the boss enters the room.
12. Negotiation Maintain harmony, avoid conflict con confrontation during discussions. Be patient. Show your own qualifications, business successes and abilities, and stress that you too value partners who are honorable and trustworthy. Mask any feelings of frustration with a smile. Negotiations tend to be sensitive to honor, ”saving face”, dignity and self respect. It is important not to allow your host to “ lose face”( avoid, ex. contradicting your host in public).
13. Decision making can be a slow process., but by being flexible and aiming for a “win-win” situation. The most senior person will make the decision. Use the phrase “ we’ll try” or “ let’s me see” instead of the words “no”; since it can be seen as rude.
16. High Power Distance ( 77/55.6) Boss gives explicit instruction Company is direct by very strong individual. Team follow instruction by team leader, no complaints. Be as close to the top as possible. Uncertainty Avoidance (40/65) Indians find very difficult to say “ no” Vagueness and lack of commitment Indians do not trust the legal system. Avoid conflicts.
17. Masculinity (56/51) India is a male-dominated society If a woman is a manager, it is for a special reason Older men prefer working with men. Women should be prepared for personal question Long-term Orientation (61/48) Heavily relationship-oriented society Highly family-oriented Patriarchal society Do business with people they know; third party.
