Elena Abrosimova, Anna Kostina

Elena Abrosimova, Anna Kostina

Business etiquette and customs in Australia

Елена

 

 

Business etiquette and customs (обычаи) in Australia

Slide 1

Australian society is one of the most open and informal in the world. Australians prefer free and easy communication.

Australian people are terribly individualistic.

In Australia, people don't show their titles and ranks. Even high-ranking persons do not emphasize (подчеркивают) their social status.

They emphasize the handshake, which is always strong and energetic. According to the rules of conduct (правила поведения) in Australia, women do not shake hands with men.

Slide 2

The distinctive features of the Australian business environment are the following features:

Focus on the deal. Australians are usually ready to start discussing business matters as soon as they meet. Long conversations are not accepted.

Equality. There is no hierarchy in the Australian business environment. Everyone must work as a team. Employees in most cases (в большинстве случаев) do not try to achieve personal success. Everyone strives to make sure that the whole team is successful.

Humor. The special feature of Australians in business is humor.

Sometimes there is too much of it in communication. Despite this, they always take business seriously. Remember, they value humor in their business partners as much as honesty.

Slow decision making. When it comes to making a decision, Australians sometimes take a long time. In this case you should be patient and not try to speed up the process.

Punctuality. Punctuality is highly valued in Australia. You can come a little earlier, but in no case be late. Although in fact the meetings may start late, and for the first few minutes everyone will discuss the latest news, and only then start business matters. Australians are very friendly, open and sociable people. Thanks to a good sense of humor, it is always interesting to communicate with them. Conversations are usually simple and light, even during business negotiations. But remember that it is not customary in Australia to demonstrate superiority (превосходство). They value social equality very much.

Anna Kostina

Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia

Gift Giving Etiquette

While giving gifts in business is not expected, it is greatly appreciated and admired (вызывает восхищение). Gift giving is not recognized as paying someone back (не считается вознаграждением) in the business world, but it's acceptable to bring a small gift from your country. Australians give gifts to promote goodwill and to demonstrate gratitude (благодарность), as well as to celebrate and continue good relationships with clients. With the value placed on humility and equalit's important that gifts are modest and not too expensive. (При том значении, которое придается смирению и уравновешенности, важно, чтобы подарки были скромными и не слишком дорогими.). Giving high value gifts may cause embarrassment and you may be perceived as flaunting your wealth (воспринять как человека восхваляющего свое богатство). Various gift baskets (подарочные корзины) are the classic choice for business associates. Gifts are typically opened when received.

Dress Code

In Australia, standard business dress istill very much the norm. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit and tie. Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit (платье или деловой костюм). More informal attire (неформальная одежда) is often preferred if doing work outside the major cities. Try to avoid excessive jewelry and accessories which may be viewed as too flashy (вычурными –кричащими) and therefore unprofessional.

 

 

Initial contacts

Луиза

1. In France, any business meeting necessarily begins and ends with a handshake. It’s usually quite fast and easy. Well-known men and women can afford a kiss on the cheek.

2. In France, a business card is very important. Often, it can tell you how to properly address the person - the French attach great importance to ranks and titles.

3. In a conversation with a woman, use the address "madame", with a man - "monsieur". These are common forms of address.

4. In France, it is not customary to call a business partner by name until they ask for it. Do not switch to "you" until you are asked to do so.

The French introduce themselves by first giving their last name and then their first name. if you can't tell by ear where the first name is and where the last name is, ask about it.

When you enter a room and you are allowed to go ahead, do not hesitate in the doorway. Just go first.

In France, punctuality is valued, so it is better to come to any meeting 5-10 minutes earlier than the appointed time.

Dress code

Appearance, according to the French, reflects social status. They will be able to recognize good materials, high-quality cut, well-known brands. therefore, clothing should be elegant and stylish.

It is best to dress conservatively. The French prefer suits for business negotiations and they never forget about fashion.

 

 

Саша

The features of business etiquette in France Behavior (франц понимание бизнес этикета)

1. Do not change the preliminary agreements

French partners tend to express critical comments, counterarguments and even interrupt the interlocutor.

They do not accept unexpected changes in the positions of partners, so they attach great importance to reaching preliminary agreements (большое значение достижению предварительных договоренностей)

2. Negotiate in French.

The French are very impressed if you use French during business meetings with them.

A Frenchman is more likely to be hurt by bad French than English.

3. Don't be afraid to express your opinion

Don't worry if your opinion differs from that of your opponents. The French value the ability to defend their positions.

Gifts

The French are rightly proud of their culture. Therefore, gifts chosen for intellectual needs (for example, books or albums on art, books about your country, or anything else that represents your country or city) will be well received.

However, when presenting a gift to your business partner, you must comply with certain conditions:

• Do not present gifts or souvenirs at the very beginning of business negotiations - it is better to do this when you come to an agreement in principle.

• Do not bring wine as a gift. The only thing that is acceptable is a high - quality dessert wine or liqueur.

 

Лена

Initial contacts

Cold calling is not recommended. It is more appropriate to get acquainted with a potential business contact through a familiar person or a third party. Business meetings must be scheduled in advance according to the calendar and must not cross with public holidays like new year and etc. You can also write them a letter indicating in it the specific intentions and goals that you would like to achieve. The letter should be written in a business style, using the full name for example Director Le Tuan, with the personal name in the first place, and the last name in the second

Greeting behavior

After exchanging initial contacts you can appoint face-to-face meeting.It is better to hold the first meeting in the office of a potential partner. The meeting begins with a small handshake and exchange of business cards. Moreover, the woman will never give her hand first and will wait for action from you. Give your full name and position and hold business cards with both hands and also pass with both hands. at the same time, you should read the card carefully. Also, Vietnamese are modest and do not greet the first. In a conversation, address them Mr. or Mrs. with the full name

Personal appearance

Business suit will depend on the location of the meeting. For example, Hanoi is known for its white-collar state, while Ho Chi Minh City is more business casual. Typically, The Vietnamese dress very well. Business partners should dress modestly, avoiding bright colors. The widely accepted dress code for business meetings in Vietnam is generally conservative – standard and dark-colored suit and tie for men, and dresses, blouses or suits for women. The suit jackets are often not required if the attire is neat (если наряд опрятен) and leaves a good impression.

Gift Giving

 

One of the ways, how to build a relationship with your Vietnamese business partner is to exchange small gifts. This is to express your respect and appreciation. By no means, this gift should not encourage corruption or bribery.

If you do not have a local advisor to help you, it might be a good idea to wait until your potential Vietnamese business partner offers a gift first. You should of course be prepared to respond in kind. Small gifts usually presented after a meeting or meal is concluded. Try to keep it small and inexpensive. The most value will be placed on items with your company logo on or a typical national gift or item from your home country. The Gifts are expected to be in the form of alcohol, tea, fruits or flowers. You should avoid sharp objects symbolize the cutting of the relationship and a black wrapping paper.

 

 

Алена

Brazilian business culture is relaxed but also sophisticated. Openness and friendliness are expected in most of the business dealings. Brazilians also value patience and being in control.

The line between personal and professional relations is rather hazy (ГРАНЬ ТУМАННА). Brazilian business relations are more (бодльше касаются) about individuals (отдельных лиц) than companies. Close proximity and physical contact are used during casual (СЛУЧАЙНЫХ) or business conversations, although business etiquette and culture becomes less relaxed the further south you go in the country.

Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings with potential trade partners as opposed to video conferences and emails.

Greetings are a very important part of every business meeting in Brazilian culture. Men commonly shake hands while women tend to air kiss once on each cheek. Make sure to greet everyone (every individual person) when you arrive to say hello and to individually say goodbye to everyone when you leave! The first contact is relatively formal and it is normal to employ distinctive titles such as "Senor", "Senora" or "Doctor", according to age and qualifications.

Business cards are exchanged during introductions. It’s also a good idea to have some of your cards translated to Brazilian Portuguese.

Dress code varies depending on the company, but is often formal and conservative. Men are expected to wear suits and ties while women are expected to be elegant. But avoid combining green with yellow.

ЧАСТЬ

It is important to get to know each other for a positive outcome in future negotiations. It is therefore common to begin the meeting with small talk about Brazilian culture for example as Brazilians very patriotic or you can share personal information about yourself to improve your relationships. But you should strictly avoid discussing about politics and religion.

An engaging (увлекательнее) conversation with Brazilian business partners can impress them and have a good impact on a deal.

Don’t shy away from physical contact and never reject a cup of coffee – these are very important part of Brazilian culture: hugs, coffee and football.

Brazilians consider that time is something flexible but you should be punctual and not to show any itty-bitty (знаки нетерпения или спешки) signs of impatiens/ Rushing to get down to business is seen as being rude.

Instead of a gift is more appropriate to offer a lunch. However if a gift is offered the best way it to give it in a social setting.

 

Brazilian meetings can be very energetic so your presentations should be very short and you should be very prepared to be very interrupted. Often interruptions means an interest on the subject in Brazilian culture.

Finally, dining or meeting whoever invited normally pay, but the other part expected to offer to pay.

 

 

2 ГРУППА:

Полозова - Григорчук

In India, people greet each other by saying 'nAma:ste', accompanied by a slight bow where the palms are pressed together and fingers pointed upward in front of the chest. When an Indian meets a Westerner, a light handshake may be offered instead.

Also, business cards are always exchanged after the initial greeting and if you have the Hindi translation printed on the opposite side, you’ll really make a great impression.

India is a very [haɪərˈɑːkɪkəl] hierarchical society — professional titles (such as Doctor, Professor) or formal titles (Mr., Mrs.) are appreciated; or, if you don’t know someone’s title, Sir or mАdam will be enough.

Every meeting in India starts with some small talk. Indians are very interested in the person they deal with, so be prepared for personal questions. Other good conversation topics include: cricket, Bollywood (India’s film industry) and India’s economic reforms.

Gifts are not normally expected at the first meeting, but may be given once a relationship develops. However, it is essential to ensure that the gift is not expensive enough to be considered as bribe or inexpensive as to be considered as an insult. Some acceptable gifts include: chocolates and flowers. Also, avoid gifts that are made from leather (лэзер) because cows are sacred for Hindus and it may hurt their religious sentiments.

 

In conclusion I want to emphasize that the only way to success is to make a thorough research on business etiquette of the place you are going.

 

Ржаных Дима

Good evening, everyone, my name is Dmitry. Today, together with Anna, we will present you a report on the topic "business culture in Belgium

Belgium is not a homogeneous country with one national identity. However, all business cultures in Belgium are characterised by compromise, negotiation and common sense.

The hierarchical system varies depending on the regions. In Flanders, business organisation is generally horizontal and simple, and participatory management, active consensus and delegation of responsibility are common. most Walloons value a well-structured organization with a clear hierarchy and true leadership

First Contact

Although third-party introductions are not necessary, they are often useful to facilitate business relationships. Appointments should be made a week in advance by either phone or in writing. The time for the meeting is generally set by the person you want to meet. You should avoid scheduling meetings during July and August, which are prime vacation times, the week before Easter and the week between Christmas and New Year Everyone is expected to be on time - punctual according to the schedule. Watch out: arriving late might brand you as unreliable!

Greetings and Titles A brief handshake is the regular greeting. Once a relationship has evolved, three kisses on the cheek may replace the handshake. Men don't usually kiss other men; they always shake hands.

The Dutch forms of address are "Meneer (Mr), "Mevrouw (Mrs) and "Mejuffrouw (Miss). The French forms of address are "Monsieur" (месью) (Mr), "Madame (Mrs) and "Mademoiselle (Miss)". Little importance is given to academic and professional titles.

Try addressing people in their own native language or stick to English, since this is a verysensitive aspect ofthe Belgian culture.

Dress Code

Belgium dress code is conservative. Men should wear dark coloured suits with white shirts and silk ties. Women should wear business suits or sober dresses.

Business Cards

Business cards are often used as introduction and are exchanged without formal ritual. Having one side of your business card translated into French or Dutch will show your respect.

Meetings Management

During meetings, it is usual to engage in small talk before discussing business. You should wait for your Belgian counterpart to initiate the business discussion.

Belgian should appreciate a direct, though nuanced, logical communication style, and have a flexible approach to forging win-win deals. You should avoid any confrontational or high-pressure tactic. It is important to maintain eye contact with your interlocutor, as it is a sign of courtesy and interest.

Food is important and if conducting business over a meal, it is better not to try to discuss the details of a business transaction until coffee is served at the end of the meal. The person who extends the invitation pays the bill.

Belgians are counting on you to “break the ice”. In Belgium, it is necessary to choose a general subject avoiding problems. You can talk about Belgian cuisine, beer or chocolate. The topics for the other part are football, popular music, cartoons or tennis.

Cultural taboos in Belgian Business Culture

Behaviors to avoid:

§ addressing people from the outset by their first name

§ making extravagant physical gestures (backslapping, hugging, etc.)

§ talking with your hands in your pockets

Нина

Finland

Finland is Nordic (скандинавская) country and its culture is more reserved (сдержанная) in comparison with others. Finland is known not only for its saunas (финской баней), reindeers, and Santa Claus village, but also for popular brands such as Nokia, Angry Birds, Lumene, Paulig, Fazer and largest industries –(крупнейшие производство электроники)  electronics, vehicles (машины) and other engmeered metal products, paper and forest industry.(бумажная и лесная промашленность) Business Etiquette in Finland can best be navigated (ориентируется) by respecting their cultural values.

Privacy

The Finns people expect a high level of privacy. They hold personal space valuable. You will find public places quiet, particularly public transportation] While they do not talk to strangers, they are hospitable (гостипреимны) and likely to help if you require it. Getting noticed in Finland is inappropriate. Avoid being loud or calling attention to yourself Respect their private lives and avoid topics that are personal.

Equity (справедливость)

At Finnish workplace there is really flat hierarchy. Women and men are considered equal, even in the Finnish language there are no separate words for "she" or "he". They are proud that Finland is a pioneer m political gender equality. It is the first country in Europe to give women

the vote in 1906, and the first in the world who elected woman to sit m Parliament

Interaction

Finnish business is punctual and efficient. Be late is impolite. If you are going to be even late, telephone immediately; 15 mins late - consider a meeting.

Many Finns are quite modest (СКРОМНЫ) and spare in their gestures, which can easily be misinterpreted (ИСТОЛКОВАНЫ КАК) as a lack of interest Don't be too expressive or excited with Finns, it is better to push yourself down a little bit (ДЕРЖАТЬ СВОИ ЭМОЦИИ ПРИ СЕБЕ). Do not raise your voice when you talk, since speaking in a loud voice is considered rude. In Finnish language the intonation is always descending (НИСХОДЯЩАЯ) with fall at the end of sentence.

When meeting each other, shake hands briefly with a nod of the head, smile, make eye contact and say your full name that's enough. Titles not really used when referring to yourself. No supporting gestures like touchmg on the shoulder are involved, and hugging is impolite. Nothing special is about exchangmg business cards. Exchange them and put it some place to show respect. You greet men, women and children equally. People shake the hands again when saying 'Good bye".

Elena Abrosimova, Anna Kostina

Business etiquette and customs in Australia

Елена