International Gift
Giving Protocol
By Susan Kurth Clot deBroissiaGift giving customs vary greatly from
country to country. What is considered
appropriate in France may be entirely
inappropriate in Japan. How do you know that you
are not making a cultural "faux pas"
when giving a gift to your top international
client?
You are not alone. U.S.
presidents and executives from large, high
visibility corporations have encountered
embarrassment when giving gifts to their foreign
counterparts. To help you make sensible gift
giving decisions, the Netique Gift Boutique has
compiled this list of tips on international gift
giving.
Importance
of Gift Giving Varies Among Different Cultures
Highest Importance
Medium Importance
- Latin American Countries
- Middle East
- Pacific Rim Countries
(Korea, Taiwan, China, Malaysia,
Thailand)
Lowest Importance
- Australia
- Canada
- United States
- European Countries
HIGHEST
IMPORTANCE
- Japan
To the Japanese, gift giving is
a way of communicating respect,
friendship, and appreciation. When
meeting with a Japanese colleague or
visitor for the first time, always be
prepared for the gift giving ritual that
has been deeply rooted in the Japanese
culture for centuries.
The following are some
guidelines to keep in mind when doing business
with the Japanese:
- Gifts need not be
extravagant, although expensive gifts are
not viewed as a bribe.
- When meeting with a group
of Japanese professionals, be sure to
give higher quality gifts to those with
more senior rank within the company.
- Always wrap the gifts you
present, but remember to avoid white and
brightly colored wrapping paper. White
symbolizes death and bright colors are
too flashy.
- Never surprise the
Japanese recipient with your gift. Subtly
alert the recipient that you would like
to present a small memento.
- When presenting a group
gift, be sure to allow time for the
entire group to gather before making the
presentation. When meeting with a group
of Japanese colleagues, either present a
group gift or a gift to each individual
within the organization. It is considered
extremely rude to present a gift to one
individual in a group, without giving
gifts to the rest of the ensemble.
- Downplay the importance of
the gift. This is common in the Asian
culture. It conveys the message that the
relationship is more important than the
gift
- Always present the gift
with two hands. This is also true with
presenting business cards.
- Avoid giving gifts in sets
of four. The word "four" in
Japanese is "shi," which is
also associated with the word for death.
- Gifts are normally
exchanged at the end of the visit.
- Avoid giving monetary
gifts or gifts displaying company logos.
- Be certain that gifts are
of unquestionable quality.
- Business gifts should be
given at midyear (July 15) and at
year-end (January 1).
Some gift ideas for Japanese
colleagues:
- Products that are
difficult to obtain in Japan. This could
be something not sold in Japan, or
something that is extremely expensive.
- Gifts that reflect the
recipient's interests and tastes.
- Pens are highly
appropriate gifts for Japanese
colleagues. First, the pen is a symbol of
knowledge in the Japanese culture.
Second, a pen is a lightweight gift that
is easy to pack and carry when travelling
abroad.
MEDIUM
IMPORTANCE
Latin American Countries,
Pacific Rim Countries, Middle Eastern Countries
- PACIFIC RIM COUNTRIES:
These countries
have customs similar to those of the
Japanese, however gift giving is not as
ritualistic as in Japan. As is true in
Japan, citizens of these countries are
likely to downplay the importance of the
gifts they give, and it is considered
polite to show slight reluctance when
accepting a gift. It is also impolite to
open a gift in the presence of the giver.
Gifts should be presented at the end of a
visit.
- China
Communism brought skepticism in
gift giving, and offering gifts to
government officials became illegal. The
importance of gift giving in China is
slowly returning, however, no set
guidelines have been established. In
order to avoid your gift being perceived
as a bribe, it is important to keep the
following tips in mind:
- Present group
gifts. This is seen as a
"company presenting a gift
to a company," and not as a
bribe to one individual from that
company.
- Display your
company logo on the gift so it
appears to be a form of
advertising.
- Avoid giving
highly expensive gifts.
- Also remember that:
- It is in the
Chinese culture to refuse a gift,
sometimes repeatedly. It is
expected, however, that the giver
will persist and the recipient's
acceptance will eventually
follow.
- As in the Japanese
culture, it is proper etiquette
to present gifts with two hands.
Be sure to avoid:
- Giving clocks as
gifts. This has long been
regarded as a gift giving faux
pas. The word for
"clock" in Chinese is
similar to the word for
"death." China's
younger generation is not as
superstitious about this, so this
will eventually no longer hold
true. Unless you are certain your
Chinese colleague will not be
offended by receiving a clock,
this gift idea is better avoided.
- Colors such as
white, blue or black are
associated with funerals. Do not
wrap gifts in these colors. Red,
yellow and pink are seen as
joyful colors, and are perfectly
acceptable for gift wrap. Just
remember not to write anything in
red ink, as this symbolizes the
severing of a relationship.
- Sharp objects such
as knives, letter openers, or
scissors. These, too, imply the
severance of a relationship.
- Giving gifts in
single or odd numbers. This
implies loneliness or separation.
On the other hand, gifts given in
pairs are highly appropriate, as
it equates to good luck.
Taiwan
- Be very careful to
not give a gift originally made
in Taiwan.
Thailand
- Thais love bright
colors, and it is acceptable to
wrap gifts in brightly colored
gift-wrap and ribbons. Remember,
however, that ripping open the
wrapping paper is offensive.
- Exchange modest
gifts.
- "Three"
is considered a lucky number.
Korea
- Generosity is
viewed as a valued personal
trait. Whenever possible, present
an expensive gift.
- Gifts between
business associates are viewed as
symbols of appreciation.
- Four of anything
is considered unlucky.
Malysia
- Pay special
attention to the Muslim culture.
Avoid pork, knives, alcohol, and
highly personal gifts.
- Present gifts with
the right hand only.
- In Indian sections
of Malaysia, avoid black and
white colors. Instead opt for
yellow, red or green which
symbolize happiness.
- MIDDLE EASTERN
COUNTRIES:
- Gift giving is
important in the Arab culture, with
generosity and politeness being very
significant aspects in gift giving.
Arabs will normally be the first to
present a gift. Whenever possible,
reciprocate with gifts of similar
quality and value.
- Be sure to avoid
alcohol and leather products made of
pigskin, which are offensive to
Muslims. Also avoid giving gifts to
the wife of an Arab colleague, and
never inquiry about her.
- Ideas of gifts to
present to your colleagues in the
Middle East include the highest
quality of leather (not pigskin),
silver, precious stones, cashmere,
crystal or porcelain.
- LATIN AMERICAN
COUNTRIES:
LOWEST
IMPORTANCE
Australia, Canada, United
States, European countries
Gift giving in these countries
is rarely expected. While seen as a nice gesture,
it is more important to avoid gifts that will be
perceived as bribes. Small gifts such as pens,
business diaries, and mementos with company logos
are usually sufficient. It is important to avoid
highly personal gifts such as clothing. When
visiting the home of a colleague from one of
these countries, it is normally appropriate to
present a gift to the hostess.
General gift
ideas for foreign colleagues...
Keep in mind that you will
either have to carry the gift or the recipient
will have to transport it back to his or her
country. It is best to avoid heavy, burdensome
gifts.
- Anything American - such
as Old West or Native American gifts,
including boots or jewelry.
- Gifts unique to your
region, such as Wisconsin cheeses, Texas
chili, or Vermont maple syrup.
- Coffee table books. No
need to speak the English if the book is
full of beautiful photographs of the
United States.
In conclusion, international
gift giving protocol varies from country to
country. The above tips are meant to be used as
initial guidance, however they should not be
considered totally comprehensive. There are
numerous customs not listed here. Before
presenting a gift to an important foreign
colleague, do a little research on the customs
and protocol. You can call the foreign embassies
in Washington, DC to get specific answers to your
questions, or contact the U.S. Consulate and
speak with the protocol officer to get advice.
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Susan Kurth Clot de
Broissia works for Netique Gift Boutique, a
one-stop internet source for rare, unique and
elegant gifts, including a nice selection of
executive and business accessories. Netique
extends special terms and services to corporate
gift buyers. Visit Netique at http://www.netique.com or call toll-free at
1-888-WEB-GIFT.
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