Business Ettiquette For The Professional World

International Etiquette

Recognize Cultural Differences
Simply take your cue from those around you
Handshakes
In some cultures it's offensive to stand too close to someone. In othes the issue of touch is a sensitive one.
In Europe the handshake is quite common and is used as the customary greeting with people who are meeting for the first time. It's still in order for women to initiate handshakes with men in European countries.
In the Middle East tradition discourages women from touching an Arabs hand until he initiates the handshake.
Communication Caveats
To set the tone when communicating with business people from various backgrounds and cultures, begin with a few basic points.
Start slowly
Use a pointer
Use jokes sparingly
Follow the KISS rule. Keep it simple, stupid!
Gift-Giving Customs
If you decide to send your Chinese client a gift, be sure it's not a clock. Why? It's a symbol of bad luck in their culture. In the Japanese tradition, the manner in which the gift is wrapped is just as important as the gift itself.