The modern business environment is a melting pot of different cultures and languages which often need a little interpretation to fully understand.
Globalization is on the rise and technological advances keep bringing people closer. Cross-cultural communication has become the norm. Yet cultural differences must be respected to ensure smooth and effective communication in the multicultural workplace. This post explores how to apply business etiquette in multicultural settings and break through cultural barriers on a professional level!
Communication Rules for Maintaining Proper Business Etiquette in Multicultural Settings
#1 – Keep an Open Mind
With the right attitude, anyone can build successful intercultural relationships in new markets. Although you might not always agree with the norms of other cultures, it’s essential to respect them in your business partners and at least show an effort to try and understand them. International business etiquette varies from one place to another, but when meeting with international clients, you must showcase cultural awareness and respect local customs.
#2 – Respect Value Systems
In some cultures, normal behaviors and reactions might seem perplexing to an outsider. But you must understand that these reactions and behaviors are deeply rooted in a set of values, world views, and beliefs. Similar to an iceberg, it’s easy to spot the part above the water, but when we’re aware of the part of the iceberg hiding beneath the surface, we understand the foundation for the tip. It is the same with cultural norms.
#3 – Learn Basic Greetings
You don’t always need a business interpreter to facilitate your conversations, especially if you’re meeting with people that understand English. However, practicing common courtesy and business etiquette by being clued up on appropriate business greetings in different parts of the world goes a long way. A handshake might be the most standard greeting gesture in America, but it’s not a universal practice. For instance, in France, they use a much briefer version of the firm handshake used in the United States. Thai people don’t shake hands. They use a “wai” here. And in Japan, they greet each other with a bow.
#4 – Honor the Rule of Personal Space when Doing International Business
Acceptable business etiquette norms surrounding physical distance differ from one culture to another. In England, for example, it’s expected to keep a distance that allows two people to extend their hands slightly and shake hands. This distance increases considerably if you conduct business in Japan since it takes into account the distance required to bow. Professionals in Japan bow deeper depending on the level of respect that should be shown, and it’s critical to understand this subtle element of international business etiquette.
#5 – Get Clear on Gender Etiquette
There are varying acceptable interactions between men and women, and this also applies to business etiquette in multicultural settings. Some more conservative cultures don’t tolerate physical contact between men and women in public. A simple smile and nod will suffice here. In India, for example, it’s taboo for men and women to go beyond a simple handshake. The incident in 2007, for example, where American actor Richard Gere kissed Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on the cheeks multiple times, caused public outrage, and the court issued arrest warrants for both parties for offending local sensibilities.
#6 – Watch Your Body Language in Business Meetings
Our bodies speak just as much (if not more) than our mouths, so it’s critical to watch your body language when doing international business. Even the slightest hand movements in business meetings can have detrimental outcomes in certain cultures. Making a circle with your thumb and index finger might signal “okay” in the United States. But when conducting business in countries like Brazil, this gesture is considered rude.
Final Thoughts on Business Etiquette in Multicultural Settings
Although we’ve mentioned just six different things to keep in mind when it comes to cultural awareness, there are many unspoken rules when it comes to business etiquette in multicultural settings. This is why it can be very beneficial to work with a business interpreter to help facilitate your communication and meetings with foreign partners and investors. Here at Day Interpreting, we have a deep understanding of the cultural nuances that are deeply engrained in language, and consequently, business environments. To learn more about how our interpreting solutions can assist you with your multicultural business, contact us today!
Seldean is a multi-skilled content wizard that dedicates herself to writing content that goes beyond merely sparking interest in the audience.
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