FEATURE ARTICLE
International Business Etiquette: A Rule of Thumb
EXPATRIATE INTERVIEW
Celeste Brown, FAWCO
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
High Risk Coverage: War & Terrorism
DID YOU KNOW
Clements designated "Best Practices Agency"
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
International Business Etiquette: A Rule of Thumb
By Emilie Udell
You walk into a conference room full of confidence, and ready to embark on a new partnership with a company in South America. When your client asks you if you had a pleasant flight, you give a “thumbs-up,” a gesture commonly interpreted in North America as “good” - or in your case - “Yes, I had a pleasant flight.” Your client’s friendly face suddenly turns into a face of anger and you lose the account. Needless to say, your flight home is not so pleasant. Thumbs-down!
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What happened? In North America, the “thumbs-up” is used for everything from describing our moods to rating movies, but in some cultures, this gesture can have a completely different meaning. In several South American countries, the “thumbs-up” is a very derogatory and insulting gesture to the person with whom it is directed. Doing business in a different culture can be baffling, and it is important to familiarize yourself with the traditions of your new country in advance of visiting with key partners. Here are a few common business practices to consider during your relocation to another country to prevent an awkward or offensive exchange. |
Gift Giving
You may be accustomed to giving corporate gifts only at holidays, but in many cultures, gifts are an essential part of forming a lasting business relationship. Do some research on your country as to when gifts should be given and what type of gifts are acceptable, as symbolism and meaning are often heavily weighed. For example, in Chinese tradition, red is a lucky color, but in Japan, red is associated with funerals. Some European countries do not value gifts that bear a company logo. If the country is heavily rooted in a religion, be mindful that the gift is not an item prohibited in the faith, such as alcohol in a Muslim country. Another word of caution: some cultures see gifts as bribes.
Business Cards
While you may be used to business cards being a simple and handy way of collecting someone’s contact information, in some cultures a proper exchange is vital. A good example is Japan, where you should treat the card as you would the person. Compliment an aspect of the card, such as the color or logo style. Accept the card with both hands, and most importantly, never put the card in to your pocket. In India, only use your right hand to give and receive business cards. Take a few moments to research the traditions in your new country to avoid severing a business relationship by making a fatal, albeit unintentional mistake, like accepting a business card with your left hand. One aspect is certain in all cultures: make sure you bring plenty of cards. You never know how many people you are going to meet.
Attire
Usually a business suit is the standard in any culture. However, details should be taken into account when need to dress for success in a new country. Red is only worn while in morning in many African countries. Your best strategy is to opt for modest rather than flashy, and choose conservative colors such as navy blue or gray.
When traveling or relocating to a new country, you are faced with a new culture and an entirely new set of traditions to follow. In any international business exchanges, researching the culture beforehand can provide valuable information, and help you to achieve stronger and more productive relationships. And that’s always a big “thumbs-up.”
Where should you start your research? Check out our Expatriate Resources for some helpful websites.
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Expatriate Question & Answer |
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Where do you currently reside? How many years have you lived there? How many years have you lived away from your home country? What other countries have you lived in? How do you stay in touch with other expatriates? What helped you decide to work and move abroad? What do you like most and least about living abroad? What was the biggest adjustment you had to make? What aspect of life remains constant no matter where you have lived? What advice would you give someone who is moving abroad? Where would you like to go next? If you mean where do I want to MOVE next, I would say…..anywhere with my handsome Dutch husband! |
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FAWCO
Founded in 1931, FAWCO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit corporation that serves as an umbrella network linking over 75 independent American and international volunteer organizations for citizens living overseas.
FAWCO serves as a resource and channel of information for its Member Clubs, contributes actively to the global community and represents the interests of Americans abroad. With a combined membership of over 15,000 individuals in 38 countries, FAWCO is represented in Africa, Asia, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East as well as North America and South America.
Visit FAWCO's updated website for more information, www.fawco.org.
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High Risk Coverage: War and Terrorism
Acts of war and terrorism are a continuous threat when you are working in a country with political unrest. Protect your assets from a loss due to an act of war or terrorism by securing proper insurance coverage. Clements International provides a comprehensive selection of specialized insurance programs designed to address the unique needs of organizations and individuals working in high risk areas, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
To determine the right coverage for your position, please contact one of our specialists at +1.202.872.0060 or +1.800.872.0067.
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Clements International Included In IIABA’s Best Practices Study
We are pleased to be part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) “Best Practices” Study Group.
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Each year the IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year. |
More than 800 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 195 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, categories. The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.
The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance. The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.
For further information on the Best Practices Study, please visit IIABA's website - www.independentagents.com.
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Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
"I just wanted to thank you again for taking care of this auto application for us. This is our first post overseas, so we'll be working with you guys for a while. It's nice to be able to work with someone so easily."
Respectfully,
Foreign Service Member
American Embassy, China
Dear Clements,
"I have always been impressed with Clements... I have always been pleased with your service, prompt payments, and customer satisfaction. Again, employees like my claims liaison make your company an outstanding, shining example of how people should be treated. Thank you to Yvonne and Clements for outstanding service. I appreciate the help and just wanted you to know of your outstanding employees and the service that I have received."
Best Regards,
International School Administrator
United Arab Emirates
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