| When you are determined to pursue economic | | | | Exchanging presents connotes the depth and |
| relations in the global market, there are a lot of | | | | strength of a commerce relationship with the |
| seemingly unnoticeable details that need to be looked | | | | Japanese. It is usually given at the first meeting. |
| into. Cultures and traditions of different nations have | | | | When having to receive something from them, it is |
| to be greatly considered in order to avoid any | | | | also expected to share in return. In Germany, it is |
| international business blunders. It may not just be | | | | rarely done. Small finds are already appreciated but |
| embarrassing on your end, worst is that it might be | | | | expensive ones are not a generally observed. |
| the cause of failure. | | | | However, it is not one of the international business |
| The reason behind it is that, there is lack of familiarity | | | | blunders as compared to other countries. |
| with the practices, customs and etiquette. Yes, there | | | | Proper Gesture |
| is a huge disparity because you come from both | | | | The infamous OK sign that originated in the United |
| corners of the world but an initial step of any effort | | | | States means good but it has several definitions in |
| to discovery will always lead to success. Here are | | | | other places. In Brazil, it is a symbol for money |
| some tips to do away with those international | | | | carrying with it a vulgar connotation while it suggests |
| business blunders. | | | | zero in France. In the English county, one of the |
| Shake Hands or Bow Down? | | | | international business blunders is to sit with the ankle |
| In Japan, a slight stoop signifies respect and humility, | | | | resting on the knee. Instead, the legs should be |
| such is very important to observe when having | | | | crossed with one knee on top of the other. Patting |
| appointments with the Japanese. However, there are | | | | at the shoulder and putting an arm around the new |
| different levels that have its corresponding meaning. | | | | acquaintance is also a no- no. In Thailand, it is |
| Shaking of hands are acceptable in Italy especially | | | | offensive when an arm is placed over the back of |
| when saying bonjour or bidding ciao. In the United | | | | the chair when a person is sitting. In Ethiopia, holding |
| States, the males do not get on their feet when a | | | | out the palm and repeatedly closing the hand |
| female enters or leaves a room. They do not even | | | | indicates come here. |
| kiss a womans hand because it is reserved for | | | | Name Calling |
| royalty. In Thailand, the conventional manner of | | | | Using titles before the first name such as Mister or |
| welcoming a person is by placing both hands together | | | | Madam is highly suggested in France, United Kingdom |
| in a prayer position at the chin and bending over in a | | | | and Denmark. In Germany, first names are seldom |
| certain angle. The higher the hands, more elevated | | | | applied. In Thailand, they address each other through |
| regard is shown. Fingertips should not be raised | | | | first names and reserve the surnames in very formal |
| above the eye level. Aside from hello, it means thank | | | | events. In Belgium, communicating with French- |
| you and Im sorry. This is one of the international | | | | speaking individuals should be as Monsieur or Madame |
| business blunders that is equivalent to refusing a hand | | | | while the Dutch are either Mister or Miss. Having the |
| shake in the Western coast. | | | | two mixed up is one of the international business |
| Gift or Bribe? | | | | blunders that can be a great insult for them. |