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List of all Articles in Art
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A Look at Diamond Dog Tags
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Come With Me To The Casbah!
A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty – sweet, succulent and an amazing shade of orange-red. Orange and red continue to be popular colors in decorating this year but 2004’s shades are softer and more vibrant, like ripe persimmons and...
Going Seamless: Dissolving the Brain Divide
Are you a right-brainer or a left-brainer? The greatest thinkers are at a loss when it comes to answering that question. Just as we admire athletes who are able to hit a tennis ball or throw a javelin with either arm, we should emulate...
Oil Painting Lessons - Tips on Color mixing and theory
When I first began painting some 10 years ago, I recall how intimidating it all seemed. With all of the various colors, mediums, brushes and other tools available, it was enough to make my head spin.
While learning about the various brushes and...
Profit from wooden novelties
Make and sell toy cars, wagons, wooden puzzle and hobby horses. retail them at flea markets, fairs, through national ads, direct from your shop or yard and/or wholesale them to stores or catalog sales companies. Wooden toys have a special appeal...
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Cross Cultural Gift Giving Etiquette
Within the interdependent, global and multi-cultural marketplace of the 21st century, cross cultural differences in the approaches to and practices of business people across the world are important to learn.
A lack of cross cultural understanding can lead to misunderstandings which may result in offense. Cross cultural awareness and an understanding of foreign etiquette is important for today’s globe trotting business person.
One area of importance in cross cultural awareness is in the different gift giving etiquettes of the world. Understanding gift giving and the etiquette surrounding it can help international business people cement better relationships with foreign colleagues, clients or customers.
Cross cultural gift giving etiquette involves considering the following points:
•Who is receiving the gift? Is it a person or a group? What is the status of the receiver(s)?
•What types of gifts are acceptable or unacceptable?
•What is the protocol associated with gift giving and receiving?
•Should gifts be reciprocated?
In many countries such as in North America or the UK, gift giving is rare in the business world. In fact, it may carry negative connotations as gift giving could be construed as bribery. However, in many other countries, gift giving and its etiquette have a central place in business practices.
In order to highlight some of the different aspects of cross cultural gift giving etiquette a few examples shall be presented.
Gift Giving Etiquette in China
•It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged for celebrations, as thanks for assistance and even as a sweetener for future favours.
•It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.
•When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to ask what you would like.
•It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture by asking for items such as ink paintings or tea.
•Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.
•When giving gifts do not give cash.
•Do not be too frugal with your choice of gift otherwise you will be seen as an ‘iron rooster’, i.e. getting a good gift out of you is like getting a feather out of an iron rooster.
•Depending on the item, avoid giving one of something. Chinese philosophy stresses harmony and balance, so give in pairs.
Gift Giving Etiquette Japan
•Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette.
•Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.
•The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving not the gift itself.
•Expensive gifts are common.
•The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit.
•A gift for an individual should be given in private.
•If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present.
•The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.
•Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.
•Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.
Gift Giving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
•Gifts should only be given to the most intimate of friends.
•Gifts should be of the highest quality.
•Never buy gold or silk as a present for men.
•Silver is acceptable.
•Always give/receive gifts with the right hand.
•Saudis enjoy wearing scent – ‘itr’. The most popular is ‘oud’ which can cost as much as £1000 an ounce.
•It is not bad etiquette to open gifts when received.
The above are a few of many examples of cross cultural differences in gift giving etiquette. It is advisable to try and ascertain some facts about the gift giving etiquette of any country you plan to visit on business. By doing so, you maximise the potential of your cross cultural encounter.
About the Author
Neil Payne is Director of Cross Cultural Communications consultancy, Kwintessential.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/cross-cultural-communication.html
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