Comparison of Business culture in different countries

All businesspersons can be more effective in doing business with persons and companies in other
countries if we have an understanding and appreciation of business culture variation across
countries.

In the assignment, I will compare and contrast business cultures of a few countries (USA, Mexico,
Japan, China, India). Then I will describe which cultures we should adopt and which culture we
should not immediate.

In the comparison, I will use these variables (greeting, Invitation to home, Invitation of dinner,
working condition, punctuality, giving gifts and reaction, exchange of business cards, Business
relation, working condition, Number, Color and language and communication.)

1. Greeting

USA First names are often used in initial introductions.

A handshake is the common greeting.
Mexico Men shake hands or, if close friends, use the traditional hug and back slapping upon
greeting.
Japan Bowing is extremely important in Japan. The longer and deeper the bow, the more
respect that is shown
China oldest person is always greeted first. handshakes are the most common form of
greeting.
India Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other
women; Seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs.

2. Invitation to Home

USA Call ahead if you will be arriving more than 10 minutes late to a small gathering of
people.
Maxico bring a gift such as flowers or sweets, but avoid both marigolds and red flowers
which means negativity.
Japan Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the doorway.
put on the toilet slippers and remove them when you exit.
China arrive on time. Remove your shoes before entering the house and bring a small gift
to the hostess.
India Before entering an Indian’s house, take off your shoes, Politely turn down the host’s
first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks.
 3. Invitation to Dinner

USA Eat a little something ahead of time. ...Dress appropriately. ...Silence your cell
phone. ...Plan to arrive on time. ...Shake hands with everyone. ...Store your stuff
under your chair
Maxico do not sit until you are invited to, and wait to be told where to sit.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts. Only men give toasts.
polite to leave some food on your plate after a meal.
Japan Learn how to use chopsticks , do not pierce food with chopsticks. Never point the
chopsticks. Japanese oftentimes slurp their noodles and soup, but mixing other food
with rice is inappropriate.
China Use chopsticks and try everything that is offered; never eat the last piece from the
serving tray.
India wait to be told where and when to sit at dinner. Women eat later. Neither Hindus
nor Sikhs eat beef, and many are vegetarians. Muslims do not eat pork or drink
alcohol. Leave a small amount of food on your plate to indicate that you are
satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry

4. Punctuality

USA make sure to arrive on time or slightly early

Maxico best to arrive on time, although your Mexican counterparts may be up to 30
minutes late. Do not get irritated at their lack of punctuality.
Japan Punctuality is important, so arrive on time for meetings and be mindful that it may
take several meetings to establish a good relationship.
China punctuality is important in China. Arriving late to a meeting is an insult and could
negatively affect your relationship
India Punctuality is important.

5. Giving gifts and reaction

USA Gifts are usually only given on special occasions and are almost always accompanied
by a card
Maxico White flowers are an excellent choice. If you receive a gift, open it immediately and
react enthusiastically.
Japan Chocolates or small cakes are excellent gifts in Japan, but do not give lilies,
camellias, lotus blossoms, or white flowers, because they all are associated with
funerals. Gifts are not opened when received.
China a food basket makes an excellent gift, but do not give scissors, knives, or other
cutting utensils, as they indicate severing of the relationship.
India Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. Gifts of cash
are common, but do not give frangipani or white flowers.

6. Exchange of business cards

USA Keep cards clean and crisp, it's always best to quickly read it over and ask a question
or make a comment about business, always ready for business cards
Maxico Business cards are usually exchanged at the end of a meeting, produced in Spanish
Japan The exchange of business cards (meishi) is an essential part of initial meetings in
Japan and follows a strict protocol
China should be done so with two hands (as a sign of respect). it is polite to study the card
for a while and then put it on the table next to you
India Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.

7. Business relation

USA Americans appreciate cultivating a friendly atmosphere to facilitate openness in

business relations.
Maxico consider trustworthiness and character to be of upmost importance. Status
conscious, so business titles and rank are important. Face-to-face meetings are
preferred over telephone calls, letters, or e-mail.
Japan Prefer personal relationships rather than impersonally speaking over the phone or
by written correspondence.
China rarely do business with companies or people they do not know. Your position on an
organizational chart is extremely important in business relationships. Gender bias is
generally not an issue.
India prefer to do business with those with whom they have established a relationship
built on mutual trust and respect.

8. Working Condition

USA primarily money oriented., Therefore, not much time is allowed for familiarisation
with new business partners. tend to work longer and harder
Maxico family model, with people all working together, doing their share, according to their
designated roles. Do not like self-expression and initiative
Japan increasingly promoting women into managerial positions. great importance on
group loyalty and consensus : all members of a group agree and cooperate; this
results in constant dis-cussion and compromise.
China Meals and social events are not the place for business discussions. There is
a demarcation between business and socializing in China
never overtly say no.
India Titles such as professor, doctor, or engineer are important in India, as is a person’s
age, university degree, caste, and profession.

9. Number

USA Number 3 is lucky number

Maxico Tuesday 13th is unlucky day
Japan Give items in odd numbers, but avoid the number 9.
China the number 4 is unlucky, Eight is the luckiest number
India Unlucky number is 8

10. Colour

USA Classic colors are black, grey, navy

Maxico green represents independence or hope, white stands for purity and unity, and red
stands for the blood of patriots and other heroes.
Japan Red is probably the most meaningful color in Japan.
The use of red in the flag represents life and vitality.
China Red is an especially significant color used in wedding ceremonies, during
revolutions, and in everyday life to promote good luck and joy.
India Yellow, green, and red are lucky colors,

11. Dress

USA Business suit and tie are appropriate in all major cities. Wear dark colored business
suits in classic colors of gray and navy.
Mexico Men should wear ties. Women should wear formal business attire.
Japan Men: Dark, solid suit in black, navy or dark gray, white shirt, tie, dark color socks
Women: Dark, solid skirt suit in black, navy or dark gray. Pants suits are acceptable
China men should wear a conservative suit and tie. business attire allows men and women
to dress casually, Closed-toe shoes for ladies, and polished dress shoes for men.
India women often wear pant-suits or blouse and skirts, even though saris and salwar
kameez are considered acceptable as business attire.

12. Language and Communications

USA English is the most commonly spoken language, powerful, open and persuasive
communicators.
Mexico official language in Mexico is Spanish, and, while most Mexican businesspeople can
speak English,
Japan Official language is Japanese. rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to
tell them what someone feels.
China excellent sense of humor, oftentimes laughing at themselves if they have a
comfortable relationship with the other person.
India English, along with Hindi, is one of the two languages permitted
do not like to say no, verbally or nonverbally.
Business culture in Myanmar

Greeting

Businessmen will typically greet each other with a handshake. If a businesswoman offers you her
hand, it is acceptable to shake it, but you should not offer your hand to a woman – a small bow is
enough. In general, male to female contact should be avoided in public.

Dress

The local attire is a shirt with no collar and longyi .businessmen will also wear western-style tops
with longyi, or a western-style suit. Businesswomen also wear longyi, usually with a dress or blouse.
Dress modestly with your shoulders, chest and upper thigh covered.

Language and Communication

Many business meetings in Myanmar take place in English; as a former British [Link] Burmese
are indirect communicators. some Burmese may give you the answer you want to hear instead of an
honest one. This is done out of politeness, but can be counterintuitive in a foreign context.

Invitation to home

Take your shoes off when entering someone’s [Link] people may sit on the floor to
socialise but generally offer the visitor a chair if they have one.

Invitation of dinner

Elders are served first at meals. It is rude to eat something without offering it to anyone else present
first. Similarly, it is good manners to offer food to someone when meeting up with them. Many
Burmese do not drink alcohol due to religious purpose. In my view, we should maintain this culture.

Punctuality

International businesses in Myanmar do tend to adhere to schedules more rigidly, but locals usually
go with the flow in social settings. So, sit back, sip some tea, and set your clock to run on ‘Myanmar
Time’. This culture is too bad and shameful. If we pay respect other, we should pay respect other’s
time like USA, China, Japan.

Giving gifts and reaction

Gifts may be given to pay one’s respects to someone that is superior to them. Offer and receive gifts
with both hands together. Gifts are not opened immediately upon receiving them.

Exchange of business cards

The exchanging of business cards is commonplace in Myanmar. As a mark of respect, it is a good

idea to take a short time to read a business card; some people use both hands to exchange cards

Business relation

Personal relationships play a large role in Burmese business culture. Burmese prefer to work with
those whom they know and trust. Often, Myanmar people are honest, they never say “No” for the
things they do not want to agree. In my opinion, this is not good, instead we should adopt USA
culture ( open communication) so that the other person will know our opinion clearly.
working condition

Business and politics in Myanmar are dominated by men, but there are increasing numbers of
women involved. respect for elders, throughout society and in business; when an older person
enters a room, it is normal to stand up in deference. In my point of view, we should maintain this
culture.

Religion

Religion is an essential aspect of life in Myanmar and central to conceptions of personal identity.
Most of the Burmese population identify as Buddhist (87.9%).

Naming

There are no first names or surnames in Burmese culture. As there is not a cultural custom of
passing down last names, the names of members of families often have no resemblance to each
other. Western people often confuse Burmese names. In my view, we should also adopt to have
Family name.

Number and colour

Burmese are very superstitious. As in other cultures, Myanmar people have their own beliefs and
superstitions concerning numbers. Religious concepts also play a part in avoiding or embracing
certain numbers. Most Burmese believe on astrology, divination and nats. Fortunetellers,
numerologists and astrologers regarding choosing number or colour.