Introduction
This article provides a comprehensive description of social conventions. Moreover, it elaborates how different cultures interact and societies integrate in terms of beliefs, customs, traditions, and communication styles. The country of choice is South Africa and the article will articulate three aspects of interactions in South Africa. Business interactions are highly influenced by human behavior and cultural beliefs of different communities in South Africa.
South Africans are mostly conservative in dressing during business meetings. This is because of an influence of the African culture, which demands a high level of decency and mutual respect during serious interactions. This implies that women are discouraged to wear short skirts. Not anything above the knees might be considered formal or decent. Moreover, open blouses are not allowed in business meetings. Appropriate attire for business meeting includes skirt or trouser suits for women and high heels. On the other, hand formal suits and a tie are appropriate for men attending business meetings. It is pertinent to note that as an African country the western approach of business dressing is highly regarded. However, in instances where Muslims are involved it would be appropriate to adjust and include a skullcap. Dressing is a pertinent aspect of creating a positive first impression.
Gifts play a significant role in enhancing existing relationships. The type of appropriate gifts in South Africa depends on the type of relationship between the parties involved. A gift to a business associate should signify your regard to the associate. The most appropriate gifts for such people include desk accessories of high quality. Custom made accessories and other assorted accessories are highly regarded when given to business associates. These include pens, penholders and other desk accessories. For a dinner party a different gift would be appropriate to show appreciation to the hosts. Some of the recommended gifts for such parties include, good bottle of wine, flowers and chocolate. This is mostly gifts that are used to symbolize love and appreciation. However, for corporations it is appropriate to offer high quality transport to the guests attending the party as a form of appreciation.
How an organization treats, its employee reflects key elements of its organizational culture. Public behavior in South Africa is pertinent in influencing human resource interactions and organizational cultures of different organizations. Funerals of business associates and colleagues should be given high preference over other activities. Moreover, there is need to include a wreath and a letter of condolence addressed to the next of kin. It is also pertinent to empathize with the bereaved family. A business associate is expected to treat the death of another associate as a big loss to the society. Another pertinent event is a colleagues wedding. It is expected that appropriate gifts be presented. Moreover, the dress code should be observed. When attending business events such as workshops, conferences, and bosberade a high level of personal etiquette should be observed. The dress code in such events is usually casual. These events offer opportunities to participants to build relationships.
Conclusion
Different business engagements in South Africa require acceptable behavior as outline above. The dressing in business meetings is usually conservative and westernized. On the other had gifts to give to business associates depend on the existing relationship between the two as well as the event involved. The public behavior in South Africa significantly influences the relationships.
Works Cited
victor, Norine . "South Africa - ExecutivePlanet.com." Main Page - ExecutivePlanet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 July 2013. <http://executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=South_Africa>.
