SUBJ: Business Protocol for International Delegation
Dear Process Engineering Team:
Sontarian Enterprises will be hosting an international delegation in a few weeks. Our business partners from Germany will be attending. In order to prepare you for the cultural nuances and custom differences between the US and Germany I have drafted this memorandum. Their culture is relatively different from ours, hence to avoid any possible embarrassment it is important that you review and the important information below. Greetings, gifting and behavior in German culture is different from our own, and to be gracious guests we should do what we can to make them feel comfortable.
Greeting
When meeting a German colleague, it is customary to firmly shake hands. When greeting, speak softly. Greet women before men. When discussing business, do not discuss personal topics such as salary, age or family (Flamini 27). If you feel you made a connection with a colleague, it is recommended that you send the colleague a formal email to follow-up on what was discussed. Lastly, do not feel personally offended if your behavior is corrected, it is customary in German culture to police behavior.
Gifting
Gift giving is not common among business associates in German culture. If you feel compelled to give a gift then a formal gift such as a high-quality company-branded pen, a small placard or liquor are acceptable (Martin & Chaney 54). If you are invited to an informal meeting after the delegation or to the room of one or a few delegates, then it is customary to bring flowers. Red roses, carnations and lilies are not recommended because these symbolize an emotional attachment. Purple roses would work well.
Behavior
German culture respects timeliness. It is important that you arrive at the delegation event on time, otherwise they will assume that they are not important or that we mean to disrespect them (Morrison & Conaway 38). Maintain a professional conversational tone. Even if you feel you are becoming friendly and informal, it is still customary to maintain professionalism.
Facts to Remember
Appearance is an important part of greeting. Dress well for the delegation. For men, I suggest that you wear a dark-colored business suit with a solid, conservative tie and white shirt. For women, a dark suit or a white blouse with conservative dress are suggested. It is recommended that women do not wear a heavy amount of make-up. Do not remove your jacket during the delegation.
Works Cited
Flamini, Roland. Passport Germany: Your Pocket Guide to German Business, Customs & Etiquette. World Trade Press, 1997.
Martin, Jeanette S., and Lillian H. Chaney. Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs: A Guide to International Communication and Customs. ABC-CLIO, 2012.
Morrison, Terri, and Wayne A. Conaway. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in more than 60 Countries. Adams Media, 2006.
