Main points of the article
The social and fun-loving Brazilians would love to stand closer while talking with others that indicates trust. It is also rude in Brazil to exit before a meeting concludes. The Canadians value punctuality, and there is no class disparity in Canada as majority of the population belongs to the middle class. Canadian government and private firms follow a conservative approach in financial spending. It is advisable for someone from another country to meet a Chinese counterpart with a gift other than a clock since it represents death in China. Chinese dinner meetings contain many toast rounds. Germans love to work hard and conduct well-structured business meetings. They love cars and cars form part of a compensation package, but the type of car one uses depends on how much he earns. Indians are polite and saying no to an Indian is considered rude. Showing up late for a meeting is common in India unless the meeting is an official one. Cow is considered sacred by Indians, and one must be careful not to demand beef in a public party. Traditional Indian food is eaten by using the right hand. Similarly, drinking is prohibited by many Indian communities. Japanese welcome others by bowing and not by a handshake. Visiting cards should be exchanged with respect and using two hands. In business deliberations the seniors initiate the talk and they expect the other nationals to follow the same.
Reader reaction to the article
The article gives certain clues to the international business community on how to talk to individuals from different countries without wounding their feelings. It is easier to close deals with business people from other countries if one respects their culture. Different articles, colors, foods items, mannerisms and facial expressions mean different things to different nationals . Therefore, before visiting a foreign counterpart one must spend some time to research the customs of the country so as to avoid embarrassments while meeting his counterpart.
