Business Etiquette
Business Cards
The exchange of business cards is very important and Indians are very conscious of the protocol. A business card should always be presented when introduced, at the first meeting. If possible, the visitor should have their business cards translated into Hindi, and have the Hindi translation printed on the side opposite from their home language. This is more a sign of respect as opposed to a linguistic necessity. Members of the Indian culture will always appreciate the touch of dual language cards and it indicates the visitor is making a special effort to understand the culture and establish a positive relationship with the host. Be sure to receive and give with your right hand. Furthermore, ensure the card is put away respectfully and not simply pushed into a trouser pocket.
Dress
Business attire in India is conservative. The weather often determines clothing which is why dress in the hotter parts of the country is less formal. However, men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits and women should dress conservatively in pantsuits or dresses. Dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.
Topics of Conversation
Favorable topics of conversation include: family, traditions, the latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock Exchange, cricket, politics and film. Avoid talking about: personal matters, military spending, and if new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or beggars.
Gifts
Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage. Gifts are not normally expected at the first meeting, however; they may be given once a relationship develops. The sincerity with the gift given is what is important to Indians – not the value. When presenting a gift, give with both hands. Indians appreciate gifts from their visitor’s county such as: perfume, chocolates, small china, or crystal objects. Avoid giving gifts such as frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals. If you are giving a gift to a Hindu, do not give them anything made of leather and if you are presenting a gift to a Muslim, do not present them with anything made of pigskin or any alcoholic products. When wrapping your gift, use colours such as yellow, green or red as these colours are considered lucky in India. A gift given from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative. Finally, gifts are not normally opened in the presence of the giver.
The exchange of business cards is very important and Indians are very conscious of the protocol. A business card should always be presented when introduced, at the first meeting. If possible, the visitor should have their business cards translated into Hindi, and have the Hindi translation printed on the side opposite from their home language. This is more a sign of respect as opposed to a linguistic necessity. Members of the Indian culture will always appreciate the touch of dual language cards and it indicates the visitor is making a special effort to understand the culture and establish a positive relationship with the host. Be sure to receive and give with your right hand. Furthermore, ensure the card is put away respectfully and not simply pushed into a trouser pocket.
Dress
Business attire in India is conservative. The weather often determines clothing which is why dress in the hotter parts of the country is less formal. However, men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits and women should dress conservatively in pantsuits or dresses. Dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.
Topics of Conversation
Favorable topics of conversation include: family, traditions, the latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock Exchange, cricket, politics and film. Avoid talking about: personal matters, military spending, and if new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or beggars.
Gifts
Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage. Gifts are not normally expected at the first meeting, however; they may be given once a relationship develops. The sincerity with the gift given is what is important to Indians – not the value. When presenting a gift, give with both hands. Indians appreciate gifts from their visitor’s county such as: perfume, chocolates, small china, or crystal objects. Avoid giving gifts such as frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals. If you are giving a gift to a Hindu, do not give them anything made of leather and if you are presenting a gift to a Muslim, do not present them with anything made of pigskin or any alcoholic products. When wrapping your gift, use colours such as yellow, green or red as these colours are considered lucky in India. A gift given from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female relative. Finally, gifts are not normally opened in the presence of the giver.