BUSINESS CULTURE IN INDIA
A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNDERLYING VALUES, BELIEFS AND ASSUMPTIONS OF INDIAN CULTURE AND HOW THEY MANIFEST THEMSELVES IN THE MARKET AND WORKPLACE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS.
India is a vast, populous and diverse nation encompassing many different identities, languages, cultures and religions. It is very difficult to make generalisations about Indian culture. There are, however, a few tips that can help you understand business culture in India and guide you in your Indian business venture.
INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGS IN INDIA
A flexible approach is important and it is often best to be guided by the person with whom you are meeting. Etiquette requires a handshake, although some Indians may use the namaste, a common greeting involving pressing your palms together with fingers pointing upwards, and accompanied by a slight bow. When entering a business meeting, always greet the most senior person first. When exchanging business cards, make sure to receive the card with your right hand and put it away respectfully. Small talk at the beginning of a business meeting is common and could include questions about your family. Equally it is perfectly appropriate to ask after the family of business partners, and in some instances this may be a good way of building trust.
In General Indians place importance on and a prefer using formal titles. So if you are meeting a doctor or a professor they may expect or appreciate being addressed by their given title. The exception of course if they indicate otherwise. Using a Mr. or Mrs. when addressing a colleague or someone senior is preferred. Women in the workplace are often addressed as Madam and men as Sir. The suffix Ji is commonly used especially when addressing someone senior both in age and in rank.
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INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGS IN INDIA
A flexible approach is important and it is often best to be guided by the person with whom you are meeting. Etiquette requires a handshake, although some Indians may use the namaste, a common greeting involving pressing your palms together with fingers pointing upwards, and accompanied by a slight bow. When entering a business meeting, always greet the most senior person first. When exchanging business cards, make sure to receive the card with your right hand and put it away respectfully. Small talk at the beginning of a business meeting is common and could include questions about your family. Equally it is perfectly appropriate to ask after the family of business partners, and in some instances this may be a good way of building trust.
In General Indians place importance on and a prefer using formal titles. So if you are meeting a doctor or a professor they may expect or appreciate being addressed by their given title. The exception of course if they indicate otherwise. Using a Mr. or Mrs. when addressing a colleague or someone senior is preferred. Women in the workplace are often addressed as Madam and men as Sir. The suffix Ji is commonly used especially when addressing someone senior both in age and in rank.
