South Asia is home to world’s largest democracy, some
of the fastest growing economies and booming stock markets.
Traveling within the region is definitely exciting, especially for those from
North America who are well acquainted with vast uninhabited spaces; the network
of congested roads and buildings can be overwhelming.
South Asia is is not only a hub for history
and cultural diversity, but a force to reckon with, when it comes to global
business. In fact many companies from North America have outsourced some of
their services to take advantage of time differences in order to offer 24 h
service to clients, and reap the benefits of cheaper labor costs. In the years following the post colonization
era foreign investment in South Asia still continued, and although there was a
decrease in foreign
direct investment in 2012 companies still continue to look favorably upon
the region for investment opportunities. South Asia remains a lucrative market and
it is always advantageous to be better acquainted with the cultural and social
aspects of conducting business in the region.
Our experience in conducting business in
South Asia coupled with our knowledge of the cultures prevalent in the region,
has provided us with insight in to the business etiquette and protocol used
within South Asia. Here are a few business etiquette tips for doing business in
South Asia:
1. Time
isn’t always money
Don’t expect your 9 a.m. meeting to start on time. Your South Asian counterparts may arrive as late as 9.45 and will not be concerned that they are not on time. This can be frustrating to business associates from North America where punctuality is essential and it is considered rude to be late for a business meeting.
Don’t expect your 9 a.m. meeting to start on time. Your South Asian counterparts may arrive as late as 9.45 and will not be concerned that they are not on time. This can be frustrating to business associates from North America where punctuality is essential and it is considered rude to be late for a business meeting.
2. There
is never a direct No
South Asian society is very polite and its best to avoid using the word “No” during business dealings. “We’ll see”, “Possibly”, “May be” are phrases that can replace the word “No”.
South Asian society is very polite and its best to avoid using the word “No” during business dealings. “We’ll see”, “Possibly”, “May be” are phrases that can replace the word “No”.
3.
Refrain from ordering beef
Opt not to order beef at business meetings as cows are considered sacred in India, which is the largest country in the South Asian continent.
Opt not to order beef at business meetings as cows are considered sacred in India, which is the largest country in the South Asian continent.
4. Quit
your wine-ing
It’s best to limit alcohol to just one glass or none at all as some of the South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh are prominently Muslim and alcohol is not permitted.
It’s best to limit alcohol to just one glass or none at all as some of the South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh are prominently Muslim and alcohol is not permitted.
5.
Take my card
Business cards play an important part in conducting business in the region. Business cards are presented with both hands, like a gift. Take a few minutes to read and look over the card. Do not just put it away or keep it lying around. After taking a good look at it, put it away in a safe place.
Business cards play an important part in conducting business in the region. Business cards are presented with both hands, like a gift. Take a few minutes to read and look over the card. Do not just put it away or keep it lying around. After taking a good look at it, put it away in a safe place.
6. Titles
matter
At business meetings, stick to the hierarchical structure. Credentials and titles matter in South Asia.
At business meetings, stick to the hierarchical structure. Credentials and titles matter in South Asia.
7.
Religious celebrations are often national holidays
Prior to meeting business colleagues, ensure that you are aware of any religious holidays as most religious festivals are marked by a national holiday. For example, Sri Lanka celebrates the festivals of four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
Prior to meeting business colleagues, ensure that you are aware of any religious holidays as most religious festivals are marked by a national holiday. For example, Sri Lanka celebrates the festivals of four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.
8. Guess
who’s coming to dinner
If invited to a colleague’s residence, do not refuse trying out any food that is offered to you. If you do refuse it, it will be taken as an insult. It’s best to at least taste it out of respect for the host.
If invited to a colleague’s residence, do not refuse trying out any food that is offered to you. If you do refuse it, it will be taken as an insult. It’s best to at least taste it out of respect for the host.
9.
Do not open
If you receive a gift from a business colleague, do not open it in the presence of the one who gave it to you.
If you receive a gift from a business colleague, do not open it in the presence of the one who gave it to you.
10. Suit
up
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and women are expected to be modestly dressed in a business suit or pant suit.
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and women are expected to be modestly dressed in a business suit or pant suit.
11. Let’s
do lunch
Do not expect to seal the deal at the very first meeting. Building a relationship matters most in this part of the world and the business deal would follow after the relationship is established.
Do not expect to seal the deal at the very first meeting. Building a relationship matters most in this part of the world and the business deal would follow after the relationship is established.
12. It’s
not what you know it’s who you know
Knowing people of influence goes a long way in any business relationship in this part of the world. You will be treated differently if you’re known to someone who is higher up in the corporate structure.
Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting
Knowing people of influence goes a long way in any business relationship in this part of the world. You will be treated differently if you’re known to someone who is higher up in the corporate structure.
Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting
