Business Etiquette: The Rules of Communication Around the World 世界各国商务沟通礼仪

薛洪君

With the rise of international relations， its become extremely important to acknowledge cultural differences and abide by cultural norms when doing business in foreign countries. Heres a guide to global business etiquette with tips on how to shake hands， the proper body language， expected attire， and more.

Belgium

Handshake

Give a quick， light handshake to everyone present. Men should wait for women to extend their hands first.

Proximity1

Belgians value their personal space. Be sure to stay an arms length apart when talking to your counterparts.

Body language

Speaking or gesturing in an animated2 way is looked down upon. Speak in a controlled， low voice at all times.

Dining

Most business meals are conducted over lunch as Belgians prefer to spend dinner with their families.

Brazil

Handshake

Greet people with a firm， lingering handshake and strong eye contact. Kisses on the cheek， especially between women， is also a common greeting.

Proximity

People stand close when talking， and it is common to touch the person that they are talking to on the shoulder or arm.

Timeliness

In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time. In most other cities it is acceptable to arrive slightly late.

Meetings

Personal relationships between business partners are important， and conversations in meetings tend to include conversations about personal lives.

China

Handshake

Greet people in order of seniority with a light handshake and a slight bow.

Meetings

In meetings， employees sit according to seniority and rank. It is rude to question someone above you.

Dining

It is polite not to finish your food. Leaving food on your plate shows that you are full and satisfied.

France

Handshake

Shake hands quickly and lightly， and maintain direct eye contact when speaking to people.

Socializing

The French highly value people who speak their language. If youre not fluent， try to learn a few greetings and handy phrases to use.

Meetings

The French are impressed by people who can debate well to prove that they fully understand a situation or business proposal.

Communication should stick to business and remain professional at all times， and you should try to go into comprehensive detail about everything you discuss.

Germany

Handshake

Give a quick， firm handshake to everyone， including children， when entering and leaving.

Socializing

When introducing a group of colleagues， always start by introducing the person who holds the highest position.

Titles

Always refer to people by their honorific title and their last name unless otherwise instructed.

India

Handshake

A light handshake is adequate for foreigners， though a namaste3 greeting is traditional in India. To do so， bring your hands together in front of your chest and bow slightly.

Socializing

Being too direct is considered rude. Instead of saying “no”， people say “lll try” or “let me consider”.

Body language

Feet are considered unclean. Never point them at people or put them on a desk or table.

Waving your hand from side-to-side is interpreted as “no” or “go away” rather than hello.

Meetings

In meetings， it is considered rude to jump to business right away. Have a friendly conversation with your counterpart first.

Italy

Handshake

The handshake is firm but not too long. Upon introductions and departures， people shake hands individually with all members of a group.

In the case of a very friendly or family relationship， people may embrace and/or “kiss” （by simply pressing cheeks together） on either cheek.

Meetings

Its important to establish reciprocal4 trust before getting down to business. Negotiations can be rather lengthy as Italians like to spend time carefully evaluating any business decisions.

Japan

Handshake

The traditional greeting in Japan is a bow， which shows respect. A light handshake and slight bow are also acceptable for foreigners.

Eye contact

Employees closing their eyes is a sign of listening intently and concentrating on what is being said.

Body language

It is considered rude to gesture with broad arm movements. Its also rude to sit cross-legged.

Meetings

“Yes” does not constitute agreement; it simply means your counterpart is listening and understands.

Mexico

Handshake

A light handshake is customary. Women are expected to extend their hands first when shaking hands with men.

Proximity

Mexicans stand close together when talking， and it is common to touch the person they are talking to on the forearm or elbow.

Body language

Do not stand with your hands on your hips. It signifies hostility or anger.

Dining

It is customary to take long lunches， usually from two to four in the afternoon. Avoid doing business during this time.

Timeliness

Time is relatively flexible. Arriving slightly late is rarely an issue.

New Zealand

Handshake

Handshakes are firm and quick. If youre a woman shaking a mans hand， offer your hand first.

Body language

A thumbs-up sign is considered an insult.

Meeting

Communication can be very direct and to the point. As a result， you should always be aware that what you say may be taken very seriously and at face value5， so try to state things in a straightforward manner.

Dining

Talking while dining should be minimal. Lunch may be used for business meetings， but dinner is for social interactions.

Singapore

Meetings

Negotiations happen at a slow pace. Singaporeans are non-confrontational， and verbal agreements may not lead to a formal agreement.

Hours

Singaporeans often stay late in the office because people who work long hours are seen as hard workers.

Socializing

Personal and professional lives are kept separate. Many professionals will turn down6 after hours7 invitations.

Switzerland

Handshake

Give a firm handshake to everyone when entering and leaving.

Meetings

Meetings are timely and stick closely to agendas. They are often impersonal and do not include small talk.

Turkey

Body language

A subtle nod of the head means “yes”. “No” is demonstrated by moving the head in a fully upward motion.

Meetings

Initial meetings are about building relationships. Engage in personal conversations to get to know your counterparts.

Islam is prevalent in Turkey. Make sure to schedule your meetings around the five daily prayer times.

Body language

It is considered rude for the soles of your shoes to be showing. Be sure to keep them on the ground.

United Arab Emirates

Handshake

Shake hands in order of seniority. Handshakes should linger slightly， as this is considered polite.

Dress

Women are expected to dress conservatively. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Eye contact

Men do not maintain extended periods of eye contact with women.

Meetings

First meetings are meant to establish relationships. Verbal agreements are expected to be kept.

Body language

The left hand is considered unclean. When you are passing business cards or documents， use your right hand.

United Kingdom

Handshake

Handshakes are light. After you shake hands， avoid prolonged eye contact and be mindful of personal space.

Socializing

The British are reserved and private. They do not expect to exchange small talk or personal information.

Body language

Tapping ones nose is a sign for confidentiality.

In the U.K.， when the two-fingered “V for victory” or “peace” salute is given with the hand turned so that the palm faces inward， it is considered extremely rude.

Dining

When you go out for drinks， its customary to buy drinks in rounds rather than just for yourself.

United States

Handshake

Introduce yourself with a firm handshake.

Titles

Calling co-workers by their first name， regardless of position， is standard in most companies.

Eye contact

Strong eye contact is expected， as it shows interest and engagement in the conversation.

Proximity

Persona space is valued. Make sure not to stand too close to your counterpart when conversing.

Dining

Americans are open to meeting over all meals―breakfast， lunch， and dinner.

随着国际交往的日益增多，在国外从事商业活动时，承认文化差异并遵守文化规范变得格外重要。这里是一份全球商务礼仪指南，就如何握手、正确运用肢体语言、怎样穿着得体乃至更多方面给出建议。

比利时

握手

快速与每一位在场者轻轻握手。男士应等待女士先伸手。

亲密距离

比利时人看重自己的个人空间。交谈时，切记与对方保持一臂的距离。

肢体语言

讲话时过于激动或打手势时动作过多会招人鄙视。无论何时都须克制地低声讲话。

用餐

商务餐多在午餐时进行，因为比利时人更愿意与家人共享晚餐。

巴西

握手

与人互致问候时紧紧握手，握的时间长一些，并注视对方。吻脸颊也是惯有的见面礼节，尤其是在女性之间。

亲密距离

人们交谈时站得很近，惯常还会碰触交谈对象的肩膀或手臂。

时间把握

在圣保罗和巴西利亚，准时赴约很重要。在大多数其他城市稍微迟到一点没有问题。

会议

商业伙伴之间的私人关系很重要，会见商谈往往会加进一些个人生活的话题。

中国

握手

与人打招呼时按照长幼顺序，轻轻握手并微微弯身。

会议

举行会议时，员工按照长幼顺序和职务高低就坐。质问比自己职务高者是无礼之举。

用餐

有礼貌的做法是不吃光自己的食物。盘中留有食物表示你已吃饱且感到满意。

法国

握手

快速轻柔地握手，与人讲话时直视对方。

社交

法國人对会说法语的人高看一眼。如果说不流利，尽量学几句问候语和常用短语备用。

会议

通过有力的说辩来证明自己对某一情形甚或商务提案了如指掌，会让法国人肃然起敬。

沟通应始终围绕业务并保持专业性，对商讨的一切问题，尽力将方方面面的细节谈好。

德国

握手

到场或离场时快速与每一位在场者（包括儿童）紧紧地握手。

社交

介绍一组同事时，始终从职务最高的人开始。

称呼

除非另有要求，始终以姓加尊称称呼对方。

印度

握手

对到印度的外国人来说，与人见面时轻轻握手就可以。不过印度的传统见面礼节是合十礼，具体做法为双手在胸前合拢，同时上身微俯。

社交

太直率被视为无礼。人们会说“我试试看”或“让我考虑考虑”而不是直接说“不”。

肢体语言

脚被认为不洁。切勿用脚指人或是把它们放到桌子上。

把手挥来挥去的意思是“不”或“走开”，而非打招呼。

会议

会晤一开始即谈业务会被视为没礼貌。应先与对方亲切攀谈一番。

意大利

握手

握手时握紧但不久握。在相互引见和离开时，与团体的所有成员逐一握手。

如果关系特别好或是在家庭关系中，人们会相互拥抱和/或“亲吻”一面脸颊（只简单把脸颊相贴）。

会议

进入主题前确立相互信任很重要。谈判时间往往会很长，因为意大利人喜好不吝时间仔细审量任何商务决定。

日本

握手

日本传统的见面礼是鞠躬，以示敬意。在日本的外国人只轻轻握手并微微鞠躬也是可以接受的。

目光接触

雇员闭着眼睛表示在专注倾听，全神贯注于所讲内容。

肢体语言

打手势时手臂动作幅度过大被视为无礼。坐时交叉腿也为不雅。

会议

“是”不能算作同意;只意味着对方正在听并且理解了。

墨西哥

握手

轻轻握手符合习俗。女性与男性握手，女性应先伸手。

亲密距离

墨西哥人交谈时站得很近，碰触交谈对象的前臂或手肘较为常见。

肢体语言

站立时手不得放于臀部。这表示敌意或是生气。

用餐

午餐习惯用时较长，通常从下午两点到四点。别在这段时间内安排商务活动。

时间把握

时间方面较为灵活。到晚一点一般不是问题。

新西兰

握手

紧握并快速松开。如果是女性，与男性握手时要先伸手。

肢体语言

竖大拇指被视为侮辱动作。

会议

交流时可能会直奔主题。有鉴于此，时刻注意你说的话可能被当真并从字面理解，所以尽量有话直说。

用餐

用餐时尽量少讲话。可利用午餐进行商务会谈，晚餐用来进行社交活动。

新加坡

会议

谈判以慢节奏进行。新加坡人不喜针锋相对，口头商定也不见得能正式签约。

工时

新加坡人常愿在办公室待晚一会儿，因为加班加点者被视为工作勤奋的人。

社交

个人生活和职场生活泾渭分明。很多职业人士会谢绝工余时间的邀约。

瑞士

握手

到场和离场时均应与每一个人紧紧握手。

会议

会议准时且严格遵守日程。一般不涉及个人事务，也不会加进闲谈。

土耳其

肢体语言

微妙的点头表示“是”，把头尽力上仰表示“不”。

会议

初始见面主要是为了建立关系。应进行私人交谈以求了解对方。

土耳其盛行伊斯兰教。围绕每日五次的祈祷时间安排会见。

肢体语言

把脚翘起来露出鞋底会被视为粗鲁之举。谨记双脚不要离地。

阿拉伯联合酋长国

握手

握手按照长幼顺序。稍微多握一会儿被认为有礼貌。

衣着

女性衣着宜稳重。肩膀和膝盖不外露。

目光交流

男性不应与女性保持长时间的目光交流。

会议

初始会面都是为建立关系。口头协议理当遵守。

肢体语言

左手被认为不洁。递送商务名片或文件要用右手。

英国

握手

轻轻握手。握完手避免有进一步目光交流并注意不要靠对方太近。

社交

英国人保守、重私密。他们不愿闲聊或交流私人信息。

肢体语言

轻敲鼻子表示事情需要保密。

在英国，用两手指做代表胜利或致敬“和平”的V手势，而若转过手来成掌心向内，则被认为是超级无礼。

用餐

出去喝一杯时，按照惯例是大家轮流买酒，而不是只买自己的。

美国

握手

自我介绍的同时紧紧握手。

称呼

同事间不管职务为何都直呼其名，這在大多数公司中均为标准做法。

目光交流

应该注视对方，因为这表示对谈话有兴致且参与其中。

亲密距离

看重个人空间。交谈时切忌与谈话对象站得太近。

用餐

美国人可接受在任一餐——早餐、午餐和晚餐时会见。

（译者为“《英语世界》杯”翻译大赛获奖者）

1 proximity临近;亲近。  2 animated活跃的，生气勃勃的。

3 namaste〈印英〉合十礼。

4 reciprocal相互的;交互的。

5 face value表面价值;字面意义。

6 turn down拒绝。  7 after hours业余时间的。