Business Travel Etiquette
Ranked #13,406 in Travel & Places, #324,176 overall
Business Travel Etiquette Tips - The ABCS
So you're planning an international business trip. Booking accommodation, travel and offsite airport parking are just the start of making sure your trip is successful. You also need to be ready to fit into the norms of doing business in the country you plan to visit. Each country has different business etiquette, so make sure you do your homework before you travel. Here are the ABCS of business etiquette to get you started.
Contents at a Glance
Appearance
We all know of offices where they have casual Friday - in fact, you might even work in one. But that kind of informality doesn't always translate to the international business environment. You need to see whether you will be among a group whose dress is conservative or formal. And in some places, like Italy, you might need to wear the latest business appropriate fashions - if you don't, they won't take you seriously. Women also have to pay attention when doing business in the Emirates - women are generally expected to wear more modest dress than they would at home. Behavior
Behavior covers everything from protocol to negotiations - and more. The concept of personal space varies from country to country - in some countries you could build a house in the amount of personal space that is the norm, while in others it may feel like a tight squeeze as someone gets too close for comfort. Even arrannging meeting timings can be a minefield. Book a meeting in the UK and you can be sure it will start promptly; book one in South America or the Caribbean and people are more understanding of a few minutes' delay.
Communication
Even the way you talk to people can be difficult. In the UK, someone who has been knighted is referred to by title and first name in conversation, for example, Sir James. In the UAE, avoid discussing women. In some countries, such as Japan, speakers avoid using the word 'no', so occasionally when people say yes they may actually mean no - and Japan is not the only place where that happens. In India, instead of refusing outright, which would be rude, people say: 'I'll try' .
Non-verbal Communication
And non-verbal communication can also contain traps. If you're in the UAE and cross your legs so that the soles of your feet are showing, you could cause offence. And many common hand gestures just don't translate at all. Resources
If you want to get more information on business etiquette, here are some useful resources:
- International Body Language, Gestures and Manners: Don't Be 'That' Guy
- When you travel, you may think that if you don't know the language, you can just communicate using gestures. BZZT! Knowing what gestures and body language
- International Business Etiquette and Manners
- Guide to international business etiquette, manners, culture, customs, protocol, gift-giving, negotiating tactics, etiquettes, dress, communications, proper behavior, business entertainment, cross-cultural communication with the Geert Hofstede cultural analysis, intercultural relationship information
- More Than Just Eating With The Right Fork
- Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously.
- Test Your Business Etiquette
- Business etiquette quiz - test your business etiquette. See how you would fare in real business situations by taking our business etiquette quiz.
- Body Language article on CNN
- In the high stakes world of international business, body language often speaks for itself. Unfortunately, much of the meaning may be lost in translation. The most innocuous of gestures - when misinterpreted - can wreak havoc on business negotiations.
- Travel Etiquette 101: Body Language
- Read Travel etiquette 101: body language for travel tips, advice, news and articles from all around the world by Lonely Planet
Taking Off Travel Blog - Latest Posts
The Taking Off Travel Blog from off airport parking provider Park Ride Fly USA offers tips and advice for when you park, ride or fly.
by parkrideflyusa
Sharon Hurley Hall is a professional blogger who blogs about travel on the Taking Off Travel Blog. Follow her travel news posts on the Park Ride Fly USA... more »
- 1 featured lens
- Winner of 4 trophies!
- Top lens » Business Travel Etiquette
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
