Business Etiquette & Protocol

· Business Cards

. Business cards are normally exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. Business cards should display your title. This helps enhance your image and credibility.
. Although not required, having one side of your card printed in Bahasa shows respect.
. Give/accept cards using two hands or the right hand.
. Examine a business card you receive before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case.
. It is important to treat business cards with respect.

What to Wear?

. Business attire is generally conservative.
. Women should dress conservatively ensuring that they are well covered from ankle to neck. Tight fitting clothes are best avoided.
. Remember it is hot, so cotton or at least light clothing is best.

Communication Styles

. Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do not always say what they mean. It is up to the listener to read between the lines or pay attention to gestures and body language to get the real message.
. Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly and with a subdued tone. Loud people would come across as slightly aggressive.
Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through communication to build a strong relationship. Dealing with someone face-to-face is the only effective way of doing business.
. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.

Business Meetings

. Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-you rather than business. Do not be surprised if business is not even discussed.
. It is common for Indonesians to enter the meeting room according to rank. Although you do not have to do this, doing so would give a good impression.
. Indonesians do not make hasty decisions because they might be viewed as not having given the matter sufficient consideration. Be prepared to exercise patience.
. "Jam Karet" (rubber time) describes the Indonesian approach to time. Things are not rushed as the attitude is that everything has its time and place. Time does not bring money, good relations and harmony do.
. If negotiating, avoid pressure tactics as they are likely to backfire.

Date: 2016-03-03; view: 698