ARAB AND ISLAMIC COUNTRIES

ATTIRE - Men should wear suits and women should wear dresses or skirts that fall below the knee. Women should also keep arms covered to the wrist.

BUSINESS - Plan carefully when scheduling meetings; business is not conducted during religious holidays, which usually are observed between June and September. Business also does not take place from Thursday night to Friday night, which is the Sabbath in Persian Gulf countries.

SOCIAL SETTINGS – Alcohol is forbidden. Do not attempt to take alcohol to an Islamic country; the penalty is serious. Be careful about complimenting any possession belonging to business associates in these countries; if you praise any possession, your host will feel obliged to give it to you, and you will be obliged to reciprocate with a gift of similar value. If you are offered a gift of a personal possession, politely but firmly refuse.

AUSTRALIA ATTIRE – Business dress is more casual than in other countries. BUSINESS – Somewhat male-dominated and very democratic, so more people may participate in meetings than in other countries. SOCIAL SETTINGS – The custom is for each person to take a turn paying the tab for rounds of drinks. CHINA GREETINGS - Bow head slightly when introduced, as a sign of respect. Do not attempt body contact. Chinese who are used to interacting with Westerners will shake hands. A lack of eye contact should not be interpreted as a lack of assertiveness. Do not attempt to become too friendly too soon. Do not insist that they call you by your first name. The American pattern of quick informality should be resisted. Chinese point at objects with an open hand instead of the index finger. Beckoning to someone is done with a palm facing down. Avoid beckoning with your index finger facing up (this is the way to call a dog). If a Chinese business associate gives you a compliment, it is polite to deny it graciously. Modesty is highly valued in China.

ATTIRE – Business dress should be conservative. Men should wear suits and women should never wear all white, the color of mourning.

BUSINESS - Business cards are exchanged when people meet, but formal business may not begin immediately. Accept a business card with both hands and place it in front of you, not immediately in your pocket or briefcase. Be patient. Chinese business associates prefer to avoid the truth rather than offend. The head or leader of a group will be the first to enter a room, so Americans should follow this custom when in China. Wait until the end of a presentation to ask questions; it is considered rude to interrupt.

SOCIAL SETTINGS – During meals, be prepared to use chopsticks. Do not eat or drink until your host does. When toasts are made, it is expected that everyone will empty his or her glass. Be prepared to respond to a toast, if one is given by your host. Always leave something on your plate at the end of a meal, so that your host does not think you are still hungry. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black and white paper because these are the colors of mourning. Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value. Do not give a clock, handkerchief, umbrella or white flowers, particularly chrysanthemums, as a gift, as all of these signify tears and /or death. Do not give sharp objects such as a knife as it would signify the cutting of a relationship. FRANCE GREETINGS – Shake hands upon arrival and departure. Address business associates in a formal manner.

BUSINESS – Formality is the rule in business in France. Be punctual; it is interpreted as a sign of courtesy. In conversation, avoid topics of a personal nature, politics, and money. Confirm appointments in writing when possible. The business day usually begins at 8:30 AM, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 3:00 PM, and concludes at 6:30 PM. Do not schedule breakfast meetings.

SOCIAL SETTINGS – If you are invited to the home of a business associate, take a gift of candy or flowers. (Do not take roses or chrysanthemums). Meals are a very important aspect of French culture. If you take a French business associate out for dinner or lunch, suggest that he or she select a wine. The French are proud of their wine; be sure to praise it.

GERMANY GREETINGS – It is customary to shake hands on meeting and when leaving. Do not use a first name until invited to do so; titles are important. Use a title if one is indicated.

BUSINESS – The business day begins early and extends until the late afternoon. During business hours, Germans prefer not to use small talk or humor, and spontaneity is not favored. Be punctual for appointments and meetings. Business entertaining is often formal, with a formal dinner followed by a concert, or other event.

SOCIAL SETTINGS – If invited to the home of a business associate, take flowers for the hostess, and unwrap them before presenting them. Avoid red roses (which indicate romance) and do not give an even number of flowers. Being invited to the home of a business associate is a special privilege. Gifts, in general, should be modest and elegantly wrapped. A small box of chocolates is appropriate.