Are there some of you who work in foreign companies? Or at least always meet with strangers for business and jobs? If so, you must know very well that dealing with strangers of different cultures has its own challenges. Not just a matter of language and way of communicating that sometimes an obstacle, but also about the habits, customs, and behaviors that must always be adjusted. Perhaps you’ve experienced something unique or embarrassment associated with cross-cultural business, ie you do not forget to bow when greeting the big boss of Japan or always rush to meet demand from Korean boss who wants things done quickly.
In business, every country it has a different way influenced by the culture that was followed. To be able to do business with foreign colleagues, sometimes you have to adjust to the way they are. Not that changing the corporate culture and the loss of identity, but to know and understand the etiquette, business etiquette that apply and adapt them when meeting with foreigners according to nationality.
Many guides on international business etiquette to be learned and some of them are as below:
Japan
Business cards are the most important things you should bring when meeting with Japanese businessmen. Once you exchange greetings (either by bow or shake hands), give your card in a polite way, that is held with both hands. Never folded, scribbling, playing, let alone leave a card you receive, because you will be deemed not appreciate the card giver. Keep the cards in the appropriate place and treated with respect. To fashion, conservative and formal style is a fitting choice. For women, you should use a skirt rather than trousers. Be careful with hand gestures and facial expressions, because it could lead to wrong interpretation. Always come at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting time, especially if you are going to meet with the bosses or senior executives. The Japanese are famous on time, so make your meeting on time anyway. When meeting Japanese businessmen will record what is happening in the meeting, then nothing is missed or overlooked.
Korea
Similarly, Japanese, Korean businessmen regard business cards as well as being important in business dealings, so make sure you always carry it. In a meeting, you rarely introduce themselves directly to the listener, usually a third person who will introduce you. If you are more junior, then you have to bend to the other person who is more senior / higher position. Korea upholds the seniority and superior and subordinate relationships. As a form of respect, they usually greet the other person by the name of occupation / profession / its title and then followed by family name, for example: Director Kim, Choi Manager, or Supervisor Lee. Or if you’re not sure, call me with an international designation, for example Mr. Kim or Ms. / Mrs Lee. Korean people usually hold a business meeting followed by a feast or a drink (alcoholic), you can use traditional beliefs and health reasons to reject the offer subtly.
These two countries are the top Asian countries are investing in Indonesia after China. Approaching the free market, more and more foreigners coming into Indonesia to set up a business. Cooperative relationships were inevitably will be more frequently intertwined. Required extensive knowledge and a fairly high sensitivity to the customs and culture of countries that will become your business associates. Therefore, further study of business ethics that applies internationally and to approach your business dealings with strangers can run smoothly.
