BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN INDIA

Reflecting on our own behavior and cultural preferences helps us not stereotype other cultures. Manners mean a lot to Indian culture.

Here are some essentials to be aware of around how to carry yourself when doing business as a foreigner in India or with Indians somewhere else.

 

How to Greet People

ü  Beyond the common Namaste greetings, in business, handshakes are now more common.

ü  Indian women may not shake hands with men 

ü  Embracing is common between friends/colleagues but is only done with someone of the same gender.

ü  When entering a business meeting, always greet the most senior person first.

ü  When exchanging business cards, make sure to receive the card with your right hand

ü  Small talk at the beginning of a business meeting is common and could include questions about your family. Equally it is perfectly appropriate to ask after the family of business partners, and in some instances this may be a good way of building trust.

How to Address People

ü  Indians emphasis on titles and a prefer using formal titles for instance if you are meeting a doctor or a professor they may expect or appreciate being addressed by their given title.

ü  In India status is important. If you have an official title, don’t be shy to use it.

How to dress for a business meeting

ü  For a foreigner it’s in order to wear your usual official business attire.

ü  On some instances, a jacket and tie aren’t expected.

ü  Women should dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders.

ü  The season and weather defines the dressing too.

BUSINESS LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION IN INDIA

ü  Indian people like to discuss important business issues in person rather than other means.

ü  During meetings they get down to business right away and are generally conservative and efficient in their approach.

ü  Maintaining eye contact is crucial for Indian business communication.

 

Tips for communicating

Indian people are very expressive in their use of body language. Facial expressions and gestures are crucial to convey messages. Below are some specifics which will be useful to know:

 

ü  Nodding the head from lifting chin up to down means a positive or agreed opinion

ü  Shaking the head from right to left means negative or disagreed opinion

ü  Raising the eyebrow with a slight upward means question or confusion

ü  Constant touching is not common and can be seen as an inappropriate gesture

Intercultural challenges when doing business

ü  Indians often value order, privacy.

ü  Business setup in India must follow a vertically structured hierarchy, with closely defined responsibilities.

ü  Indians can change plans at the last minute

ü  Indians ask personal questions

ü  As a foreigner if responses are too guarded they might be taken negatively.

ü  Never complain openly even if you are uncomfortable

ü  Indians are not as time-sensitive compared to other cultures