Avoiding Cultural Faux Paus

Avoiding Cultural Faux Paus for Consultants.

Awareness of cultural faux pas is crucial for anyone engaging in international business, especially in the consulting sector, where relationships and trust are paramount. Below are lists of five faux pas to avoid in Japan, Germany, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and India.

Avoiding Cultural Faux Paus Globally (Examples)

Japan

1. Ignoring Hierarchy: Japan places great importance on social and corporate hierarchies. Always recognize and defer to seniority in meetings or social settings.
2. Improper Business Card Etiquette: When exchanging business cards, present and receive the card with both hands and take a moment to examine it carefully before putting it away respectfully.
3. Direct Eye Contact: In Japanese culture, excessive eye contact is considered confrontational or overly bold. It’s better to maintain softer, less direct eye contact.
4. Pointing Feet: The feet are considered the lowest part of the body, and using them to point at objects or people is considered extremely disrespectful.
5. Declining an Invitation: Rejecting an invitation from a colleague or a superior, even if you have a legitimate reason, is often seen as a refusal to build a personal relationship.

Germany

1. Late Arrivals: German culture places a high value on punctuality. Being late can be viewed as a sign of disrespect or disorganization.
2. Informal Address: Always use last names and appropriate titles until explicitly told otherwise. Using first names without permission can be seen as overly familiar or disrespectful.
3. Crossing Arms: This gesture is often seen as a sign of insecurity or defensiveness and can negatively affect business interactions.
4. Jokes in Business Settings: Germans tend to separate business from pleasure, so making jokes during business meetings can be considered inappropriate.
5. Unclear Communication: Germans value directness and clarity, so roundabout or vague communication is not appreciated.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

1. Using Left Hand for Eating or Greeting: The left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Always use your right hand when eating, greeting, or giving and receiving objects.
2. Public Displays of Affection: Holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public is frowned upon and could even lead to legal issues.
3. Offensive Gestures or Language: Using profanity, making obscene gestures, or displaying anger publicly can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
4. Photography: Taking pictures of locals, especially women, without permission is considered disrespectful and could lead to legal repercussions.
5. Failure to Observe Religious Customs: Not observing religious customs like fasting during Ramadan could be considered disrespectful.

China

1. Challenging Someone Publicly: This could cause them to “lose face,” a significant concern in Chinese society, which could ruin your business relationship.
2. Poor Dining Etiquette: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual.
3. Discussing Sensitive Political Issues: Topics like Taiwan, Tibet, or the Tiananmen Square incident should be avoided.
4. Ignoring Seniority: Like in Japan, the eldest or most senior person should always be greeted first in a group setting.
5. Failure to Bring a Gift: It’s often expected to bring a small gift as a sign of respect during business meetings.

India

1. Touching Someone’s Head: The head is considered the spiritual center of the body and should not be touched without permission.
2. Public Displays of Affection: Similar to the UAE, it’s advised to avoid PDA, particularly in rural areas.
3. Using Left Hand for Eating or Offering: The left hand is considered unclean in Indian culture, similar to Middle Eastern cultures.
4. Wearing Shoes Indoors: It’s customary to remove one’s shoes when entering someone’s home and often in businesses and offices as well.
5. Eating Beef: Cows are sacred in Hinduism, and eating beef can be offensive to Hindus.

These points serve as general guidelines; however, cultural norms can vary within each country, and individuals may have different perspectives and tolerances. Nonetheless, avoiding these faux pas can go a long way in establishing and maintaining successful cross-cultural business relationships.