Business Etiquettes

The dictionary meaning of the etiquette is conventional rules of social behaviour

or professional conduct.

Etiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior

according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or
group The French word étiquette literally signifying a tag or label first appeared
in English around 1750.

The etiquette of business is the set of written and unwritten rules of conduct that
make social interactions run more smoothly. Office etiquette in particular applies
to coworker interaction, excluding interactions with external contacts such as
customers and suppliers. Etiquette is dependent on culture

Source: http://www.wikipedia.com

Cindy Grosso define business etiquette" Business etiquette is the subtle,

redefining difference which enables people to excel and succeed in today’s
corporate culture."

Why etiquettes?

• Global workforce, International client, Joint ventures, Educated work force

has redefined social & business etiquettes and manners of Indian business
culture.

• Appearances, attitudes and behaviors of employees has become direct

reflections of company and brand.

• Knowing how to conduct oneself with confidence and ease can determine
whether one gets project, lands the contract or moves up the corporate
ladder

• Thus it become essential for professionals to know the right things to do

at corporate formal get together ,lunches, dinners and social events

Etiquette has to do with good manners. Its not so much our own good
manners, but making other people feel comfortable by the way we behave.

Source: http://www.citehr.com

Corporate etiquette:

 Customer service etiquette.

 Phone etiquette.

 Email etiquette.

 Professional conduct.
Customer etiquette:

Do not take comments or insult personally.

Never interrupt the customer.

Show empathy.

Take responsibility.

Patience really is a virtue.

Phone etiquette:

Don’t

Eat when you are on phone.

Put someone on speakerphone.

Say anything that you don’t want the caller to hear.

Answer the phone if you are not prepared.

Do

Answer using your name, title and ask how you can help.

Always leave your phone number and speak slowly.

Leave a short, detailed message.

Return calls in timely manner.

Smile when you answer the phone.

E mail etiquette:

Subject line should be short and specific.

Avoid jargon and abbreviations.

Use short paragraph.

Read for content and grammar before sending.

Be consistent with format.

Think before you hit “sent.”

Source: http://www.presentationsexpert.com
One of the major blunders Western people make in India is to forget people and
concentrate on schedule, contracts, results, facts and issues

Western Business = End Results

Indian Business = Process of Interaction,
Relationships
The credibility and trustworthiness of a business partner are critical in securing
cooperation so these have to be built up over time.

Orientation to time

West: Time = Scarce

commodity
India: Time = Expression of
eternity

In India everything takes time. Indian business people like to be on time but in
real life things don't work like clockwork. Keep a lot of margin in your schedules
for the unexpected events. A Western person likes to concentrate on one thing
at a time while his Indian counterpart is poly chronic and attends to many things
at the same time. Be prepared for lots of interruptions all the time.

Personal space
Indians keep very small bubbles of personal space around them and there is so
much touchy cuddly walking hand in hand behavior all around. However:

• Men don't touch women in public and vice versa.

Superiors pat subordinates on their shoulders and there is much collegial

backslapping. The handshake is practiced everywhere in cities. The traditional
Indian greeting is the "Namaste," which you do with hands pressed together,
palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest with a slight
nod or bow of the head. This has a spiritual basis in recognizing a common divine
essence within the other person.

• Always be polite, although you need to be firm.

• Never lose your temper, even when it is to your advantage to show

anger.

Conversation

All meetings start with some small talk. Indians are very curious and like to
exchange views even with total strangers. Be prepared for Indians talking about
matters which would be considered an invasion of privacy in the west.

• Learn to recognize the "NO" as Indians don't say NO directly, unless

it is a crucial issue.
 • Don't point out poverty, dirt, and social ills to Indians as they might
interpret it as condescending coming from a foreigner. Indians are
proud of their rich history and appreciate intelligent discussions with
mutual respect, so avoid preaching about democracy and women's
rights etc.

Addressing others
Indian businesses are hierarchical. Titles such as Mr, Mrs or Professor are used
almost always unless the other person asks you to go on a first name basis.

• Get used to people always calling you Mr this or Madam this or

saying "yes, Sir" or "yes, Madam" all the time.

• Find out how you should address the other person - naming and
addressing practices vary across the country.

Giving Gifts
Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. If your Indian host insists on
your opening the gift, do so and show appreciation for his/her choice. If you are
invited to an Indian home for dinner, take some small gift, like a box of
chocolates or flowers or a gift for the children (if they have any). Wrap in red,
yellow, green or blue colored wrapping paper. White and black colors in
wrappings are considered inauspicious. A small gift from your culture or a framed
photograph with the host or colleagues would be valued as a gift. If your Indian
host drinks and keeps alcoholic drinks at home, a bottle would be an appreciated
gift.

Meetings and Negotiations

Meetings and negotiations are spaced over time and there are many digressions.
Give background information such as who is involved, who else has implemented
such a proposal or who higher up has endorsed - Indians understand matters in
their overall context and such information is vital for them. Don't get nervous
over frequent interruptions, digressions or bargaining in negotiations. Keep
buffers, which you can cut in your offers as Indians interpret fixed offers as
inflexible thus unsuitable for their needs. Don't expect quick commitment as all
decisions take time and may involve people not present in meetings.

Business Dress
Business attire varies in different parts of India. Decency and decorum is the
guiding principle here. It is better to dress slightly more conservatively than too
casually. In India position in the hierarchy of business dictates formality of dress.
Use common sense in dressing

Source: http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Etiquette/business-etiquette-India.html