Gift giving
Gift giving is an area which often causes confusion and can cause great offense if the traditions of the country or culture are not adhered to. In many cultures gifts are given to celebrate finalising a negotiation, a contract or a project. Gifts for the office, such as a nice bottle of wine or liquor are appropriate. In other cultures gift giving might be seen as a bribe and could result in legal action being taken as companies in some countries aren't permitted to accept gifts.
In Africa and Australia gift giving is not the norm. However, in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, exchanging gifts is strongly rooted in tradition. Part of the tradition is the gracious style used to present and receive them.
Even more confusing is how you accept a gift. It's very important in Asia and the Middle East to only use your right hand, or both hands, to offer or accept a gift. In Japan and Hong Kong, you should use both hands. In Singapore a recipient may "graciously refuse three times" before accepting your gift. But in Chile, gifts are accepted and opened immediately.
It's also important to take into account religious traditions, for example, wine or some meat products might not be acceptable gifts to give someone who is from a Jewish or Muslim country.
Business lunches and dinners
In some countries business is regularly conducted over lunch or dinner. For example, hospitality is a way of life in the Arab world and business is frequently conducted over lunch or dinner - more than likely in a lavish hotel or restaurant. It is also considered polite to return the invitation.
Liana, an accountant from Australia who was recently placed by Think Global Recruitment with a Big Four firm in Qatar says "the wealth of the clients we advise means that client "lunches" and "celebration events" are incredibly decadent!"
Be careful about your eating habits though while conducting business meetings over a meal. In some countries, such as New Zealand, it is considered bad manners to discuss business during the meal; this should be conducted before or after the meal.
Business dress
While most cultures, such as the UK, France and New Zealand consider a conservative business dress code appropriate, others, such as Bermuda, have a more relaxed informal approach.
Edmund, an accountant from Kenya, was placed with a Big Four firm in Bermuda by Think Global Recruitment in September 2006. He says of the local business dress code, "I am used to wearing dark suits every other day of the week - here, its business casual! The work place is also freer in terms of access and expression".
Josh, an accountant from New Zealand who was also placed by Think Global Recruitment with a Big Four firm in Bermuda agrees, "One in six guys here wears Bermuda shorts to work and I love being one of them! There's actually quite a lot of thought in deciding colours. Apparently you're supposed to match either socks with shorts, socks with shirt or shorts with tie. I found it pretty confusing at first, but after seeing people wearing bright red, pink and yellow I've decided not to take it too seriously!".
In other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, visitors are expected to abide by local standards of modesty; however, they are not expected to adopt native clothing. Traditional clothes on foreigners may be considered offensive.
