Foreign partner — who he is, what it is important to know about the first meeting, how to build a relationship and other useful information

Switzerland
Taboo Topics

All personal topics, including age, marital status, religion, background, family relationships, and even work belong to a person's private sphere, which should not be violated.

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United Arab Emirates
Communication Specifics

This Arab state is characterised by an extraordinary cultural diversity. In business situations, it is possible to meet people with different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs and educational levels. It is important to be careful with your speech and avoid any comments of an evaluative nature so as not to accidentally hurt somebody’s feelings.

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Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table

WHO THIS PROJECT IS FOR

Entrepreneurs

For those who develop business contacts with foreign partners

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Students
and educators

For those interested in the topic of cross-cultural differences

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Personnel of organizations

For those involved in the development of cooperation programs with foreign countries

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How to make communication with a foreign partner effective? Cultural profiles of countries — in the public domain

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

During the greeting

In a number of cultures a firm Russian handshake is not accepted, for example, in India and Iraq. How should you greet your partner?

When contacting

It can be difficult to determine where on a business card is the first name and last name, and when it is possible to switch to "you".

Giving a business card

What language should the business card be in? What is important to remember when passing it on?

Starting conversation

What topics are considered dangerous? And what is the best way to engage in conversation?

Manners

Pauses in conversation, loud expressive speech, violent gesticulation? What is common in my partner's culture?

The answers to these and many other questions can be found on this site:

ARTICLES ON BUSINESS CULTURE

Why are decisions made quickly in some cultures and over weeks in others? What lies behind a partner's silence — or their unexpected “yes”? Our articles offer observations and practical advice for working with foreign partners.

2024/07/27

Inappropriate gifts

This post will also be about presents. But this time let's talk about inappropriate gifts.

In fact, it's also cultural. 

Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table

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