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

All countries
Sweden
Greeting

While being introduced, the parties exchange a handshake, which should be sufficiently strong, but at the same time short. It is important to maintain eye contact with your partner.

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Ethiopia
Preferred Topics

Show interest in Ethiopia—its culture, sights, and attractions. Ethiopians take great pride in their country and will appreciate your curiosity about what’s happening there and how the country is developing.

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CASES FROM BUSINESS PRACTICE

Why can a multi-billion merger founder on cultural differences? Why does a talented employee strike their manager as lacking initiative? We examine real business situations and show the role intercultural differences play in them.

2026/09/16

When Initiative Becomes a Problem: Cross-Cultural Conflict in an International Team. Why Can’t a German Manager and a Chinese Employee Understand Each Other?

A talented employee who consistently delivers strong results is seen by her manager as lacking initiative. But does a reluctance to act independently necessarily indicate a lack of competence?

This case illustrates how workplace conflict may stem not from the individuals involved, but from differences in national culture. 

China United States

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Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table

Checklist «8 mistakes»

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

All countries

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:

All countries

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

Indian culture

When we talk about cultures we talk about ourselves, we talk about us. What can be more important? Today let's look at the Indian culture. It's fantastic! Let's see what you should think of when communicating with a partner (even potential) from this country.

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Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table

Checklist «8 mistakes»

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