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

Afghanistan
Introduction

Most Afghans do not have surnames, limiting themselves to first names only. However, if necessary, they can choose a surname, which is usually done by the middle class, city dwellers, and those with higher education.

Read more Other countries
Indonesia
Communication Specifics

Indonesian society can be characterized as high-context. This means that a certain part of the information remains unspoken or implied, as all the necessary information either stems from the situation itself or is understood without words by all participants in the communication since it is embedded in the culture.

Read more Other countries

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.

2026/09/14

From real-world business practice. Daimler–Chrysler: why did the merger of equals lead to the biggest failure in business history?

The merger of Daimler-Benz AG and Chrysler Corporation in 1998 is considered one of the most famous examples of a failed corporate integration. Despite enormous expectations, the deal—worth approximately $36 billion—ended in an asset sell-off less than a decade later, along with losses in the billions of dollars.

Germany United States

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

Read Ask a Question

Students
and educators

For those interested in the topic of cross-cultural differences

Read Ask a Question

Personnel of organizations

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

Read Ask a Question

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

Consultation Request

Contact us if you have any questions, can't find the right training or need more information.

Message