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

New Zealand
Personal Space

New Zealanders are comfortable standing about an arm’s length apart when talking to someone. Men might prefer a bit more space than women.

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Singapore
Small Talk: Overview

Building and maintaining relationships is of great importance in Singapore's business culture, especially in interactions with foreign partners. Therefore, special attention should be given to small talk with your Singaporean counterparts.

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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.

2026/09/14

From real-world business practice at 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

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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

A greeting is just a greeting...

How important can it be if you want to win a potential partner or customer? It must really be the right greeting! Let's compare: a greeting in Chinese business practice and a greeting in European cultures described above.

Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table

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

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