International Marketing Practices

Meeting Etiquette After your initial introduction, the meeting must continue to go well to foster a successful relationship and accomplish the intended result. That said, you should have an understanding of cultural expectations and formalities overseas, for example, regarding small talk, agenda requirements, interruptions, and communications styles.

What kind of communication style is the norm? *

Is pre- business chat customary?

If there is an agenda, do meetings stick to it?

Is interruption allowed?

Country

— Canada and the Americas —

Brazil

Yes No

No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No

Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No No No No

Direct Indirect Direct Direct Indirect

Canada

U.S.

Minimal

— The Middle East —

Israel UAE

Yes Yes

— Europe and Russia —

Denmark

Minimal

Direct Direct Direct Direct

France

No

Germany Ireland

Minimal Minimal

Russia Spain

No Yes

Indirect Indirect Direct Direct Direct Direct Indirect Indirect Indirect Direct Indirect

Sweden

Minimal

Switzerland

No

U.K.

Minimal

— Asia and Australia —

Australia Hong Kong

Minimal

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

India Japan

New Zealand South Korea

Minimal

Taiwan Indirect * Direct communication – No need to read between the lines, communication is honest and blunt. Indirect communication – Avoiding tension with your business partner, often connected to the concept of “saving face,” or protecting another’s honor and self-esteem.

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