Another very important aspect of business culture in India is the meeting etiquette. Meeting Etiquette is influenced by all sorts of cultural elements described above, including social class. For example, in India, one must greet the eldest or more senior first, and when leaving a group each person must bid farewell individually. Though shaking hands is common, this is only in big cities, where the natives are accustomed to Westerners. Men and women, however, do not usually shake hands.
The next part of the business culture is knowing Indian names, and where they originate. According to one article, names are based upon "religion, social class, and region of the country." For Hindus for example, in the north, people are given a name and a surname. However, in the south, they do not have surnames and generally utilize the initial of their father's name in from of their own names. With Muslim Indians, one will notice that they do not have the surnames and instead, "men add the father's name to their own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad. Women use the connector 'binti'. The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca," according to the same article.
Lastly, Sikha utilize the name Singh overwhelmingly, as it is adopted as a surname or as a name connector to the surname.
Though this may not be usually done in a business setting, one must be aware of the gift giving etiquette. For example is one is invited to a person's house and wishes to bring a gift, thought this is not necessary, he or she must avoid giving white flowers, as they are utilized at funerals. A gift from a man should come from himself and, if he does not have a wife, some other female relative (i.e. mother or sister). Hindu people should not be given gifts that are made of leather, and Muslim people ought not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products. Furthermore, one must mind that gifts will not be opened once received, as this will be done only in private.
When dining at a person's home, it is important to be punctual, dress modestly, and take off the shoes before entering a house. Furthermore, it is part of the protocol to turn down first offers of tea, coffee or snacks. Table manners while dining are formal, though it can be trumped by religious beliefs (i.e. eating with one's fingers). A visitor must wait until he or she is told where to sit, as guests are usually sat in a particular order, which will be mirrored in the way that they will be served. Lastly, one must always use the right hand, and leave some food on the plate when finished, as a clear plate will be taken as a sign that one is still hungry.
With regards to more official protocol, one must be aware of more specific details. For example, though Indians usually only do business with people they know and though this is changing, relationships are still build upon mutual trust and respect, and many have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business; thus if one goes through a third party introduction, credibility is probable, if not immediate. If traveling for an appointment, especially with someone whom one has not yet met, it is advisable to make an appointment in a few months in advance, and check up prior to the appointment to ensure it has not been cancelled. Most Indians, furthermore, will prefer a meeting in late morning or early afternoon. Further, one must be aware that often, a meeting "will start with a great deal of getting-to-know-you talk. In fact, it is quite possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting."
United States vs. India: A Cultural Comparison
With the aforementioned business-related and business protocol in mind, one must now examine similarities and differences between the United States and India, with respect to the way business is conducted in both countries. In the United States, business is very serious, as it is in India. However, in the U.S. many people can be informal and jocular in certain instances, especially if in an informal setting. As seen above, however, even when having dinner, one must follow a certain kind of protocol that is entrenched in the country's rich history. Therefore, culture becomes a very important aspect. There are, however, many similarities between doing business in India and the United States, and they are given in a list below:
Mutual understanding and respect is necessary
If a person loses his or her temper he will not be as respected
Delays are excusable, but not preferred
Dress attire is usually formal for both men and women, though this also depends on the weather often times
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