Cross cultural etiquette

Etiquette is a part of your grooming. Your family, friends, school, work place and even the country you live in define the manners you practice. Each country has a distinctive culture and it's unique set of etiquette. With the increasing multitude of options to choose from, the world has become a small place to work in. So before you pack your bags for an overseas assignment, arm yourself with the knowledge of basic etiquette in different countries.

Germany

The Germans are basically straightforward people. Whispering might signal bad manners in many cultures, but in Germany it might be interpreted as two people discussing something, which does not concern others.

It's customary to shake hands both at the beginning of a meeting and when you say goodbye. Not doing so would make you look like a snob.

Germans treat people of all ranks and positions with respect. Use of the first name is common. It is appropriate to address someone in the honorific form  `Sie` and the surname.

If you're invited for a meal you've to be sure that you reach at the stated time. For Germans 7 o'clock in the evening means sharp seven.

In Germany it's customary to take flowers for the host who has invited you for a meal or tea. The correct etiquette is to unwrap the flowers from the wrapping paper in the presence of the hostess.

Christmas and birthdays are occasions for exchanging gifts.

France

The French greet people by saying ‘Bonjour Monsieur' to a man and ‘Bonjour Madame' to a woman.

Instead of shaking hands, relatives and close friends kiss each other.

Group discussions often become heated. This is not being impolite; it's their habit to exchange quick ideas.

The French are expected to dress smartly and use titles correctly.

They believe a lot in punctuality.

During a negotiation you're expected to be clean, precise and logical.

French are warm hosts. They want you to enjoy the meal, but you should desist from clearing the table.

Japan

The word ‘Thanks' is most common in Japan. When people meet again they express ‘Thank you for your kindness the other day'.

They bow to each other on being introduced. Too much of eye contact is impolite behavior in Japan.

It is bad manners to point at a person or object with the index finger.

Japanese do not show affection in public and avoid slapping backs or hugging.

Blowing the nose is regarded as bad manners.

Winking or shrugging shoulders is not taken in the usual sense in Japan.

It's an insult to tip anybody.

Over crowded trains and buses are endured silently.

When wishing to say ‘No' in a business deal they will be polite by saying ‘Well, may be' or  ‘Do you think so'.

Japanese tend to telephone or write back promptly even if the news is little.

Businessmen in Japan on meeting first exchange their visiting cards.

In hotels they offer a steamed hot towel to wipe the face.

Italy

Being courteous to foreigners is routine for Italians.

People who can ill afford anything else exude genuine warmth and are sensitive to your wants without being interfering.

A chance meeting with an acquaintance would progress to a cup of coffee but he/she will not allow you to pay for the two cups.

Men feel obliged to open and shut doors for women getting in and out of cars.

Italians make people feel at home.

Shaking hands is considered to be polite and respectful.

Lightly kissing a lady's hand is like paying a graceful compliment to her.

Visiting people with flowers and chocolates is a custom.

Giving 5% to the waiter in a restaurant is normal in Italy.