Business Etique in Europe

Europe ranges from the cold northern countries of Norway and Sweden to the warm Mediterranean countries of Italy and Greece. Some customs and mores such as the way to shake hands, to mention names and titles, to open a conversation, to express gesture and the like vary such as much as the topography, while others are shared across all of Europe.

However, as the standard business greeting gesture throughout Europe, handshake is usually exchanged before and after every meeting, no matter how many meetings you have already had. An exception is in Great Britain, where, as in The Unoited States, an initial handshake is often the only one you will receive.

European handshakes are more formal and less casual than those in the United States. A quick grasp and release is the norm. In most European countries, handshake are firm. An exception is France, where a lighter grasp is customary. Finally, it is customary to let women and those in a higher rank to extend their hands first in Europe.

In many European countries, asking people what they do or asking them a personal question as an opening in a conversation is a serious mistake. EWuropeans are, for the most part, more formal and reserved about such matters than Americans are.

It is important to watch out for the gesture-related mistakes. the American gesture for "OK" using a circle formed by foreigner and thumb is offensive in Germany. Showing your palm to someone is offensive in Greece. keeping your hands in your pocket is rude. Back-slapping is out of place in nothern Europe, and at last, having your hands below the table while dining in France, Germany, and Austria is rude.

At last, we can see taht each place has its own customs and mores. Then, we realize that it is very important to know customs and mores of other countries in order to avoid misunderstanding in culture and to build a good overseas business relationship since a good understanding in ones's cultures might smoothen the business flow and objective.

Posted in: culture,Hereditary,Human