« Major Cities In India | Main Page »
The first thing to learn about business etiquette in India is :
- Be sensitive to the context at all times.
Relationships & Communication
- Indians prefer to do business with those whom they know.
- Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
- In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.
- It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you immediate credibility.
Business Meeting Etiquette in India
- If you will be traveling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance.
- It is a good to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice.
- The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your meeting the week before and call again that morning, since it is common for meetings to be cancelled at the last minute.
- Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute and rescheduling of meetings can be done.
- You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.
- Meetings 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.
- Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the meeting.
- Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.
- Don’t expect quick commitment. Decision makers may not be present in meetings
- Keep buffers about prices and time margins. Indians interpret fixed offers as inflexible and unsuitable
- Indians understand matters in their overall context. Give background information so they can place things in the larger context
Business Negotiating
- Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks.
- Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
- Decision making is a slow process.
- If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust.
- Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
- Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect concessions in return for those you grant.
- Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the legal system and someone’s word is sufficient to reach an agreement.
- Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.
- Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.
Dress Etiquette
- Business attire is conservative.
- Men should wear dark colored conservative business suits.
- Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
- The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less formal, although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.
Business Cards
- Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
- Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
- Business cards need not be translated into Hindi.
- Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.
- Business cards should be exchanged at the beginning of a business meeting. Take care before the meeting to have an adequate supply of business card that will be sufficient for all those members present at the meeting.
- Learn to recognize the ‘NO’ as Indians don’t say ‘NO’ directly, unless it is a crucial issue.
| If you are looking quality used and reconditioned cars, trucks, buses, bikes & parts, please check Japanese Used Car Portal. |
