subject: Know The Basics Of International Business Gift Giving [print this page] Know The Basics Of International Business Gift Giving
Those who are involved in any type of business know that they can never avoid giving gifts once in a while. Businessmen would like to improve their business ties and relationships and gift giving is the perfect way to do so regardless of the occasion. Although this is the common belief for most people, this does not necessarily translate to the reality. You might not believe this but there are times when giving gifts can be the worst thing that you can do. This is especially true when you are invovled in an international business. Mostly, that's one of the reasons why differences in the insights towards business presents have a lot to do with race or nationally.
Other countries can actually take the act to be completely not acceptable while some may be very open to giving presents. For example, in the Czech Republic, Columbia, Indonesia and some others, giving gifts is a warm gesture between corporate people. But in other countries such as Australia, Uruguay and Denmark, this can be misconstrued as bribing.
Other countries can actually take the act to be completely not acceptable while some may be very open to giving presents. Of course, there are countries that find this act to be very warm and friendly. However, there are other countries like Australia and many others that find this act offensive because they think that this is like a bribe.
If you're involved in international business, it can be crucial for you to take time to research on the gift-giving customs of the people you deal with. Sometimes, it can be easy to conclude that a gift on a client's birthday is going to make your ties stronger. The effect can be otherwise. It can still make negative vibes that may be considered to affect the business relationship. Hence, it is important to always know the background of the people you consider gifting.
The topic about giving presents may not only be cultural but also religious. It will be a good idea to research on people's cultures you are planning to give presents even when working for a company. You might think, for instance, giving your boss a gift on his birthday. Perhaps you cannot give him anything made of cowhide as in India, cows are considered sacred if this person is Indian.
There will be rituals or "rules" that have to be pursued as giving gifts is not really discouraged in some cases. For example, the Chinese considered red a lucky color. The monetary value of a gift may also affect its meaning in almost all cases. Whatever thing that is costly can make the receiver feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed. A present should fit the level of relationship that the one who gives the gift has with the receiver in other cases.
There are more dissimilarity among nationalities when it comes to customs of giving gifts and it is significant in considering these before you give something, no matter how well meant.
