Protocols and Etiquettes to be Maintained While Continuing Business in India
India is a country with lots of diversity and hence while doing business in India, it is bit tough to draw a conclusion at an earlier stage and due to this it is very difficult to have some set rules in order to go ahead. The first steps to pursue business in India involve consideration of certain factors very strongly and this includes the language, cultural aspects, religion, and caste system to a great extent. A businessman needs to bring changes in the approach, etiquette and behaviour based on the situation and the one to be addressed at the other end.
The business centres in India are constituted mostly by the metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and so on. And hence a particular socio economic class has thrived in these cities. Here are the few clues to guide one through the cultural aspects and business etiquettes to be pursued in these regions. The tips will indeed add momentum to one’s decision to make business investments in India and exploring newer investment opportunities in the country of diversification.
India has many states and each of them bear scores of languages and dialects and among them some are referred as official languages. Although Hindi is the principal official language but the other languages should also be paid considerable respect. Alongside, English is also the language of great importance while pursuing international trade and commerce.
If someone has strong desire towards gaining good deal of profit in lieu of investment opportunities in India then the cultural aspects should be strongly bore in mind. They play the key role in defining the business culture prevailing in the country, in this context the element that needs to be pointed out is the hierarchy level as the entire infrastructure of the Indian society stands on the framework called hierarchy and it is maintained very strictly. This on the contrary keeps the status and role of people at par with the social order.
There are several instances proving the fact, such that a clerk won’t provide any manual labour as it is the responsibility of a ‘runner’ or a ‘peon’. Therefore if there is a requirement as meagre as moving a desk might take hours when a peon is engaged as no one will be open for doing the task as it is a general idea that has thrived in the country for years now that all work is not meant for everyone.
If the ordeal is meeting someone then it is very important to remember the etiquette to be followed during the meeting. In India, “Namste” is the most preferable gesture; this is a sign that resemble the Indian culture very closely. It is done by joining palms and bringing it near the chest marked by bowing down a little. Along with that, a handshake also marks a warm gesture.
One should also be aware of the surnames bearing Indian origin. The surnames say a lot, with them the caste, religion and even some traits of the individual can be judged.
If favourable business investments have been made then please stress on the given points in order to have a successful business in India.
The business centres in India are constituted mostly by the metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and so on. And hence a particular socio economic class has thrived in these cities. Here are the few clues to guide one through the cultural aspects and business etiquettes to be pursued in these regions. The tips will indeed add momentum to one’s decision to make business investments in India and exploring newer investment opportunities in the country of diversification.
India has many states and each of them bear scores of languages and dialects and among them some are referred as official languages. Although Hindi is the principal official language but the other languages should also be paid considerable respect. Alongside, English is also the language of great importance while pursuing international trade and commerce.
If someone has strong desire towards gaining good deal of profit in lieu of investment opportunities in India then the cultural aspects should be strongly bore in mind. They play the key role in defining the business culture prevailing in the country, in this context the element that needs to be pointed out is the hierarchy level as the entire infrastructure of the Indian society stands on the framework called hierarchy and it is maintained very strictly. This on the contrary keeps the status and role of people at par with the social order.
There are several instances proving the fact, such that a clerk won’t provide any manual labour as it is the responsibility of a ‘runner’ or a ‘peon’. Therefore if there is a requirement as meagre as moving a desk might take hours when a peon is engaged as no one will be open for doing the task as it is a general idea that has thrived in the country for years now that all work is not meant for everyone.
If the ordeal is meeting someone then it is very important to remember the etiquette to be followed during the meeting. In India, “Namste” is the most preferable gesture; this is a sign that resemble the Indian culture very closely. It is done by joining palms and bringing it near the chest marked by bowing down a little. Along with that, a handshake also marks a warm gesture.
One should also be aware of the surnames bearing Indian origin. The surnames say a lot, with them the caste, religion and even some traits of the individual can be judged.
If favourable business investments have been made then please stress on the given points in order to have a successful business in India.
- Always address everyone with appropriate title.
- If business card is being exchanged then at one side the information can be printed in Hindi or the regional language.
- Always be positive in projecting your sense of honour and trustworthiness.
- If meetings are necessary then they should be arranged well in advance and should be confirmed over phone or in writing.
- The national holidays should be considered strongly while planning a meeting.
- The senior members should be greeted and treated with great respect.
- Keep in mind that it is not just few power point presentations, statistical datas or empirical figure, which influence the business decision of an Indian. They give more weight age to mutual faith and trust and hence a nice rapport should be established before you go ahead with creating a long lasting business relation.
- Do not be forceful and avoid high pressure tactics while going for negotiation.
- Lastly, it calls for a fun filled celebration dinner after the relationship been established, as it will attribute the entire process with a sweet note.
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