Many businesses today have global connections. Some businesses may hire people from different cultures and others may have foreign investors or suppliers. There are businesses that have multiple offices in different countries. Whatever might be the case with you, it is important to know the cultural differences in Business English. Though the main medium of communication is English in these companies, there are cultural differences in the use of the language. Here are some of the differences you must know about.

Addressing someone

To many people, it can be a minor concern how to address someone. But others consider it to be a major topic for debate. In some cultures, for example, a person who has a doctorate degree can write 'Dr.' in front of his or her name. But in other cultures, it is inappropriate to include the 'Dr.' title unless you are a medical practitioner.

The Latin Americans and Continental Europeans like to be addressed by their titles, like 'Mr.' or "Ms.' followed by their title when they meet someone for the first time in a business environment. On the contrary, the British and Americans like a more informal approach and would prefer to be addressed by their first name. You can find out about their preference for addressing a person by observing how they talk to others. You can also ask them directly what they prefer.

Smiling

We normally smile when we meet someone. It's a friendly and welcoming gesture in the USA, UK and Australia. However, in Russia, it is considered to be insincere and suspicious. There is also a popular proverb in Russia that says ''laughing without reason is a sign of idiocy'. In Switzerland, Malaysia, China, and Germany people who smile are considered to be intelligent. But in Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Iran smiling people are conceived to be less intelligent. Interestingly, in India, Maldives, and Argentina, smiling people are associated with being dishonest.

Eye contact

In UK or USA making direct eye contact when speaking indicates that you are paying full attention to what the person is saying. But in Korea or Japan, it's considered to be awkward or disrespectful. In Africa or South America, doing eye contact means you are challenging the authority. In the Middle East, eye contact between opposite genders is considered to be inappropriate and may mean being dishonest.

Direct vs. indirect

In high-context culture, communication is indirect. Much is said through body language and gestures. Relationships and mutual understanding are given more preference than words. In low-context culture, on the other hand, communication is clear and direct. People say what they need explicitly.

Hierarchical structure

Countries like China, Japan, and Brazil prefer that young employees treat the more older and experienced ones with respect. But in the USA more preference is given to equality and individualism, rather than age. Here the young employees get an equal chance to express their views just like the older ones.


Negotiation styles

In Japan, people value the power of silence; that is, they negotiation quietly. But in other cultures, it is very loud. There are countries where people prefer negotiations to take place over lunch or other casual setting rather than in a boardroom.

Time management

In Argentina, time management is not that important. For example, if a patient is late for the appointment then the doctor is expected to be waiting for the patient. In Germany, there is no scope to be late for any meeting. Not knowing the culture of time management can lead to misunderstanding in business.

Work-life balance

In Canada, it is not a custom to work long hours. But in countries like Israel, working late hours is common. In some cultures, it is alright to call a colleague after work hours. But in other cultures, it is considered to be inappropriate.

Attitudes towards risk

Some cultures are more risk-averse than the others, like people in Japan, France, Mexico, and Brazil. But in the USA, Australia, and the UK, taking risks is common.

Dress code

Some cultures are strict about maintaining dress codes at the workplace. They expect you to be in formal dress. But in other cultures, you can come to the office in jeans and sandals.

Briber and gift-giving

In the USA, giving gifts is appreciated, but not expected in a business setting. Whereas, in China and Sweden, it is considered to be rude not to bring any gift to a business deal. There are other cultures in which gift-giving is seen as a form of bribery.

Decision-making

In some cultures, it is inappropriate to challenge the decision of the authority. But in other cultures, everyone's opinion is equally considered.

Conflict resolution

It is inappropriate to raise a voice to settle matters in some cultures. In the USA, it is alright to bring a lawyer or mediator to resolve conflicts.

You must deal with cultural differences in business properly to understand your own culture and that of others. You must understand that cultural differences in international business can have a great impact on business outcomes. You should try to develop cultural awareness in your organization so that multicultural teams can work in collaboration. Knowing and adapting to cultural differences can help you work smoothly with local partners. You can have a good relationship with the local suppliers to ensure smooth business operations.