Cultural Training in Canada

Doing business in Canada isn't like going on holiday: don't expect to get by with knowledge of a few words, and don't assume business is conducted in the same way universally.

But how can you properly prepare to expand a business in Canada? There are many cultural training companies and schools which can help you. They offer cross-cultural grounding, bridging the translatory and protocolic gaps between nations and people.

Providing guidance in all areas of business and sociality, these cultural training companies are experts when it comes to negotiation training; management training; and diversity training. All training, of course, can be country-specific.

Tutorials can take many forms, so investigate which will be right for you and, if necessary, your employees.

Business Etiquette in Canada

The formalities and informalities; the how d'you dos and how d'you don'ts. Etiquette is one of the foundations of modern civilisation, and business is no exception. A business blunder, in some countries, could mean the difference between a deal and disrepute. Again, its all about culture if not adopting, at least recognising and respecting the traditions and protocols of a people.

Politeness. Politeness. Politeness. Canadians expect others to adhere to the proper protocol for any given situation: shake hands with everyone at the meeting upon arrival and departure, maintain eye contact while shaking hands, exchange business cards after the initial introduction. Politeness doesnt mean excessive formality: businesspeople are usually easy-going and somewhat informal.

Canadians are essentially rational and logical and thus they will not be convinced by emotions, passion or feelings. They expect people to speak in a straightforward manner and to be able to back up their claims with examples. When presenting information, it is important to have facts and figures to substantiate claims and promises.

Be factual and do not make exaggerated claims: they will be suspicious of something that sounds too good to be true. Their communication style is essentially pragmatic and relies on common sense: they can disagree openly when necessary, but they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy.

Business etiquette in Canada is marked by regionalism and cultural diversity. Communication styles vary most between Anglophone and Francophone parts of the country. Francophones are generally more indirect and exuberant than Anglophones Anglophones do not generally interrupt someone who is speaking. They consider it rude not to let a person complete their thought before entering the discussion. Francophones are more likely to interrupt another speaker. All Canadians like their space and prefer to be at an arms length when speaking to someone.