But how can you properly prepare? 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 Singapore

The formalities and informalities; the how dyou dos and how dyou donts. 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.

The business environment for a company expanding in Singapore is seen as more formal than in the West. There are strict protocols to adhere to based on the ethnicity, status and age of an individual. The rules for women also vary, with shaking hands inappropriate in some situations. The concept of face is an integral aspect in both business and society. The Singapore people would prefer to avoid any form of conflict as it is seen as loosing face, which is humiliating. Subsequently, interpreting meetings can often be reliant on subtle facial gestures and body language. Certain gifts are also inappropriate for in Singapore. For instance, the giving of clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals signifies death.