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Cultural Training in India

Doing business in India 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 set up a business in India? 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 in India.

Business Etiquette in India

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.

Third party introduction are the fastest way to get trust and respect: Indians prefer to do business with those they know. Try to build up relationship counting on credibility and respect as Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.

Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning to change in the managerial ranks. Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority and generally decision making is a slow process.

Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations, as in general Indians do not trust the legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement. Negotiate: most Indians business men expect concessions in both price and term and they are likely to do the same. Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.

Dress Etiquette in India is quite strict: men should wear dark conservative business suits. And women should dress in suits or dresses.

Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer. Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.

Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting. If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card. Use the right hand to give and receive business cards and always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.

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