Global Etiquette
Time Matters –
The Pacific Asia
and the Americas
By Maralyn D. Hill
Time Matters for
Business Meetings
In January, we covered timeliness for
business meetings in Europe and the
UK. Our February issue took on Africa
and The Middle East. This month, we
are going to reach further to the
a i
ia an th
ri a
ho
with this three part series, I will have
covered most of the world. I know I
may have overlooked some countries.
It was not intentional, but for lack of
information being readily available.
I would certainly appreciate any
additional information to come to
me in a letter to the editor.
As I mentioned before, promptness
for business meetings varies by
cultures and countries and that is
why I encourage one to err on the
side of being prompt. Since I cannot
begin to know or discover everything
about every country, what I’m
writing is based my on own
experiences, friends, Internet
research and books. It will be quite
clear that I know more about some
of these areas than others. Plus,
with all that is happening in the
world today, things change, and
what may have been true a year
or two ago may be on the verge
of change.
58
n o th
t ti
an off r i
that if you know and understand
the culture, it will help. If you
cannot take someone being late as
personal, that can help cement
a business relationship. I have to
admit, that is one of the most
i
ta
t or
a r
t
time. Plus, in many cultures, men
like to keep women waiting.
In general, this woman has, for the
most part, learned patience. In this
article, I will relay an example where
I lost patience, but doing business
as a woman could be an entire book
in itself.
The Pacific and Asia
This region has a greater variety
and diversity of races, religions,
languages, and cultures than Africa,
The Middle East, Africa and Europe.
It is considered impolite to start
talking business immediately. You
may not notice, but your Asian
counterpart will notice behavior,
dress, and everything. Most
importantly, do not cause anyone to
lose face, as it will not be forgotten
or forgiven. Make appointments and
n t a
o not
off n
i
others are late.
Fortunately, English is the language
of commerce throughout both Asia
an th a i
t
t yo
read up on the country you are
visiting to learn as much as you can
about the local culture. Another tip
is to have business cards printed in
English and the local language of
each country you are visiting. You will
discover, you will use more business
cards on an Asian trip than anywhere.
I’ve been to various parts of Asia
many times; some only once, and
others many return visits. I have
found all business meetings to be
formal and punctuality was expected.
Australia
I’ve only been to Australia twice. The
recent visit, like the one ten years
ar i r a in a o
t y iff r nt
part of the country. I also have many
Australian friends and have traveled
with them. So this aspect is based
on o r ty
tin an
a
from those I know.
Prior appointments are necessary
and punctuality is highly regarded.
Australians are direct and tell it like
it is. The dress may be less formal
than th ir riti h o nt r art
t
not necessarily. I was in many
meetings where the dress was quite
formal. Casual ones were more apt
to be out in the bush. I personally
n th
tra ian a
i ht to a
with and great with follow-through.
Bangladesh
Punctuality is held in high regard.
The People’s Republic of China
Generally, you will discover that your
trip to China is extremely organized
and punctuality is the utmost of
importance. Prior appointments and
on r ation ar n
ary o not
expect for business to be concluded
rapidly, as it generally takes a long
time for a Chinese businessman to
reach a decision. Your business
meeting will be quite formal.
Send as much collateral as possible on
the detailed topics to be discussed
and your company. That will assist in
ensuring the right people will be
attending the meeting. Don’t expect
yo r on r ation to o
ay in
advance. It is a Chinese preference to
wait until shortly before or even the
ay o th
tin to on r th
time and place.
Fiji
Fijians greet each other with a smile
and raised eyebrows. Handshakes are