Business Etiquette in India
Doing Business in India Guide > Business Etiquette in India
Knowing how to conduct yourself within the framework of a specific culture can be crucial to the success of your business in any foreign country and India is no exception. This is why it is important to study the country’s culture and background before doing business on the ground, and one of the keys to conducting yourself successfully among the local people is by practicing and refining business etiquette in India.
Appearance
First impressions are important. In India, men and women are expected to dress in certain ways, sometimes adhering to religious beliefs and practices. Men for example are usually expected to wear a suit and tie for business, although in the summertime, they are allowed to remove the jacket due to the heat. Women, on the other hand, are expected to dress conservatively, with practical dresses and pantsuits as the general preference.
It is also important to note that leather belts or bags may be considered offensive to some Indians since they consider cows to be holy. Hindus venerate cows and this bovine reverence often means refraining from the use of leather products.
Manners
Belief in certain religious ideas often dictates how Indians conduct themselves both personally and professionally. For example, it is considered insulting to call someone over by gesturing with the palm up and a finger wagging. Standing upright with hands on the hips is also considered to be an angry or aggressive posture and should be avoided if possible.
Whistling, though unintentional, is impolite and winking thought of as insulting especially to women. It may be misconstrued as a form of sexual provocation. Pointing feet is impolite as well, as Indians believe that feet are unclean, so that if your feet or shoes accidentally touch a person, it is necessary to apologize.
Gift-giving is also a common practice among Indians. However, wrapped gifts must not be opened in front of the giver. It is customary in India to set aside wrapped gifts and open them when the giver has already left.
Communication
In a country as big as India, there are bound to be a profusion of different languages and dialects, but the good thing about doing business in India is that here, English is used as their primary means of communication when doing business. Take not, however, that although English is used, there are words in the language that may take on a different meaning when used in the context of an Indian culture.
The word "no" for example, can be a very harsh word for the local people. As such, refusing an invitation directly is often avoided. Indians prefer to be evasive in replying negatively, often preferring to say “I’ll try” rather than being outright in declining.
"Thank you" is another curiosity when used in India. In general, Indians find it offensive when their guests thank them at the end of a meal. Saying "thank you" is considered a form of payment and unacceptable among hosts when said by their guests.
Finally, it is important to note that titles are important in India so that it when communicating with business partners, it is a must to address them using the correct titles.
Keeping these simple tips in mind can make a big difference when conducting business in India, so before hitting the ground, get to know the people and their way of life, and this little investment on knowledge will do you a world of good in this fascinating and culturally rich country.
We hope that our Doing Business in India Guide will help answer some of the routine questions we get asked. Please Contact Us if you need more in-depth assistance when looking to do business with India. We'll be glad to help.
