business card etiquette 跨文化交际中的名片礼仪

1、Business Card Etiquette: Exchanging business cards is an essential part of most cultures. In most Asian countries, after a person has introduced him or herself and bowed, the business card ceremony begins. In Japan, this is called meishi. The card is presented to the other person with the front side

2、 facing upwards toward the recipient. Offering the card with both hands holding the top corners of the card demonstrates respect to the other person. In Japan, it is particularly important to be aware of the way business cards should be exchanged. The western tradition of accepting a business card a

3、nd immediately putting it in your pocket is considered very rude there. The proper approach is to carefully look at the card after accepting it, observe the title and organization, acknowledge with a nod that you have digested the information, and perhaps make a relevant comment or ask a polite ques

4、tion. During a meeting, spread the cards in front of you relating to where people are sitting. In other words, treat a business card as you would treat its owner-with respect.The business card is much more in the Asian culture than it is to us here in America. It is truly an extension of the individ

5、ual and is treated with respect. Things like tucking it into a pocket after receiving it, writing on it, bending or folding it in any way, or even looking at it again after you have first accepted it and looked at it are not considered polite and can insult your fellow Asian networker.First encounte

6、rWhen European businessmen meet for the first time, they shake hands firmly. New participants in business interactions are introduced to the other persons present at the beginning of the first appointment. Titles, first names and last names are mentioned. In most European countries, such as Germany,

7、 France and Belgium, using courtesy titles and last names is the norm. In the UK and in the Netherlands it is not unusual to act on a first-name basis after the first introduction. Business cardsExchanging business cards is one of the most common ways of providing contact details. Business cards are

8、 usually exchanged at the beginning of the first meeting, so that each participant knows the position of the others in the company. If a contact person is absent, always leave a business card behind. In Europe, business cards are not handed over with both hands, but it is not regarded impolite if on

9、e does so. CommunicationAlthough most European countries are similar in this matter, each nationality has its own way of communicating. Dutch businessmen keep business and private matters strictly separate. When negotiating they are very straightforward and to the point. A no-nonsense approach is us

10、ed in business interactions and in society. A foreign businessman should not feel offended when a Dutchman says he is wrong. Businessmen from the United Kingdom and from Belgium are more careful. They will be very cautious in saying that they disagree and they need time to think things over. In Luxe

11、mbourg first contacts are quite formal. For Luxembourgian businessmen it is important to know that the business partner is not passing through, but that he has chosen the country for its individual characteristics. In Germany and France people are more distant and formal. French people do not use fi

12、rst names, and one must persevere to gain their trust. Most Europeans have a good sense of humour. Laughing loudly and self-mockery is not considered as impolite. AppointmentsIn most European countries it is very important to be on time, but due to increasing traffic on the roads it occurs more ofte

13、n that people are delayed. Arriving late at a meeting can be regarded as an insult. Thus, any delay must be notified immediately. In France it is recommended to confirm appointments to be sure that the French business partners will be present. Business lunches and dinnersBusiness lunches and dinners

14、 form a crucial part of the business interaction process both in Europe and in China. Most Europeans enjoy dining sumptuously. Several courses and a significant amount of time may pass before business topics are brought up. More informal relationships may be established during business lunches and d

15、inners. Subjects for conversation are family life, culture, sports and politics. In Europe strict table manners are required. For instance, making noises while eating is considered very impolite. Most European countries have a diversified culinary culture supplemented with foreign cooking. There are

16、, for instance, many Chinese restaurants. France is famous for its wine production whereas Belgium and Germany are known for their beer breweries. If one is invited for dinner at someones home, normally a small present is brought along. In that case, it is polite to send a letter of thanks the day a

17、fter the dinner. LanguagesEnglish is widely spoken in all European countries, but each country is proud of its own national language as well. Therefore, it might be interesting to know how to greet the other person in his own language. Sometimes business cards are translated into English and adapted

18、 to the style and usage of the country one is doing business with.An overviewEUROPECHINAFirst encounterShaking hands firmlyShaking hands and bowingBusiness cardsHanded over with one handHanded over with both handsCommunication Not always straight to business In general: careful and cautious In the Netherlands: straightforward Not straight to