TRAVEL ETIQUETTES
* Few areas can be trickier and more difficult to handle than travel etiquette. Strange places, new people unfamiliar customs and like can add up to create fairly chaotic situations. However, the same can be effectively handled with a little care and common sense. Understanding cultural courtesies and knowing what to do in different circumstances helps build profitable business and social associations.
GENERAL ETIQUETTES
* Be polite, talk softly.
* Respect the local moves.
* Don't draw attention to yourself.
* Make do with what you get.
* Put personal likes & dislikes aside.
* Don't make a fuss over mall matters.
* Everything may not be of your liking.
* Don't flash your money or influence.
* Don’t expect things to be as in your home town.
* Don't inconvenience other travelers.
* Strong odors can also be offensive, food, perfumes, cigars etc.
FOREIGN TRAVEL
* While abroad be tolerant and understanding.
* Be friendly and modest.
* Learn a few polite, practical phrases.
* Have a good time without being loud Boorish.
* Don't brag about your home town or country.
* Address people politely and thank for their services.
* Remember at all times that you are in a different culture.
* You appear as different to other as they appear to you.
* Be aware of local rules, regulations & customs.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
* Pay attention to cultural considerations.
* Be careful with your belongings and money.
* Know the practices, customs holidays of your associates.
* Dietary customs vary according to region and religion.
* Avoid comparing one country to another.
* Handle humour carefully, it often fails to translate well.
* Carry your passport at all times.
TRAVEL PREPARATIONS
* Rule No. 1 – Always be prepared.
* Have local currency on hand.
* Travel light without too many paraphernalia.
* Leave a copy of your itinerancy with someone.
* Carry all necessary documents passport, visa, drivers license, medical prescription, inoculation record, ATM Card, credit cards.
TRAVEL DRESS
* Dress to be comfortable.
* Dress for the climate and location.
* Be as inconspicuous as possible.
* Err on the side of conservative.
* Pack something formal too.
* Smiting and shaking hands are universal symbols regardless of Nationality.
TRAVEL TALK
* Be refined at all times.
* Learn from the people you meet.
* Learn the words for please, thank you, Hello & Good Bye.
* If attempting to speak a foreign language, do so correctly.
* Inquire about the individuals and places you visit.
* Don't complain about the food, customs, prices, government or accommodation.
* If things are not to your liking, leave quietly.
* Let your conversation be as quite and polite as your clothing.
TRAVEL DRINKING
* Don’t drink and create a nuisance.
* Public intoxication is not acceptable in any country.
* Know the local customs & laws about consuming alcohol.
* Ladies drinking may be frowned upon.
* Learn what is customary and acceptable where you are.
* Drinking can make you momentarily vulnerable or dangerous.
TRAVEL PURCHASES
* If you feel value is missing, smile & walk away.
* Don't insult the person, product or country.
* Avoid playing the big spender.
* Reward those who extend good service.
* Practice the same everywhere, even at home.
AIR TRAVEL
* Obey the rules.
* Conduct yourself well.
* Be courteous & patient.
* Stay calm & polite, things will work out.
* The only person you have control over is yourself.
* In case of a problem, talk to the concerned person.
* The best way to expedite things. Obey regulations about luggage, quickly get to your seat, buckle up and wait for the others.
FLYING ETIQUETTE
* Remember you have to haul your own luggage.
* Carry medicines, night dress, cash, toiletries, change of clothes.
* Make sure luggage tags are secure.
* Watch your own luggage, not someone does.
* Wait till emergency instructions are announced before doing anything.
* Offer to exchange seats with a family that has been separated.
* Keep your phone calls to a minimum.
* Drinker passengers are a potential threat to all.
* In case of connecting flight, inform beforehand.
DO NOT….
* Show up laden with packages, bags, knick-knacks etc.
* Cut lines in check in.
* Hold up the queue.
* Grab the back of the seat in font as you get up.
* Recline your seat with a sudden force.
* Hog the arm rests.
* Play the music loudly.
* Push the call button unnecessarily.
* Leave the toilet looking like you’ve hit turbulence.
* Stand in front of the movie screen.
* Disturb someone who is reading, working or occupied.
* Rise immediately before seat belt sign goes off.
FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE
* Be on equal footing with men.
* Don't be afraid to talk to strangers.
* If not interested in communicating just nod, smile or reply briefly.
* If dining with a man, do so in the hotel dinning room
* Check windows, locks and ensure phone is working.
* Don't allow anyone in without calling the front desk first.
* Good manners are good manners everywhere.
EARLY DAYS
* The perfect traveler is one who makes reservations every inch of the way, preparers for all contingencies, pack everything from his nail clipper to his moustache trimmer and is ready hours before the actual time of departure, calmly waiting for his taxi to arrive, already summoned the night before.
GREETING ETIQUETTES
* Defined as an acknowledgement or recognition of an acquaintance, a greeting heralds the start or end of soul contact, the beginning or end of an interface. Verbal or non verbal, it need not last more than a second, sometimes requiring little more than a smile or nod. Whether it leads to a prolonged discussion or not, it is considered an important component of social graces, necessary to build and maintain the relationship.
* A single, simple hand shake cuts across borders & boundaries, languages & nations and speaks volumes; sometimes for more convincingly than reams of rehearsed spiel. Similarly, nothing speaks as lucidly and vividly than a warm, genuine, disarming smile, instantly melting barriers of rigidity and building bridges where none existed a moment ago.
* Greeting, whether of joy or condolence, congratulations or commemoration, acts as little buffers between prolonged periods of interactions thereby keeping the link alive with minimum time and effort.
* Heard the good news great going.
* Have a wonderful Christmas.
* All the best for the exams.
* Get well soon.
* Sorry to hear about loss.
* Happy Fathers’ Day.
* The idea of greeting is one where you genuinely feel and show enthusiasm at meeting the person. Similarly while saying “good bye” the idea is to wish the person well, till the next around.
COMMON OPENING LINES
* “Hi, I’m lucky.”
* “How have you been?”
* “Good to see you.”
* “Looking Good!”
* “Hello, we met at X’s place last year.”
* “We haven’t met – I’m Zahid.”
* “Small world!”
* “It’s been ages!”
* “What’s new?”
* “Long time no see!”
* We finally meet!”
* “I’ve been looking forward to meet you.”
* “What have you been upto?”
* “Pleasant surprise, running into you.”
* The best greetings are the ones that are brief and genuine without going overboard.
COMMON PARTING LINES
* “It was nice meeting you.”
* “Been a pleasure.”
* “Keep in touch.”
* “See you around”.
* “So nice to have met you.”
* “I’m glad we met.”
* “Let’s catch up.”
* “Drop in any time.”
* “Let’s meet up sometime.”
* “Be seeing you.”
* “Take care.”
* “Call me.”
* Ciaos.
* A nice smile or a firm handshake can instantly create a bond among strangers, communicating subtle signals non verbally, but effectively.
TO OBSERVE WHILE GREETING
* Observe body language and reaction.
* Check own body language.
* Mirror the other.
* Keep greeting brief unless indicated otherwise.
* Don't impose on others.
* Smile, wave and observe reaction.
* Walk over if you observe the other doing it.
* Walk across to meet a senior person.
GREETING ETIQUETTE
* Greet soon upon meeting.
* Acknowledge someone you have met earlier.
* Acknowledge someone you see regularly.
* The younger usually greets the older.
* The junior usually greets the senior.
* A man must wait for a woman to stretch her hand first.
* A woman may reserve the right not to shake hands.
* Don't yell greetings across.
* You don’t have to be introduced to the person earlier.
* Greetings with hands in pockets is considered rude.
* Greetings should be restrained at religious places or solemn occasions.
POLITE REJOINDERS
* Please to meet your.
* “Same here/likewise.”
* “It was nice meeting you.”
* “Nice meeting you too/”pleasure’s all mine.”
* Thank you very much. We had a great time.
* “Thank for coming/glad you could come.”
* Thanks for everything.
* “Anytime/you’re always welcome.”
* Greeting is not solely reserved for friends, but towards anybody one comes across, as a means of indicating open/friendly condors.
EARLY DAYS
* A lady should never shake a man’s hand, only allow hers to be shaken and solely by acquaintance she may also clasp an old friends hand firmly. Two ladies may just clasp hands and then “drop” them while shaking.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
* Simple, natural, unassuming: the hallmarks of good writing. Flowery language and meaningless phrases work in reverse. True eloquence shuns eloquence. Writing reflects your bearing, character, inner state, bringing forth what is hidden within. Grammar, spelling, spacing, syntax and overall appearance each adds up to creating a well drafted text. While writing styles are usually formed in early childhood, it is possible to make degrees of improvement later on in life.
ADVANTAGE
* Face to face/oral communication not always possible.
* Written words spread faster and wider.
* Both writer and reader can follow their comfortable pace.
* Provides a permanent record.
* Refer at convenience.
* Present thoughts in best possible manners.
* Can always improve upon what is written.
* Reader can’t interrupt halfway.
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME
* Resistance to read.
* More strenous than listening.
* Short attention span if reader.
* Saying a lot in a few words.
* Simple or catchy style preferred.
* Information overload – people have become selective.
TYPE OF WRITING
* Write the way you speak.
* Let the language flow naturally.
* Link the text.
* Keep it clear & simple.
* Keep it brief & lively.
* Be procure & specific.
* Mention all relevant details.
* Be consistent in whatever you adopt.
MAKING IT LOOK GOOD
* It unsure of a spelling or meaning use dictionary.
* Write in a straight line.
* Leave a margin of filling.
* Choose the appropriate stationary.
* Avoid scented, ruled, odd shaped or ornamented paper.
* Add “flesh” to the text.
* Use gum discriminately and carefully.
EARLY DAYS
* It is occasionally the fancy of young girls to adopt a special symbol associated with themselves a mask, sphinx, questions mark or their own names.
LETTER WRITING
* Few things have suffered at the hands of technology as much as the art of letter writing especially long missives, detailing each event exhaustively, from things done to people met to places visited while e-mail may be faster, it doesn’t come anywhere near replicating the finer sentiments and involvement that goes into putting all your moods, feelings, emotions and very self into the letter.
* While the telephone is also greatly responsible for the drop in letters, what often passes for deep and meaningful conversations over the wire doesn't hold a candle to putting things down on paper end vividly narrating every infinitesimal, graphic detail of one’s experiences.
* There are probably as many kinds of as there are letter writers, business, personal, introductions, invitations, testimonials, solicitation end of course for love but the same principles largely apply to all.
* “There is nothing more pleasant than receiving a beautiful letter”.
Amy Vander Belt.
BASIC POINTERS
* Value your reader’s time.
* Consider cultural norms.
* Be precise, clear simple.
* Don't ramble, come to the point.
* Answer the questions asked.
* Provide the information sought.
* Keep sentences and paragraphs short.
* Be frank and courteous.
* Reach out to your reader.
* Don't clutter too much.
* Let it appear specially written.
* Write to inform not impress.
* Writing a letter is pretty much like talking only with greater focus and attention.
ADDITIONAL POINTERS
* Don’t delay in replying.
* Decide before hard what you want to say.
* Sometimes a rough draft helps.
* Normal rules of writing apply.
* Good stationary and hand writing are as essential as good style.
* Reply to the points one by one.
* Make sure you are saying what you want to say.
* Make it interesting for a reader.
* View at as a task you look forward to.
* Try to assign a fixed, regular time to the chose.
* Allow the letter to flow easily.
* Work out the order of points.
* Avoid repetitious phrases, expressions, excuses.
* Go through the received letter before replying.
* It helps to go through your earlier writer ones.
* Personal references add a meaningful touch.
* Quoting from an earlier letter shows attention to detail.
* If supposed to write regularly keep a fixed slot for doing so.
* Make it look like you enjoyed writing it.
* The difference between writing a good letter and a shady one or even between writing and not writing at all lies in a key word effort.
* The main difference between speech and writing is the sense of self induced restraint that goes into the latter.
TEN THINGS TO AVOID
* Never send a letter before reading.
* Avoid showing off your skill or cleverness.
* Avoid the use of strong emotions.
* Refrain from using inflammatory language.
* What sounds permissible in speech may not be so in writing.
* Avoid being depressing, complain, meandering or an “I specialist”.
* Avid sounding overly sentimental, demanding intimate.
* Never write anything that you would not want read by somebody else.
* Remember that anything put on paper can become a permanent record.
NOTES & SHORT LETTER
* Use proper stationary.
* Use post if necessary.
* Keep the communications crisp & focused.
* A good letter is just another way of saying, “I care enough to try this hard.”
EARLY DAYS
* The best way to tackle a tricky letter is to follow the old advice. “Begin at the beginning, say what you have to say, and then stop when you have finished.”
WORDS, PHRASES & PRONUNCIATIONS
* Language is alive, in that it is constantly evolving. It is also highly specific pertaining to geography, profession, social classes etc. What was permissible some years ago may no longer be so and what’s acceptable in one religion might not be in another. Partly for this, it is important to have a good idea of what’s the “done thing” and “what’s not.
* While accent cannot be helped to some extent, one can minimize the regional language influence by mixing an effort to pronounce the words properly clear articulation, proper choice of words and measured speech go a long way towards clearing the obstacles generated by hailing from different parts of the country or globe.
* While slang may have become an inextricable part of our daily language, one must remember that it is still considered uncouth and boorish many, and may, at any time, lower us a few notches in a discerning eye.
* While no one is born glib or a clear smooth orator, no one is beyond being able to pick up the skills either.
SOME COMMON ERRORS
* “Nature” (native place)
* “Freak out” (wrongly used to mean fun time)
* “Dear” (Not to be used by men addressing men)
* “Psyche” (Wrongly used to denote mental illness)
* “Goodnight” (used only after sun set)
* For every inappropriate word or usage, there is always a better way of putting it.
PUTTING IT BETTER
* “Sir” (Would you like to sit?)
* “Have it” (Would you like to have some?)
* “What do you want?” (Can I help you?)
* “Sorry, that is not possible.” (Let me see if something is possible)
* All the money and pedigree in the world doesn’t give one the class and breeding that comes from a good education.
STUMBLING, FUMBLING, MUMBLING BLOCKS
* Mumbling, murmuring, shouting, slurring, rushing, passing, mispronouncing, accentuating, affected speech, bad grammar, and wrong expression.
* In the era of high technology electronic media and the internet few things can still match the contribution of books to the spoken word.
EARLY DAYS
“Why cant the English teach their children how to speak, this verbal class distinction by now should be antique, if you spoke as she does, sir, instead of the way you do, why, you might be selling flowers too.”
- My Fair Lady.
MODERN TIMES
* The generation gap has produced a chasm of differences. One must accept that the youth view situation differently, act differently, but should nevertheless behave according to a code of conduct. However much, the rules of courtesy appear to have changed with the times, manners matter; we just need to adapt to a new etiquette.
* Gender rules have been pretty much discarded in the corporate culture. A woman who is confident and gracious enough may accept a door that is held opened for her, but it cannot be expected as a right. Inter personal skills are paramount; one has to interact with people of so many backgrounds and mindset.
* In the past communities had very detailed rules on “how one should behave”. Dinners become a highly orchestrated procedure that maintained a person’s status in society, greetings were highly formalized and every one knew their places. Now days that structured life style aren’t there any more. The traditional guide to shopkeepers asserting that “the customer is always right” may not now be suitable to modern retailing.
SIGNS OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY
* No riding scooter inside the building.
* No eating pizza and drinking bear while using library public access computers.
* Wearing a shirt & shoes compulsory.
* No wearing a thong bikini inside the library (even if it is 1000 out side)
* No having sex in the stacks.
* Yes, you do have to return the books you borrow.
* No playing boom box at full volume on the library steps.
* No skating inside the building.
* No using the public restrooms to battle and do personal laundry.
* No leaving pre-school children to baby sit while shopping.
* No changing babies diaper on the circulation counter.
* No bringing motor cycles (or bicycles) into the building.
* Unless one understands why a rule of etiquette began, it may be difficult to judge when; the time has come to set it aside. As with many manners that originally begins for a good reason, may fade out because the reasons is forgotten or no longer has a need to exist.
* However, some rules of etiquette remain constant and unchanging, the tried and true, those that separate the couth from the uncouth, threading back to unchanging origins. Keep in
mind that good manners are universals and those that are based
on a moral premise prevail in polite behaviour today.
* Etiquette is just as alterable, a rule today perhaps outdated tomorrow. Therefore, yesterday rules could become today’s bad manners. While changing times affect the guidelines for etiquette, it is important to have a general idea about basic forms.
MODERN ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
* An e-mail does not replace a thank you note or a phone call.
* Don't ask, don’t tell (especially about their health finance or marital status unless they’re initiated the topic.)
* Unless expecting a very important call, shut the phone off if your must take the call, let your companion know in advance.
* While sending a condolence card, add a personal hand written thought.
* A business card has no place in personal correspondence.
* Be direct but polite.
* If you can’t talk or stay, say so.
* Don't commit to something, you cannot follow through.
* Don't ask people, “Why aren’t you drinking?” or “Why are you leaving?”
* Avoid any question which might make people uncomfortable.
* Don't touch belly of pregnant women in public. Always be conscious of people’s personal space.
* While dating, if you say you’ll call, call. Whoever does the inviting pays.
* New etiquette gets “make up” every day as new social issues arise and people wander what would be a reasonable way to behave. The best option is to try and keep up with what is generally thought to be the right thing to do or say.
BEING ON TIME
WHY ARE WE LATE
* “It’s ok to be late”.
* Taking the other for granted.
* Lack of valuation & commitment.
* Whether you’re three minutes late or thirty you’re still late.
* We don’t reach on time, because we don’t leave on time.
COMMON REASONS FOR BEING LATE
* Forgetting the appointment or event.
* Watch being slow.
* Lack of preparedness.
* Delay of wrapping up.
* Miscalculation of time & distance.
* Unforeseen circumstance.
* Last minute issues.
* Trying to arrive at the exact time.
* Ignoring door to door timing.
* When we are late we are saying, “my time is more important than your.”
TIME IS ABOUT
* Commitment (We’re rarely late for a flight)
* Valuation (For the work or person)
* Respect (For the individual)
* Keeping your word (Stand by it)
* Yourself (You are doing it for yourself)
* Things usually take longer than they are expected to take.
* Five minutes can cost you five million.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE LATE
* Start on the wrong foot.
* Arrive hasseld, flustered, confused.
* Miss the beginning.
* Affected performance.
* Get noticed for the wrong reasons.
* Show up as being incapable & inefficient.
* Closer to being eliminated.
* Lose the race due to the bad start.
TIMELY QUOTES
* “I often saw that when I was running late, I’d be reduced to fretting about traffic and driving aggressively to save a minute or two off the drive. Often, I’d be angry with myself for being late and arrive harried. How much nicer it was when I gave myself plenty of time. I’d be relaxed ….. I’d arrive early and make good use of my time reading or thinking” –
Steve Levecen.
* “Being on time is the courtesy of winners,” says super achieving editor, Helen Curley Brown.
* There is almost no rule more important for professional success. Unlike IQ, beauty or athletic skill, being punctual is something you can control.”
* If you are late for one meeting due to another you risk ruining both.
HOW TO AVOID BEING LATE
* Keep every thing prepared.
* Aim for an earlier time.
* Pick up at the decided time.
* Don't take anything on you can’t finish.
* Avoid the “just fore more minutes” trap.
* Don't let yourself be held up.
* Estimate the distance & travel time correctly.
* allow for contingencies.
* Include time taken to settle down.
* Keeping your word creates a force that gets thing working for you.
BENEFITS OF BEING ON TIME
* Get an edge.
* Gain brownie points.
* Focus & preparation.
* Feel good vibes.
* Appear professional.
* Spell over into other areas.
* Get noticed over the competition.
* We often give ourselves the freedom to be late. The question is, can we give ourselves the freedom to be on time?
FUNERAL ETIQUETTE
* No occasion is as solemn as a funeral, subsequently requiring grace and dignity of the highest order. At such a time, it is of prime
importance not to do or say something that may appear tactless or insensitive to the one who has suffered a loss.
* While the prospect of going to a funeral may be unappealing or awkward to some. It is nevertheless a duty that needs to be performed. The best code of conduct is to do what everyone else does and be inconspicuous.
* While condolences may appear necessary even more important is to give space to the bereaved to mourn in private, while letting them know that you’re always there if they need anything.
DO & DON’TS
* Respect the customs and be careful not to violate them or appear disrespectful.
* If unaware of procedure or custom, consult someone who know.
* Keep voices, footsteps, sounds muffled.
* Excessive display of emotion is best avoided.
* A façade of mourning or false platitudes serve title purpose.
* Maintain a dignified silence.
* If the family does not wish to speak to anyone respect their feeling without being offended.
* Dress appropriately and as per the custom.
* If white should be worn and is not in your wardrobe, wear light pastel shades.
* Ideally keep an outfit ready of such occasions.
* One does not necessarily approach the bereaved, sometimes mere presence is a sign of respect.
* Walking around with a long face is not necessary.
* Avoid light banter with other attendees at the funeral.
* Take your place depending on how well you knew the family.
* Look out for “No condolence visits place” announcement in the papers.
* A conventional “condolence visit isn’t always a good idea and may only reinforce the grief.
* On getting in touch with the bereaved person for the first time after their loss, express your regret briefly and succinctly.
* Don't ask too many questions.
* A sympathy card may be sent if one was absent.
* Post funeral services for specific days (10th day, 13th day, 30th day, 40th day etc) may also have to be remembered.
HELPING WITH THE APPRANGEMENTS
* The family is likely to be under greet shock and needs all the help it can get.
* If unsure of how you can help, ask if there is anything needed.
* Help may be needed to take care of routine as well as funeral related chores.
* A dozen thing will need to be taken care of, find someone who knows the drill, collect people to help and get to work.
* Preparing a check list of things to be done and who well do them is a good idea.
* If unsure of anything ask some one who knows.
* Get a complete list of items required for the last rites.
* Also enquire about things to be observed immediately after death but before the funeral (burning of incense or lamp, flowers on the bed etc.)
* The family may need assistance for the slightest of the thing, be around, be attentive, and anticipate their needs.
* One may also offer to take care of the family meal arrangement soon after the demise.
* Relatives may need to be informed, priests called, material bought.
* Arrangement may need to be made to pick up (or put up) those arriving from out of town.
* Break the news of the demise gently to close one who was not present.
* Express would need to be paid for various goods and services through out, flowers, catering hearse etc.
* While taking care of minor issues, consult the family for major ones.
* If a diseased belonged to a different faith check with someone from a similar religious background.
* A notice may need to be given in the papers after consolation with the family.
* Ensure that the family members get their sleep and a certain minimal food intake.
* Arrangement may also need to be made for providing tea or meals, procuring chairs living vehicles, making purchases etc.
* Appoint some one to guide those not familiar with the proceedings at the funeral.
* If you don’t go to other people’s funeral, you can not expect them to come to your”.
- Mother’s advice to son.
EARLY DAYS
While funeral directors may recommend the finest castle, the most expensive ceremonies a gamut of rituals, hordes of attendants and may be even a mausoleum of two. It is up to a friend of the family to take charge at such time and try and keep things in perspective.
GOING TO AMERICA
INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS CULTURES
* Regional background should be taken into account when learning about American businesses. Individual factors including industry, business structure, management and business mission also play a strong role in shaping a business culture. Those wishing to do extensive business within one region in the US are well advised to spend some time researching that area in particular. Those wishing to do the business with specific companies should invest additional time researching individual business culture through corporate literature marketing literature, annual reports and websites.
AMERICAN WORK LIFE
* The American work life fuels what is considered to be the strongest economy in the world. People in the US are working increasingly in tele communications, information, technology, service and manufacturing jobs and less and less in agriculture and forestry. American works long hours, take on an average two weeks of vacation and spend a lot of time doing work related travel either commuting to work by car or traveling to visit clients.
THE AMERICAN DREAM
* Built into the United States work concept is the idea of the “American Dream” that every individual can succeed and prosper financially by hard work. This idea still surfaces in many ways in the US and is a drawing force behind many individuals desires to come to the US. It contributes to a strong work ethic and a system that is merit bases (behaving that hard work deserves compensation) It becomes a reality for some and myth for others, contributing to a widening spread between the rich and poor.
MAJOR WORK TOPICS AND ISSUES
* In the US, individuals in the work place have a member of rights
that are protracted by American law. To some foreigners the US
system seems employee centered. Many businesses spend a great deal of time, energy and money to ensure they comply with basic laws regarding employee rights. The major topics in the US workplace today are Affirmative Action Discrimination based on Age, Race, Ethnicity and sexual Orientation, Diversity, Disabled Workers, Equal Employment Opportunities, Safety in the Workplaces including preventing work place violence, Drug Use, and Sexual Harassment, Privacy Rights and Religious Protection.
LAND OF IMMIGRANTS
* The US Promotes itself as the land of the free and a land of opportunities. As a nation, it was founded by an immigrant population, has admitted over 100 million immigrants in its short history as a Nation State and continues to accept hundred of thousands of new comers each year. These individuals bring their cultures and traditions with them and are largely free to continue them in the US. There are for example, over 1,700 religions currently practiced in the country and sizable populations that speaks Spanish due to immigrants from Spanish speaking countries.
THE MOSAIC CONCEPT
* Once called “Melting pot” the US is now described using the concept of a “Colourful mosaic”, to better represent the diverse ethnicities religions and lifestyle present. This type of rhetoric generally paints a positive picture of the diversity present and hides some of the issue that the US deals with regarding its diversity. These includes issues such as largely segregated ethnic neighborhoods, race relations issues, limited access to educations and opportunities for certain groups and discriminations.
THE IMPACT OF 9/11
* As the worst attack on American soil since, Pearl Harbor, the events of September 11, 2001 have had a significant impact on the American way of life. For a long time, after the event, Americans were staying in more, spending less and were increasingly fearful of
additional terrorist activities this continues to a lesser extent in current times, fuelled more recently by the war time mentality from the war on Iraq and the ongoing colour coded National Security threat system that keeps people in the US aware of possible terrorist activities. As a Nation, US provided to be quite resilient following 9/11, with the economy making great strides towards recovery following the event and citizens coming together to support those impacted by the terrorist attacks.
POST 9/11 LEGISLATION APPECTING VISITORS
AND IMMIGRANTS
* The events of 9/11 brought on a whole new line of laws and legislations initiated to prevent the future terrorist activity on US soil. Many of these laws have been controversial in the US with some arguing them necessary for the purpose of National security and others stating that they voilate basic rights and freedom supporting privacy. The most recent legislations of this sort is a new entry regulations requiring visitors from certain Nations to be finger printed upon their arrival to United States. In additions, individuals applying for the Visa must now undergo a much more rigorous and careful review of their application.
PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR
* Practice driving before getting on the freeway.
* Eye contract should be direct but not too intense.
* A distance of two feet should be maintained with people.
* While crossing legs is usually acceptable avoid it in business situations.
PROSPEROUS ENTERTAINING
* Business breakfast is common and can start as early as 8 AM.
* Lunch (12:00 – 02:00) is usually light, as work continues after words.
* Observe company policy for alcoholic beverages.
* Dinner (5:30 – 8:00) is the main meal of the day.
* Business is rarely done on holidays but can be emerged for short stays.
DINING ETIQUETTE
* Americans are casual and not too particular about etiquette.
* Some “finger foods” are eaten with hand.
* The fork is usually held in the right hand.
* While using the knife, it is temporarily switched to the left.
* The continental style is also acceptable (fork in left knife in right).
* Eating while walking down the strict is acceptable in US.
* It is common to go ‘Dutch’ and pay one’s share.
GENERAL
* Convenience stores are usually open all days, all week.
* While inviting someone out, make it clear the meal is one you.
* Makings toast from your country usually goes down well.
* Politeness is valued a lot, “please” and “thank you” are very common.
BECKONING A SERVER
* Raise a finger.
* Make eye contact and raise your brow.
* Mouth “coffee”, “water” or whatever you want.
* Don't clap, snap your finger or yell.
HOME ENTERTAINING
* Its common to invite quests home.
* A tour of the rooms is usually given.
* The spouse will be a full participant in the conversation.
* Unlike other cultures, it is acceptable to refuse food or drink.
* Don't hesitate to ack for something you need.
* Call before visiting someone.
AMERICAN BUSINESS CULTURE
* The culture stresses on individual initiative and achievement.
* The concept “time is money” is taken seriously.
* American tends to be future oriented.
* Business men make up their minds quickly and decisively.
* Information that is straight forward and to the point is valued.
* Money is the key priority and issue used to win arguments.
* Status, protocol and National honor play a smaller role.
* Social niceties and formalities are just as important as in other cultures.
* American business people are opportunities and willing to take chances.
* They are also direct and will not hesitate to disagree.
* Silence is disliked during negotiations and conversations.
* A prevailing belief exists that there is always a solution.
* All options will be exposed during an impasse.
* Anxiety often develops over deadlines & results.
* People rarely change their minds after agreeing to a deal.
* They are established rules for almost everything.
* Experts are relied upon at all levels.
* The US is also the most litigious (LITIGIOUS) society in the worlds.
NEGOTIATIONS
* Small talk precedes business at meeting.
* Business is usually conducted at an extremely fast pace.
* Regardless of the negotiator, company policy is always followed.
* American regard negotiating as problem solving through “give and take” based on respective strengths. Therefore, they will often emphasize their financial strength/or position of power.
* During negotiations, points are made by cumulative accumulations of facts.
* Evidence may be sometimes based by faith in capitalism, democracy for consumerism.
* Subjective feelings of participants are not much of a factor.
* Consequently, not much time is spent on consensus seeking.
* An oral arguments is often made at the first seating.
* In large firms contracts under $ 10,000 can be approved by a middle manager in a single meeting.
BUSINESS CARD ETIQUETTE
* Card exchanging rituals are not closely followed.
* Don't be offended if you don’t get a business card in return.
* Cards are mainly exchanged if you wish to contact the person later.
EQUALLY, DIVERSITY & THE AMERICAN WAY
* Much emphasis is placed on equality of individuals.
* Ethnic, social & sexist biases do exist.
* Expect to work with people of different backgrounds races, cultures.
* Treat everyone with respect & dignity.
* Many Americans have limited knowledge about other cultures.
* Business culture varies greatly from company to company.
* Learn as much as you can about the background of your associates through their site or marketing literature before meeting them.
GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE
* Presenting a gift is thoughtful but not expected.
* Gifts are exchanged in the holiday season (late November through first week of January).
* They are unwrapped immediately and shown to all presents.
* The best ones usually come from one’s own country.
* You may not get one in return right away.
* Many stores & mails offer gift wrapping services during holidays.
* While visiting a home, a gift is appreciated, but not necessary.
* Flowers, potted plants or wine are good choices.
* Asking someone out for a meal or entertainment is also a popular gift.
* Perfume clothing for women are usually considered personal and inappropriate.
* Toy guns or violent video games for the kids may not be appreciated.
* Be sure of the background before giving gifts with religious connotations.
* While Xmas is the main celebrations, other holidays like Hanikkah may also be celebrated.
FORM OF ADDRESS (FIRST NAME OR TITLE)
* For the first meeting, use the last name with title, told otherwise.
* American often insist on using the first name immediately (This is cultural norm reflecting more a casual business style than intimacy).
* If not sure of woman’s name, Say Ms.
* It is important to understand office hierarchy and learn the ranks and titles.
* American tend to be informal and on a first name basis outside the office.
* Sometimes, one may not be told the last name.
* Use of nick names is often encouraged.
* If the name is unfamiliar, ask how to pronounce it.
* Let your US acquaintances know what you would like to be called.
* A roman numeral after a name indicates the successive generation having the same name.
By
Col MZU Siddiquie,SM
