International Business Etiquette and ethics

Discuss the following questions.

1. Why do we need business etiquette?

2. What rules of business behavior do you know?

3. Do you know any communicational taboos?

4. Have you ever been in the situation when you didn’t know how to behave? How did you cope?

Terms and Vocabulary

essence mean vice versa to revolve pillar attitude speak volumes uncouth to prosper trait integrity boundary framework arrogant sensitivity underlie astray

сущность средство наоборот вращаться основа, главная идея поведение передавать значимую информацию грубый, невежливый преуспевать характерная черта целлостность граница основа высокомерный чувствительность лежать в основе чего-л заблудившись, сбившись с пути

Exercise 1. Read the text and fulfill the exercises

Business Etiquette

Business etiquette is in essence about building relationships with people. In the business world, it is people that influence your success or failure. Etiquette, and in particular business etiquette, is simply a means of maximising your business potential.

If you feel comfortable around someone and vice versa, better communication and mutual trust will develop. This comfort zone is realized through presenting yourself effectively. Business etiquette helps you achieve this.

Business etiquette revolves around two things. Firstly, thoughtful consideration of the interests and feelings of others and secondly, minimising misunderstandings. Both are dependent upon self conduct. Business etiquette polishes this conduct.

Business etiquette varies from region to region and country to country. For the international business person, focusing too deeply on international business etiquette would leave no time for business. However, there are some key pillars upon which good business etiquette is built. Here are the principles of business etiquette:

Behaviour

Your manners and attitude will speak volumes about you. They will point to your inner character. If you come across selfish, undisciplined or uncouth your relationship is unlikely to prosper. Appropriate business etiquette promotes positive traits.

Honesty

A reputation for delivering what you say will deliver goes a long way in the business world. Remember, a reputation for integrity is slowly gained but quickly lost. Understanding a particular country's business etiquette provides a framework in which you can work without fear of crossing boundaries in terms of agreements, promises and contracts.

Character

Your character refers to what you as an individual bring to the business table. Proper business etiquette allows you to exhibit your positive qualities. For example, knowing when to be passionate and not emotional or self-confident without being arrogant. Just through learning another's business etiquette you demonstrate an open-mindedness which will earn respect.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity and consideration underlie all good business etiquette. Being prepared for foreign ways and methods and responding thoughtfully is achieved through experience and business etiquette know-how. By avoiding misunderstandings and misinterpretations through business etiquette you lay foundations for a strong business relationship.

Diplomacy

Avoiding thoughtless words and actions protects you from negative consequences. Impulse often leads a business person astray. Business etiquette encourages the careful thought of the interests of others and choosing acceptable forms of expression.

Appearance

Dressing appropriately, standing and sitting in the right place at the right time, good posture and looking physically presentable are all elements in making a good impression. Business etiquette teaches you how to suitably present yourself and what to avoid.

Frederick W.C., Davis К., Post J. E. “Business Ethics”

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions.

1. What is business etiquette?

2. What role does a comfort zone play?

3. What are the things round which the business etiquette revolve?

4. Is it necessary to concentrate deeply on business etiquette?

5. What are the main principles of business etiquette?

6. Among all the principles, what do you think is the major one? Why?

Exercise 3. Match synonyms in columns A and B.

A	B
1. in essence	a) on the contrary
2. vice versa	b) basis
3. to revolve	c) self sure
4. pillar	d) in the main
5. uncouth	e) characteristic feature
6. trait	f) to circle
7. integrity	g) strange
8. arrogant	h) develop
9. astray	i) lost
10. prosper	j) honesty

Exercise 4. Translate into English the following sentences

1. Бизнес этикет поможет вам избежать непонимания и ложной интерпретации некоторых вопросов, а так же заложит основу прочным партнёрским взаимоотношениям

2. Для увеличения потенциала развития вашего бизнеса, просто необходимо владеть основами бизнес этикета.

3. Избежание бессмысленных слов и действий защитит вас от негативных последствий.

4. Бизнес этикет учит вас, как выгодно представить себя и чего избегать.

5. Ваш характер отражает то, что вы как личность привнесёте в бизнес.

Exercise 5. Talking point

Imagine that you are business partners to be. Divide into two groups and choose one person who will introduce each person in the group. The others should tell about themselves, following the principles of business etiquette, while hearing his/her name.

ex. A. This is Helena Ivanova, staff supervisor of our company.

B. Thank you Mr. Johns for introducing me to our partners. I’ve been working with this company for 5 years. During the work I…..

Listen to each other carefully and comment on speech and behavior mistakes if there were any.

Exercise 6. Watch the film “Guide to International Business Etiquette” and do the quiz

Choose the right variant (sometimes several variants are possible):

1. Good first impression includes communicating well and

a) understanding the protocols of business

b) knowing foreign languages

c) being a well-paid person.

2. Every culture has it’s own way of

a) making money

b) doing business

c) making conversation

3. Always say good bye

a) when leaving the room

b) to every person you met

c) if you said hello to somebody.

4. According to the video “People are most valuable resource because…

a) help reach your goals,

b) are easily motivated

c) become your friends , customers , employers, suppliers

5. Standing straight makes you feel

a) healthier

b) happier

c) more power

6. Slouching Poor Eye contact , crossing arms are

a) negative signals

b) impolite behavior

c) poor education

7. Introduction is started from

a) the first person you see

b) the closest person to you

c) the most important person

8. Why should you hold a glass of red wine by the bottom

a) because it is the most comfortable way

b) not to spill the wine

c) because it is better when it is warm

9. What are tree things to remember when starting a small talk

a) find out the commonalities

b) ask names

c) complimenting

10. Why a business card should be given with the right hand?

a) because most persons are right-handed

b) because it is a hand of respect in most cultures

c) because it is very polite

Exercise 7. Read the text and fulfill the exercises