Gift Giving In Various Cultures - By: Lee MacRae

The businessman who heads off to China to secure more business with a clock as a gift, may find himself returning home with a loss of business instead!

The reason? In many Chinese dialects, the phrase "give clock" [song zhong] sounds the same as the ones which refer to attending a funeral or seeing someone off into death. Some also see it as referring to the ending of a relationship rather than beginning or stengthing one. Either way, the businessman should have done his homework before leaving.

If you intend to give a gift in another country, it may be advisable to give some thought to what will be appropriate and acceptable. Giving gifts in North America is basically a very simple process because we understand our culture. But we also realize that giving gifts in certain circumstances may not be appropriate. A man might refrain from giving a woman a gift because it could be misinterpreted as a sign of romantic interest. Even if the woman may understand the true sentiments behind the gift, onlookers may not. And over the years, giving gifts to purchasing agents or buyers has become more and more
frowned on as it takes on the appearance of a bribe. These are the types of things that you need to be watchful of in other cultures as well. But sometimes it is not as easy as it looks. In North America, long stemmed red roses [with thorns] are considered a romantic gesture. In some other countries it is interpreted as you actually wishing the relationship to suffer - the exact opposite sentiment!

Giving corporate gifts, coming up with unique gifts or great gift ideas may simply not be enough to advance a business relationship in a foreign land with a culture that differs from your own. You need to be aware of any implications a gift may have on your business relationship.

How can you find out? Searching the internet today is obviously one way to discover gift giving etiquette in various countries. There are also books that you can find online or possibly in your local bookstore or public library. If you know someone from that particular cultural background, you can simply ask them about sepcific dos and don'ts. Or you can call the embassy from that particular country and ask them. Embassies are not just there for political reasons only. Oftentimes they are also involved in strengthening the relationships between countries on a cultural level. Helping you in a social or business setting can only enhance the understanding on each side. Don't hesitate to approach a cultural attaché to help you learn about a particular country and its culture.

In North America, giving gifts is quite often looked on as an afterthought to business while in many other countries it is considered an integral part of the business approach and strategy of a company. In fact, in Europe, it is usually the CEO of a company who makes the final decision on the appropriateness of a specific gift, not one of his employees. And quite often it is only the CEO that will present the gifts.

Don't make the mistake of believing that it's simply the thought that counts. It may be the wrong thought you are delivering if you don't do your homework before your business trip.

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