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Saturday, March 26, 2011

Facts and Statistics Georgian Flag

Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia

Capital: T'bilisi

Climate: warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Population: 4,661,473 (July 2006 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%, other 2.5% (2002 census)

Religion: Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Government: Republic

Language in Georgia

Georgian is the primary language of about 3.9 million people in Georgia itself (83% of the population) and of another 500,000 abroad (in countries such as Turkey, Iran, Russia, USA and Europe). It is the literary language for all ethnographic groups of Georgian people, especially those who speak other South Caucasian languages (or Kartvelian languages): Svans, Megrelians, and the Laz. Gruzinic, or "Kivruli", sometimes considered a separate Jewish language, is spoken by an additional 20,000 in Georgia and 65,000 elsewhere (primarily 60,000 in Israel).

Georgian Society and Culture

Religion in Georgia

o Most Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox (65%), Russian Orthodox (10%) or Armenian Apostolic (8%) churches.
o Although religion does not overtly impact the culture, behaviour or etiquette, the values do on a subtle level appear in outlook and also areas such as treatment of guests.

Hospitality

o Warm hospitality a very Georgian trait.
o Guests are seen as a gift and foreigners are therefore guests of the country.
o Expect to be invited to a home for a meal and try to take up the offer.
o The supra is a large dinner party involving many toasts. The toastmaster or "tamada" selects people to make long toasts and for special toas, a horn full of wine is passed around the table.
o Beer is only used to toast the enemy! So don't toast with beer.

Hierarchy

o Georgia is a hierarchical society.
o Age, position and power usually earn respect.
o Elders are generally held in high esteem and thus the reason they are introduced first when greeting.
o Along with respect comes responsibility and those at the top of the hierarchy (whether the head of a household or business) will be expected make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.

Etiquette and Customs in Georgia

Meeting and Greeting

o When meeting someone for the first time, shake hands while saying "gamarjoba" ("hello"). Once a relationship warms up some, but not all, Georgians will quickly move to a kiss on the cheek.
o When addressing people only close friends or family will usually use first names.
o First names may also be used with the word "Batono" ("Sir") or "Kalbatono" ("Madam") immediately afterwards, which brings a sense of formality.
o Most people would expect to be addressed with their appropriate title followed by the surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette

o As with most European and North American nations, gifts are usually given at birthdays and at Christmas.
o However in Georgia they also have "name days" - these are the birth dates of Saints whom people are named after.
o Gifts do not need to be expensive and it is more about the thought and intent behind the gift.
o If invited to a Georgian home, bring flowers, imported sweets or chocolates to the hosts.
o Give an odd number of flowers. Even numbers are given for funerals.
o Gifts do not need to be elaborately wrapped.
o A small gift for the children is always appreciated.
o Gifts are not necessarily opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

o Table manners are generally unfussy and relaxed.
o Meals are above all a time to get together and enjoy.
o Your Georgian host will want to make sure you are comfortable, well-fed and happy.
o If in doubt over etiquette then either watch what others do or simply ask.
o Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
o Keep y
o The oldest (or most honoured) guest is usually served first.
o Try all the dishes if you can.
o You will be offered second and third helpings and accepting them will please the host. Try therefore to take smaller first portions.
o Finish everything on your plate.
o Expect lively conversation during the meal.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting and Greeting

o Georgian business culture is noticeably less formal than in other countries.
o Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving.
o Maintain eye contact during the greeting.
o The person of the higher status should initiate the handshake.
o It is polite to wait for a woman to extend her hand.
o Academic and professional titles are commonly used with the surname.
o Always wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.

Business Card Etiquette

o Business cards are exchanged without any formal ritual.
o It is a nice touch to have one side of your business card translated into Georgian or Russian. 

Communication Style

o Georgians are very relationship orientated in their outlook.
o This means that people's feelings take precedence over facts. It is important to appreciate that you may not the whole truth if there is bad news. Similarly you should be sensitive when communicating difficult information.
o Similarly in an eagerness to establish a business relationship, Georgians may offer an affirmative response even if they know it is far from the truth.
o One way in which this cultural influence manifests is in asking questions in a negative fashion so that the person responding may give a positive response for a negative answer.
o Georgians are not afraid to express their emotions no matter how bad. Do not be surprised if people do display anger or extreme disappointment during business.
o Similarly Georgians can be emotive speakers. When discussing a topic, voices may become raised and hand gestures increased.
o Direct eye contact conveys trust. Estonians will generally maintain eye contact throughout a discussion. Looking away or making intermittent eye contact may be misinterpreted as a sign that you are not telling the truth.
o Although Georgia has a relationship orientated culture, they can also be very direct.

Business Meetings

o At the beginning of meetings introductions are the norm. These are generally made in order of seniority although women are often introduced first. Be prepared to give an overview of your background, experience and general purpose for your visit.
o It can also prove fruitful to send a full biography of everyone who will attend the meeting beforehand to save time and also offer a more thorough introduction.
o A first meeting is often more about seeing if doing business together is possible. Do not expect any contracts to be signed on a first meeting. Time and patience are needed.
o Meetings may continue over a lunch or dinner. The topic of conversation will shift away from business but this should be used as the time to let the Georgian hosts get to know you on a personal level.
o In most cases decisions are made at the top of a company. Unless you are meeting with the boss or owner bear in mind that all your meeting will achieve is getting across the key points that will then be passed upwards to the decision maker.
o Meetings can be frequently interrupted. Do not interpret this as a sign of disinterest but Georgians will not see any issues with dealing with more than one issue at a time.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: The Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria

Capital: Beirut

Borders: Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Population: 3,971,941 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Makeup: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1% note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians

Religions: Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma'ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant), other 1.3% note: 17 religious sects recognised

Language in Lebanon

Article 11 of Lebanon's Constitution states that "Arabic is the official national language. A law determines the cases in which the French language may be used". The majority of Lebanese people speak Arabic and either French or English fluently. Moreover, Lebanese people of Armenian or Greek descent also speak Armenian or Greek fluently. Also in use is Kurdish spoken by some of the Kurdish minorities in Lebanon, and Syriac by the Syriac minorities. Other languages include Circassian, spoken by 50,000, Tigrinya (30,000), Sinhala (25,000), Turkish (10,000), Azerbaijani (13,000), Polish (5,000), Russian and Romanian (together 10,000 speakers), and Turkmen (8,000 speakers).

Lebanese Society and Culture

The People

There has deliberately not been a census in Lebanon since 1932, before its formation as an independent nation. This is due to the political consequences a major shift in the population dynamics an accurate census could have. The population is generally viewed in terms of religion. The predominant differences between people are those between Muslim and Christian sects. The proportion of each is politically sensitive so estimates from different sources vary widely. What is known is that approximately 90% of the population is urban rather than rural.

Religion(s)

Lebanon is a religious mish-mash and this has ultimately been the cause behind social tensions and the long, drawn out civil war. The government officially recognizes 18 religious sects of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Religious differences are built into government and politics. Christians are guaranteed 50% of the seats in parliament. The President is always a Christian and the Prime Minister and Speaker of the House are Muslims. The Druze are awarded 8 seats in parliament. The government maintains that this system prevents one community from gaining an advantage over the others.

Religion affects almost all areas of culture. Family laws such as divorce, separation, child custody, and inheritance are handled in religious courts and there is not a uniform system for all citizens.

Map of Lebanon

Loyalty to a Group

A person’s name and honour are their most cherished possessions. This extends also to the family and wider group. Therefore the behaviour of individual family members is viewed as the direct responsibility of the family. It is crucial for the Lebanese to maintain their dignity, honour, and reputation.

The Lebanese strive to avoid causing another person public embarrassment. This can be seen when they agree to perform a favour for a friend to maintain that friend’s honour even if they know that they will not do what is asked.

Hospitable People

The Lebanese are proud of their tradition of hospitality. This is a culture where it is considered an honour to have a guest in your home. One should therefore not seen being invited quite quickly to someone’s home for something to eat as strange.

Guests are generally served tea or coffee immediately. Good manners dictate that such offers are accepted; never reject such an offer as this may be viewed as an insult.

Lebanese Customs and Etiquette

Greeting people

  • Greetings in Lebanon are an interesting mix of both the French and Muslim/Arab cultures.
  • A warm and welcoming smile accompanied by a handshake while saying “Marhaba” is a greeting that can be given without causing offense.
  • You will see the greeting close friends with three kisses on the cheek, alternating cheeks in the French style.
  • Take time when greeting a person and be sure to ask about their family, health, etc.
  • If man is greeting Muslim women you may find that some wish not to shake hands; it is best to see if a hand is extended or not first.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • Gifts are part and parcel of the culture and are not only for birthdays and special occasions.
  • Gifts may be given to someone who has provided a favour, to someone returning from a trip overseas, or simply out of want.
  • The cost of the gift is not nearly as important as what it represents – friendship.
  • If you are invited to a Lebanese home, it is customary to bring flowers. If invited for a meal, you may bring sweets or pastries.
  • If visiting a Muslim family, it is a good idea to say that the gift is for the host rather than the hostess.
  • Gifts of alcohol are welcome in many circles. Muslims though generally do not drink alcohol.
  • A small gift such a sweet for the children is always a nice touch.
  • Gifts may be given with the right hand or both hands. It is best not to offer a gift with the left hand.

Dining Etiquette

  • If you are invited to a Lebanese house for dinner:
  • Dress well.
  • Avoid sensitive topics of conversation such as politics, religion or the civil war unless you know the hosts are comfortable talking about it.
  • Greet elders first.
  • Lebanese table manners are relatively formal.
  • Wait to be told where to sit.
  • Table manners are Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. You will be expected to try all foods at the table.
  • Expect to be urged to take second or even third helpings. It is best to eat less on your first helping so that a second helping is possible. This shows your host you are enjoying the food and are being taken care of.

Business Etiquette, Customs and Protocol

Meeting and Greeting

  • Lebanese can be somewhat formal in their business dealings. At the same time, they will strive to be hospitable and will go out of their way to be generous and gracious hosts.
  • Greetings should not be rushed. It is important to take time to exchange social pleasantries during the greeting process.
  • The most common greeting in business is the handshake with direct eye contact.
  • The handshake may be more prolonged that in Western countries.
  • Very religious Muslims may not shake hands across genders. In such cases, the foreign business people should simply nod their heads as a way of acknowledging them.
  • If someone is introduced with a title, use that title when greeting them. If the title is given in Arabic, it is appended to the first name. If the title is in English or French, it will be added to the surname.
  • Business cards are given without formal ritual.
  • Having one side of your card translated into French or Arabic is a nice touch but not essential.
  • Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand.

Business Etiquette Lebanon

Communication Styles

The Lebanese are very “touchy-feely”. Direct eye contact with a lot of physical contact is the cornerstones of Lebanese communication. If you are from a culture where eye contact is less direct and contact not so prevalent, this may feel uncomfortable. Try not to break the eye contact as this conveys trust, sincerity and honesty. However, interestingly the situation is reversed when dealing with elders where prolonged direct eye contact is considered rude and challenging.

Lebanese have an indirect and non-confrontational communication style, which relates to the need to maintain personal honour. They rely heavily on the context to explain the underlying meaning of their words. The listener is expected to know what they are trying to say or imply. Non-verbal cues and body language are crucial to learn so you can more fully understand the responses you are given.

For the most part, Lebanese try not to lose their tempers publicly since such behaviour demonstrates a weakness of character. They strive to be courteous and expect similar behaviour from others. However, if they think that their honour has been impugned or that their personal honour has been challenged, they will raise their voice and employ sweeping hand gestures in their vociferous attempt to restore their honour.

Business Meetings

The business culture in Lebanon is multi-faceted and also rapidly changing. The country is eager for foreign investment and many companies have adopted a Western approach to business. At the same time, smaller companies may retain many Middle Eastern aspects to their business culture.

Punctuality is generally expected for business meetings.

Meetings generally begin with the offer of tea or coffee. While this is being sipped, it is important to engage in some chitchat. This is important in order to establish rapport and trust.

Meetings are not necessarily private. The Lebanese tend to have an open-door policy, which means that people may walk in and out, telephone calls may be answered or the tea boy may come in to take drink orders. It is best to be prepared for frequent interruptions.

Meetings are generally conducted in French, Arabic or English. It is generally a good idea to ask which language the meeting will be conducted in prior to arriving. You may wish to hire your own interpreter.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China

Capital: Taipei

Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Population: 22,858,872 (July 2007 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Taiwanese (including Hakka) 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, indigenous 2%

Religions: mixture of Buddhist and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Government: multiparty democracy

Language in Taiwan

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, but because many Taiwanese are of southern Fujianese descent, Min-nan (the Southern Min dialect, or Holo) is also widely spoken. The smaller groups of Hakka people and aborigines have also preserved their own languages. Many elderly people can also speak some Japanese, as they were subjected to Japanese education before Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule in 1945 after the Japanese occupation which lasted for half a century. The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is English, which is part of the regular school curriculum.

Taiwanese People, Society and Culture

The People

Taiwan’s population is mostly Han Chinese who were born on the mainland or have ancestors that were. They are divided into three groups based on the dialect of Chinese they speak: Taiwanese, Hakka, and Mandarin. Taiwan also has a small population of aborigines who comprise about 2 percent of the total population.

Most people in Taiwan have traditional values based on Confucian ethics; however, pressures from industrialization are now challenging these values. Still, some traditional values remain strong, including piety toward parents, ancestor worship, a strong emphasis on education and work, and the importance of "face." Since industrialization, women enjoy greater freedom and a higher social status, individual creativity is regarded as equally important as social conformity and acquiring material goods and recognition is increasingly important.

Some tensions exist between social groups. The majority of people in Taiwan came from or have ancestors who came from mainland China before 1949. They are known as Taiwanese and enjoy the highest standard of living in Taiwan. Because of their wealth and numbers, they also have the greatest influence on economic and political issues.

Mainlanders are people who arrived in Taiwan after mainland China fell to the Communists in 1949. Many Mainlanders work for the government. Tensions between Taiwanese and Mainlanders have eased substantially. The aborigines, who live mainly in rural villages, are the least privileged social group in Taiwan.

Confucianism Map of Taiwan

The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in society. Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships:

  • Ruler and subject
  • Husband and wife
  • Parents and children
  • Brothers and sisters
  • Friend and friend

Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honor, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity.

Harmony / Group Relations

Due to the Confucian tenets Taiwanese culture is a collective one. There is a need to belong to a group larger than themselves, be it their family, school, work group, or country. They treat people with respect and dignity regardless of their personal feelings. In order to maintain a sense of harmony, they will act with decorum at all times and not do anything to cause someone else public embarrassment. They are willing to subjugate their own feelings for the good of the group.

The Concept of Face / Mien-tzu

The concept of face is extremely important to the Taiwanese. Face is difficult to translate into words but essential reflects a person's reputation, dignity, and prestige. Face can be lost, saved or given to another person. Companies, as well as individuals, have face and this often provides the rationale behind business and personal interactions.

> Giving Face

Face can be given to people by complimenting them, showing them respect, or doing anything that increases their self-esteem. Specific examples include:

- Complimenting individuals (be careful not to single out individuals when the work was a corporate effort)
- Praising group (company, school, family, country)

> Losing Face

You can cause someone to loose face by causing someone embarrassment, and/or tarnishing their image and reputation. Examples include:

- Direct or indirect criticism of an individual or group
- Giving someone a gift that is beneath their status
- Turning down an invitation or a gesture of friendship
- Not keeping your word
- Demonstrations of anger or excessive emotionalism

> Saving Face

In the event that you cause someone to lose face, or someone is embarrassed by circumstances that arise, the best recourse is to appropriate blame for problems that arise. For example:

- Appropriating blame for problems that arise:
- "Perhaps I didn’t explain myself clearly."
- "Oh that kind of thing happens in our country too."
- "I have done the same thing myself." 

"Guanxi" – Connections/Relationships

Most Taiwanese business is conducted among friends, friends of friends, and family. Such connections, or "guanxi" (pronounced gwan-she) are developed with people at your own level or of a higher status in both business and social situations. "Guanxi" opens doors, smoothes out problems, and leads to even more connections.

Read more about this here > Guanxi.

Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Taiwan

Meeting and Greeting

  • Greetings are formal and the oldest person in a group is always greeted first.
  • Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.
  • Many Taiwanese look towards the ground as a sign of respect when greeting someone.
  • You need not follow their example as they understand that westerners tend to smile warmly when introduced.
  • Most greetings include the rhetorical question, "Have you eaten?"
  • The Chinese traditionally have 3 names. The surname, or family name is first and is followed by one or two personal names.
  • Chinese women do not change their names when they marry other Chinese, and the children’s last name will generally follow that of the father.
  • Often their personal names have some poetic or otherwise significant meaning, so asking about the meaning is a good way to break the ice.
  • When you are first meeting a person, address the person by their academic, professional, or honorific title and their surname.
  • If those you are meeting want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which name to use. Some Chinese adopt more western names in business and may ask you to call them by that name.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • Gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births and funerals.
  • The Taiwanese like food and a nice food basket or a bottle of good quality alcohol are gifts.
  • A gift may be refused the first time it is offered out of politeness. Attempt to offer the gift again; however, never force the issue.
  • Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they traditionally indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
  • Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and death.
  • Do not give white flowers or chrysanthemums as they signify death.
  • Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper.
  • Red, pink and yellow are considered to be auspicious colours.
  • Elaborate gift wrapping is imperative.
  • Do not give an odd number of gifts, since odd numbers are considered unlucky.
  • Four is also an unlucky number. Do not give four of anything.
  • Eight is the luckiest number. Giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.
  • Avoid giving anything made in Taiwan.
  • Present gifts using both hands.
  • Gifts are not opened when received.
  • Gifts are generally reciprocated. Do not give a lavish gift unless it is to reciprocate an expensive gift that you have received.

Dining Etiquette

The Taiwanese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their home, especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited to a Taiwanese home, it will happen once you have developed a relationship and should be considered a great honour.

Read more about > Chinese Dining Etiquette

Business Etiquette in Taiwan

Etiquette in Taiwan

Meeting people

  • A handshake is the common greeting.
  • Handshakes are not as firm as in many other countries.
  • Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand.
  • Many Taiwanese lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect.
  • Greet or introduce the most important person first.
  • If you are in a group, try to assemble in rank order, with the most senior person first.
  • People are usually addressed by their title and surname.
  • If the person does not have a corporate or government title, use the honorific Mister, Miss, or Madame followed by the surname.
  • Wait until invited before using someone's first name.
  • Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions.
  • Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using the traditional script not the simplified script as used in China.
  • Business cards are exchanged using both hands.
  • Present your card so the typeface faces the recipient.
  • Examine a business card carefully before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case. Treat business cards with respect. The way you handle someone’s card is indicative of the value you place on the relationship.
  • Never write on someone's card in their presence.

Communication Style

Taiwanese value a well crafted message. They appreciate sharing a deep and broad contextual understanding in order for the core message to be delivered and understood. That context comes in the form of words, gestures and facial expressions. Brevity is not particularly valued, especially if it sacrifices something in the delivery.

It is important for people from direct cultures (USA, Germany, Scandinavia, etc), where context is not as highly valued and brevity is crucial, to realize that messages might be misconstrued as rude and the information provided might be inadequate because of its lack of context. People from direct communications cultures should take care to patiently listen for the information needed. Furthermore, a tendency to have few gestures may make it more difficult for the message to be understood so be prepared for questions.

Business Meetings

Meeting schedules are not highly structured in Taiwan. There may be an agenda, but it serves as a guideline for the discussion and may act as a springboard to other related business ideas. As relationships are valued, there may be some time in the meeting devoted to non-business discussions. Time is not considered more important than completing a meeting satisfactorily, therefore meetings will continue until the discussion is completed and may extend well past a scheduled end time.

As stated above, people in Taiwan are very indirect in their communication and are as concerned with the effect of their words on others as they are with the content of their communication. They take great care to avoid communicating anything directly that would hurt or offend a colleague as it would cause a loss of "face". They will gently push their ideas forward and wait for others to respond. If they disagree with an idea, they will simply remain silent.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Facts and StatisticsFlag of Sri Lanka

Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India

Capital: Colombo

Climate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Population: 20 million

Ethnic Make-up: Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, 10.5%

Religion(s): Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, other 10%

Government: republic

Language in Sri Lanka

Sinhala (also called Sinhalese or Singhalese) is the mother tongue of the Sinhalese ethnic group which is the largest in Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages.

Sinhala is spoken by about 16 million people in Sri Lanka, about 13 million of whom are native speakers. It is one of the constitutionally-recognised official languages of Sri Lanka, along with Tamil. Tamil is a classical language and the oldest of the Dravidian language family and spoken by the Tamil population of Sri Lanka. It is also spoken by Tamils in India, Malaysia and Singapore. As of 1996, it was the eighteenth most spoken language, with over 74 million speakers worldwide.

Sri Lankan Culture and Society

Religion

o The main religions of Sri Lanka are Buddhism and Hinduism which both have large influences on political, cultural, and social life.
o Generally speaking Buddhists believe people are reincarnated and have several lives. In each they learn lessons and should try to better their conduct in each life until they reach what is known as "Nirvana".
o Buddhists make five promises:
o Not to harm or kill any living things.
o Not to steal or take anything that is not freely given.
o To control sexual desire.
o Not to tell lies.
o Not to drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs.
o Hinduism has two important beliefs, "samsara" (reincarnation and that actions in this life determine the status of the soul in the next incarnation) and "dharma" (caste or social class).
o Hinduism has many deities including Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, and Parvatand Kali all of which are aspects of Brahman (the eternal source of everything).
o Religion has both a direct and indirect impact on business. Most predominant is the shared acceptance of fatalism, i.e. that a higher force is in control. As a result people will turn to religion when making decisions, etc.

HierarchyMap of Sri Lanka

o The influences of Buddhism and Hinduism as well as the caste system have created a culture that operated within a hierarchical system.
o Sri Lankans are conscious of social order and status.
o All relationships, whether in family life or at the office, to some extent involve hierarchies.
o At home the patriarch (the father or oldest male in the household) is considered the leader of the family. In the office, the boss/owner is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. All relationships within these circles are then based on upon people's positions within the hierarchy.

Face

o Face, which can be described as honour or personal dignity, is extremely important to Sri Lankans.
o Face can be given or lost in social situations and it is important to avoid the latter.
o In business, for example, publicly reprimanding or criticising someone would lead to a loss of face for both parties. As a result Sri Lankans are very conscious of protecting their and others' face at all times.
o This manifests in many ways. For example, many Sri Lankans will not feel comfortable making decisions since this may lead to failure which then leads to loss of face. Similarly, if asked a question to which the answer is "no" many Sri Lankans would prefer not to be so blunt and may give rather vague or uncommitted answers in order to avoid losing face.

Etiquette and Customs in Sri Lanka

Meeting and Greeting

o Typical greetings depend on the ethnic group people belong to but as a foreigner you will not be expected to be aware of such differences.
o However one can sum up the main styles of greeting in Sri Lanka:
o The older generation of Sri Lankans will use the "namaste" (palms clasped together as if in prayer at chin level with a slight nod of the head).
o The Sinhalese may say "ayubowan." (may you be blessed with a long life)
o Tamils would say "vanakkam." (may you be blessed with a long life)
o In informal settings you may also hear "kuhomadu" (How do you do?).
o The younger people generally shake hands.
o Many Sri Lankan women will refrain from physical contact with a man outside their family so always wait to see if a woman extends her hand or not.
o When addressing people you should always use the appropriate title followed by the surname. Always wait for the other party to move to a first name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

In Sri Lanka gifts are usually given at birthdays and religions holidays. As a rule gifts are not usually lavish or expensive but symbolic. 

As with other etiquette pointers about Sri Lanka there will be differences due to the ethnic/religious diversity of the country but here are some general gift giving etiquette rules:

o Avoid flowers - they are used in mourning.
o Only give alcohol if you are sure the recipient drinks.
o White or black are the colours of funerals and mourning.
o If the recipient is Muslim avoid pig products, alcohol or any foodstuffs that contain meat (unless "halal")
o Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather. .
o Give and receive gifts with two hands. To demonstrate graciousness, some Sri Lankans will touch their right forearm with their left hand while offering the gift with their right hand.
o Gifts are generally not opened when received.
o Any gift received should be reciprocated.

Dining Etiquette

o Sri Lankans enjoy coming together at meal time as a family or with friends.
o If you are invited somewhere at 7pm to eat it is likely you may wait a few hours before the food arrives, so don't go with an empty belly.
o Wait to be shown your seat. There is often a protocol to be followed.
o You may be asked if you would like to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal. You should take up the offer.
o Depending on the situation you may be served food on to your plate or be expected to serve yourself.
o Keep elbows off the table.
o Use your right hands to eat.
o Use bread or small balls of rice to scoop food off your plate.
o You may be offered or served second helpings. If you do not want more and it has already been put on your plate, there is no need to eat it.
o Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you have eaten you full. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.
o Expect to leave within half an hour after the meal ends. Most socializing occurs before the meal.

 Business Etiquette & Protocol in Sri Lanka

Meeting and GreetingReligion in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan business etiquette can be rather formal. Always remember that as a guest you will be given some leeway in terms of appreciating all the cultural nuances, but it is still best to try and adhere to some of the local customs.

o Shaking hands is the most common form of greeting.
o Handshakes are firm.
o Greetings are given upon meeting and leaving.
o Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women.
o Many Sri Lankan women may not want to shake hands with men. Wait for a woman to extend her hand.
o As with most hierarchical cultures, Sri Lankans use titles.
o If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
o Titles are used with the person's name or the surname.
o Wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Card Etiquette

o Business cards are usually exchanged after an initial handshake and greeting.
o Titles and qualifications are important so be sure to add them to your card.
o Having one side of your business card translated into Sinhala or Tamil is a nice touch but not crucial.
o Always present your business card with two hands.
o Treat people's business cards with respect - so keep don't put them into pockets, draw on them or use them in any manner that may be disrespectful.

Communication

o Maintaining face is important for all communication.
o Do not put people in awkward positions or under pressure. Never openly criticise people.
o Sri Lankans are very non-confrontational in their communication style and it is important to try and read between the lines. They may say one thing but mean another and it is up to the listener to work out the message.
o Watch for long pauses, avoidance of eye contact or blatant tactics of evasion.

Business Meetings

o As relationships are so important for business it is always wise to invest time in relationship-building conversations at the start of any meetings.
o The Sri Lankans will want to feel at ease with you and at least have a small bit of background about you before they will feel comfortable doing business or discussing business with you.
o In fact a first meeting with a company should be approached as purely a relationship building exercise.
o Prior to a meeting it may be worth while sending some background information on your company, the attendees and an agenda for the meeting.
o Meetings may be interrupted by other business but this should not be interpreted as rude in any way.
o Initial meetings will usually take place with middle ranking personnel who gather information to present to the decision maker. Getting to the decision maker through them is based on establishing good rapport and having a solid proposal.
o Remember only the top level person at a company will usually make decisions so be patient and do your best to meet the person face-to-face.

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