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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Iranian Flag

Location: The Middle East, bordering Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-proper 432 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Capital: Tehran

Climate: mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Population: 69,018,924 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloochi 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Religions: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 2%

Government: Islamic republic

The Iranian Language

Iran has a heterogeneous population speaking a variety of Indo-Iranian, Semitic, and Turkic languages. The largest language group consists of the speakers of Indo-Iranian languages, who in 1986 comprised about 70 percent of the population. The speakers of Indo-Iranian languages are not, however, a homogeneous group. They include speakers of Persian, the official language of the country, and its various dialects; speakers of Kirmanji, the term for related dialects spoken by the Kurds who live in the cities, towns, and villages of western Iran and adjacent areas of Iraq and Turkey; speakers of Luri, the language of the Bakhtiaris and Lurs who live in the Zagros; and Baluchi, the language of the seminomadic people who live in southeastern Iran and adjacent areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Approximately 28 percent of the population speaks various dialects of Turkish. Speakers of Semitic languages include Arabs and Assyrians.

Iranian Society & Culture

Islam and Shi'ism

Islam is practised by the majority of Iranians and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

Iran is the only country of all Muslim countries that is officially a Shi'ite state. The others being considered Sunni states.

When the prophet Mohammed died, the question over who should be his successor divided the Muslim population. What has now become the Sunnis believed the leadership of the community did not have to come from the Prophet's family, while Shi'ites disagreed. Although most Islamic countries contain members of both sects, Iran and Iraq have the highest numbers of Shi'ites.

Family Values

. In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure.
. The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappropriate to ask questions about an Iranian's wife or other female relatives.
. Iranians take their responsibilities to their family quite seriously.
. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home.
. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationship, even business.
. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Public vs. Private

. Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: "zaher" (public) and "batin" (private).
. When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behaviour. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle.
. The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, or cut through bureaucracy.

Taarof (Iranian Politeness)

. Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication.
. Iranians protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public.
. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value.
. In adherence to taarof, if you are ever offered something, like a tea or sweet, even if you want it, at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater. Etiquette and Customs in Iran

Meeting EtiquetteMap of Iran

. Introductions are generally restricted to members of the same sex since men and women socialize separately.
. Greetings tend to be affectionate. Men kiss other men and women kiss other women at social events. If they meet on the street, a handshake is the more common greeting
. When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
. The most common greeting is "salaam alaykum" or more simply "salaam" (peace).

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Iranians give gifts at various social occasions such as returning from a trip or if someone achieves a major success in their personal or business life.
. On birthdays, businesspeople bring sweets and cakes to the office and do not expect to receive gifts.
. It is common to give monetary gifts to servants or others who have provided services during the year on No Ruz (The Iranian New Year). Money should be new bank notes or gold coins.
. If you are invited to an Iranian's house, bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When giving a gift, always apologize for its inadequacy.
. Gifts should be elegantly wrapped - most shops will wrap them for you.
. Gifts are not generally opened when received. In fact, they may be put on a table and not mentioned.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to an Iranian's house:

. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
. Dress conservatively.
. Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated.
. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
. Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Iranians do not entertain mixed-sex groups.
. Expect to be shown into the guests' room. It is usually lavishly furnished with European furniture.
. Shake everyone's hand individually.
. Accept any offer of food or drink. Remember to do 'taarof'.
Table manners: Iranians are rather formal. Although some meals in the home are served on the floor and without eating utensils, it does not indicate a lack of decorum. In more modern homes, meals are served on a dining table with place settings.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. Eat only with the right hand.
. Try a bit if everything that is served.
. Meals are generally served family-style.
. Most tables are set with a spoon and fork only.
. There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Iranian hospitality is to shower guests with abundance.
. Expect to be offered second and even third helpings. Initial refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures (taarof again!) and are not taken seriously.
. Leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating.
Restaurants generally have two sections - "family" where women and families dine and "men only". Tips of between 10 and 15% are appreciated in hotel restaurants.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Iran

Relationships & Communication

. Iranians prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore they expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted.
. Who you know is often more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts.
. Expect to be offered tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality.
. Since Iranians judge people on appearances, dress appropriately and stay in a high standard hotel.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
. Confirm the meeting one week in advance and when you arrive in the country.
. It is a good idea to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramazan (Ramadan) as the need to fast would preclude your business colleagues from offering you hospitality.

. Arrive at meetings on time, since punctuality is seen as a virtue.

. The first meeting with an Iranian company is generally not business-focused. Expect your colleagues to spend time getting to know you as a person over tea and snacks.
. Be patient - meetings are frequently interrupted.
. Written materials should be available in both Farsi and English.
. Do not remove your suit jacket without permission.
. Do not look at your watch or try to rush the meeting. If you appear fixated on the amount of time the meeting is taking, you will not be trusted.

Business Negotiating

. It takes time for Iranians to become warm towards foreign businesspeople. Until then, they may appear somewhat stiff and formal.
. Personal relationships form the basis of business dealings.
. Decisions are made slowly.
. Iranians are deliberate negotiators who can drive a hard bargain.
. Do not use high-pressure tactics. They will work against you.
. Iranians may display emotion, or even walk out of the meeting, or threaten to terminate the relationship in an attempt to convince you to change your position.
. Iranians often use time as a negotiating tactic, especially if they know that you have a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are under time pressure.
. Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made at the top of the company, either by one person or a small council.

Dress Etiquette

. Business attire is formal and conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
. Ties are not worn by Iranians but it would not be seen as negative if you did so.
. Dress well to make a good impression.
. Women should always dress modestly and cover their hair.

Titles

. Address your Iranian business associates by their title and their surname.
. The title "doktor" is used for both M.D.s and Ph.D.s. Engineers are called "mohandis". These titles are are preceded by the formal titles listed below and are used with the surname.
. The title "agha" (sir) is used when addressing men. It may be used before or after the first name. The phrase "agha-yeh" is put before a surname.
. The title "khanoom" (madam) is used when addressing women. It may be used before or after the first name. The phrase "khanom-eh" is used before the surname.
. Wait to be invited before moving to first names. Only close friends and family use this informal form of address.

Business Cards

. Business cards are only exchanged by senior-level people.
. Since rank and position are very important, make sure your business card includes your title.
. Have one side of your card translated into Farsi.
. Present your card so the Farsi side faces the recipient.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Iraqi Flag

Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait

Capital: Accra

Climate: mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq

Population: 28,221,180 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%

Religions: Muslim 97%, Christian or other 3% br/> Government: parliamentary democracy

Language in Iraq

The official language of Iraq is Arabic. Many other languages are spoken by a variety of ethnic groups, most notably Kurdish. “Iraqi Arabic” (also known as Mesopotamian Arabic [Mesopotamian Qeltu Arabic, Mesopotamian Gelet Arabic, Baghdadi Arabic, Furati, 'Arabi, Arabi, North Syrian Arabic) is a variety of Arabic spoken in the Mesopotamian basin of Iraq south of Baghdad as well as in neighbouring Iran and eastern Syria.

Iraqi Society and Culture

The People

The Iraqi population includes a number of ethnic groups, about 77% of whom are Arabs, 19% Kurds, and the rest a variety of different groups, including Turkomens, Assyrians, and Armenians. There is also a distinct sub-group of Iraqi Arabs, called the Ma'dan or Marsh Arabs, who inhabit miles of marshy area just above the point at which the Tigris and Euphrates join together.

Religion

The majority of Iraqis are Muslims regardless of ethnicity. Its position in Iraq went through a transition during Saddam Hussein’s regime as the state moved from a secular one to one needing Islam to prop up their actions. At this stage the words “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) was added to the flag. During Saddam’s regime only Sunnis held real power.

With the overthrow of Saddam’s regime the Shia majority now hold more power and influence than in the past. As well as the power shift people have also been able to express their religious identities a lot more freely.

The Shia and Sunnis are similar in over 95% of ways. The differences are not as acute as one would think. Essentially the split occurred to the political question of who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the community. Major differences between the two occur in jurisprudence (i.e. how to pray, how to marry, inheritance) and minor elements of faith.

Regardless of orientation Islam prescribes a way of life and it governs political, legal, and social behaviour. It organises one’s daily life and provides moral guidance for both society and the individual. The rules of Islam come from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (known as “hadith”).

Hospitality

Hospitality is an Arab and Muslim tradition deeply engrained in the culture. Visitors are treated as kings and must always be fed and looked after. A tradition within Islam actually stipulates someone is allowed to stay in your home for 3 days before you can question why they are staying and when they will leave, Invitations to a home must be seen as a great honour and never turned down.

Family and Honour

Iraqis consider family and honour to be of paramount importance. The extended family or tribe is both a political and social force. Families hold their members responsible for their conduct, since any wrongdoing brings shame to the entire family. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.

Nepotism is not viewed negatively; in such a culture is naturally makes more sense to offer jobs to family as they are trusted.

It is common for large extended families to live in the same house, compound, or village. In urban areas, families do not necessarily live in the same house, although they generally live in the same street or suburb at least.

Etiquette and Customs in Iraq

Iraqi Map

Meeting People

  • The most common greeting is the handshake coupled with eye contact and a smile.
  • The standard Arabic/Islamic greeting is "asalaamu alaikum" ("peace be with you"), to which the response is "wa alaikum salaam" ("and peace be unto you").
  • Good friends of the same sex may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek, starting with the right.
  • Expect to be introduced to each person individually at a small social function. At a large function, you may introduce yourself.

Gift Giving Etiquette

  • If you are invited to an Iraqi’s home, bring a box of cookies, pastries or a box of chocolates. A fruit basket is also appreciated.
  • Flowers are being given more and more but only to a hostess.
  • If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relation.
  • A small gift for the children is always a good touch.
  • Gifts are given with two hands.
  • Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

The culture of hospitality means Iraqis like to invite people to their homes. If you are invited to a home:

  • Check to see if you should remove shoes.
  • Dress conservatively and smartly.
  • Do not discuss business.
  • Iraqi table manners are relatively formal.
  • If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Never let your feet touch the food mat.
  • Use the right hand for eating and drinking.
  • It is considered polite to leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Meeting and Greeting

  • Iraqi businesspeople are relatively formal in their business dealings.
  • The common Arabic greeting is "asalaamu alaikum" (peace be with you), to which you should respond "wa alaikum salaam" (and peace be with you).
  • The most common business greeting is the handshake with direct eye contact.
  • Handshakes can be rather prolonged; try not to be the first person to remove your hand.
  • Men should wait to see if a woman extends her hand.

Business cards are given out.

  • It’s a nice touch to have one side of your card translated into Arabic.
  • Communication Styles
  • The need to save face and protect honour means that showing emotions is seen negatively. Displays of anger are a serious no-no. If you must show disapproval it is always best to do so in a one-to-one, quietly and with tact.
  • Always keep your word. Do not make a promise or guarantee unless you can keep it. If you want to show a commitment to something but do not want to make caste iron assurances then employ terms such as “I will do my best,” “We will see,” or the local term “insha-Allah” (God willing).
  • Iraqi businesspeople are not afraid of asking blunt and probing questions. These may be about you, your company or its intentions.

Business Meetings

business culture iraq

  • Due to the hierarchical nature of organisations or businesses the leader of an Iraqi team does most of the talking for his company or department. Subordinates are there to corroborate information or to provide technical advice and counsel to the most senior Iraqi.
  • It is a good idea to send any information or agendas in Arabic in advance. If you are bringing a team send the names, titles, and a brief business bio of people attending.
  • Decisions are generally made by the top of the company but this will be based on recommendations from pertinent stakeholders and technical experts who sit in on meetings.
  • Expect interruptions during meetings when phone calls may be taken or people enter the room on other matters. This should not be seen negatively; one should simply remain patient and wait for matters to return to them.
  • Iraqis often have several side discussions taking place during a meeting. They may interrupt the speaker if they have something to add. They can be loud and forceful in getting their point of view across.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia

Capital: Wellington

Population: 3,993,817 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: New Zealand European 74.5%, Maori 9.7%, other European 4.6%, Pacific Islander 3.8%, Asian and others 7.4%

Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% (1986)

Language in New Zealand

The three official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori and NZ Sign Language. English is the language of day-to-day business within New Zealand, a remnant of ties to the British Commonwealth. Maori is a Polynesian language similar to the languages of other Pacific Island cultures, such as Hawaiian, Tongan, and Samoan. Over 157,000 people in New Zealand speak Maori (2006 Census).

The Maori language has been part of New Zealand and its culture since the first people came to the Islands. However, Maori has only been recognised as an official language of New Zealand since the Maori Language Act of 1987. English-Maori bilingualism and the development and use of the Maori language is encouraged by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori-the Maori Language Commission.

Maori and English are used throughout the country in various television and radio programs. As with other regions in the world where two cultures have been mixed, English has influenced Maori and Maori has influenced English. A number of words in each language have crossed in to the vocabulary of the other. English has introduced motuka (car) and Maori has replied with taboo (tapu).

Many places in New Zealand have been christened with two names - one English, one Maori (the original Maori name and the adopted English one). And, in some cases, these names are used interchangeably

Kiwi Society & Culture

There can be marked differences between Maori and NZ European (Pakeha) societies and culture. This is particularly apparent when moving in tribal (Iwi) circles. Due to colonisation and tribal differences, there can also be subtle but important variations in protocols. The following sections outline aspects most likely to occur when doing business with tribal groups but can also equally apply to any group that includes Maori.

Kiwi Demeanour

. New Zealanders are friendly, outgoing, somewhat reserved initially yet polite, and enjoy extending hospitality.
. They are quite easy to get to know as they say hello to strangers and will offer assistance without being asked.
. Because they do not stand on ceremony and are egalitarian, they move to a first name basis quickly and shun the use of titles.
. Kiwis dress casually, but neatly.
. Most restaurants do not have dress codes and except in business, dress is decidedly casual.
. Business dress is conservative, although jackets may be removed and shirtsleeves rolled up when working.

Maori demeanour

. Maori are generally friendly and reserved and place great value on hospitality.
. They will generally offer (often to the point of going without) assistance to their guests and will attempt to hide the inconvenience as much as possible.
. Maori will spontaneously launch into speech and song. Even though they may not have met each other, they will know many songs they can sing together and often use these to close or enhance speeches.
. They will often call for visitors to do the same and it would be wise to have 2-3 practised songs from your own country to reply with.

Environmentalism

. Kiwis are environmentally concerned and have a strong desire to preserve their country's beauty.
. One of the major local issues is the importing of predators.
. Border controls are very tight and there are huge fines for importing food or other natural products such as wood, cane etc.
. The local attitude towards the environment is largely influenced by the viewpoint of the indigenous population, the Maori.
. They believe that all things have a 'mauri' - a life force.
. Damage to this life force, or human attempts to dominate it, result in the mauri losing its energy and vitality, which affects the lives of people as well as the resilience of ecosystems.
. Maintaining the mauri of the environment and ecosystem resilience are equally important for sustainable development.

Egalitarianism

. The country has no formal class structure.
. Wealth and social status are not important to Kiwis.
. They take pride in individual achievements and believe that opportunities are available to all.
. As a 'welfare state' unemployment benefits, housing and access to health is all available free of charge to those who can't afford it.
. Maori have a hierarchy especially apparent in formal situations.
. For example, the elder (male or female) is seated in a specific area and will be asked to open or close a meeting. Mostly they are men but not always.

Etiquette and Customs

Meeting and GreetingEtiquette in New Zealand

. Greetings are casual, often consisting simply of a handshake and a smile.
. Never underestimate the value of the smile as it indicates pleasure at meeting the other person.
. Although New Zealanders move to first names quickly, it is best to address them by their honorific title and surname until they suggest moving to a more familiar level or they call you by your first name. 

Maori meeting and greeting

. Maori stand on ceremony and have distinct protocols regarding how visitors should be welcomed and seen off.
. If the business dealings are with a tribal group (Iwi) the welcoming protocols may be practiced through the process of Powhiri – a formal welcome that takes place on a Marae.
. A Powhiri can take between 30 minutes to 2-3 hours depending on the importance of the event.
. It begins by calling the visitors onto the area infront of the traditional meeting house. Visitors should walk as a group and in silence expect if they have a responding caller to reply to the home peoples’ caller (usually an older woman).
. A Powhiri dictates where people sit, in what position in their group, and who speaks.
. In most cases, but not all, you will notice the men are seated forward and only males speak. There is a tension between the men and women on this matter and in a few places this has been resolved and you will see both genders stand to speak. In the interests of not causing friction in your business dealings, always follow the lead of the home people.
. The welcoming speeches are given by the agreed speakers of the home people and always end with the most revered speaker or elder.
. Speeches are given in the Maori language and each one accompanied by traditional song. You may not understand what is being said but you can rest assured it is likely to be from the best orators in the group and often very complimentary.
. The visitors are expected to have at least one speaker reply on their behalf.
. If possible, the speaker should prepare a learned opening in Maori – it is critical that he/she focus on the pronunciation. Mispronounced words often result in whispers and sniggers and is considered disrespectful. It is better to have a very short opening said well, than a long one said badly.
. The speaker’s reply should never be about the detailed purpose of the visit nor should it be to self-promote as this would be considered arrogant.
. The speaker should use the opportunity to briefly show respect to the place that they stand (ie. the location), to the houses (the traditional carved meeting house and dining room are named after ancestors and so are greeted accordingly), to greet the home people, and to explain where his/her group have come from (place is important to Maori)
. This should be followed by a song from the visitors’ country that the visitors’ group should sing together.
. The Powhiri can be daunting to visitors and can be fraught with traps that may offend. This is why most visitors seek the assistance of a Maori person to ‘guide’ them.
. Once the last elder of the home people has spoken, they will gesture the visitors to come forward in a line to shake hands, kiss (once) on the cheek or hongi (touch noses) with the home people.
. Following this the kitchen is ready to call people in to eat.
. Following the food, the meeting proper can begin.
. While this seems to be a set routine, I have been to many a Powhiri where variations of this occur. It pays to be vigilant and to follow the lead of others, or to discreetly ask questions if unsure.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Kiwi's house, bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country to the hosts.
. Gifts should not be lavish.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. New Zealanders are casual as is reflected in their table manners.
. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. Meals are often served family-style.
. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. They will not look askance, however, if you adopt American table manners.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

Maori Dining Etiquette

. Following a Powhiri, the visitors will be asked to the dining room (a separate building to the carved meeting house) to sit to eat at long tressle tables.
. They should not eat until the food has been ‘blessed’ or an acknowledgement said by an elder of the home people even if the food is getting cold.
. Visitors should try to enable the home people to sit amongst them to chat and get to know them while eating.
. Often, younger people will be serving and older people will be working in the kitchen.
. It is important to realise that in most cases they are working voluntarily and it is appropriate to formally and publicly thank them near the close of the meal before leaving the dining room to begin the meeting. As a result of this, the visitors may be light-heartedly asked to sing.
. To sing a song from your home country would show respect and thanks.

Business Etiquette & Protocol

Relationships & Communication

. New Zealanders can be somewhat reserved, especially with people they do not know.
. Once they develop a personal relationship, they are friendly, outgoing and social.
. Do not appear too forward or overly friendly.
. They respect people who are honest, direct, and demonstrate a sense of humour.
. They trust people until they are given a reason not to.
. If this happens in business the breach will be difficult to repair and business dealings may cease or become more difficult.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are usually necessary and should be made at least one week in advance by telephone, fax or email.
. It is generally easy to schedule meetings with senior level managers if you are coming from another country if the meeting is planned well in advance.
. It can be difficult to schedule meetings in December and January since these are the prime months for summer vacation.
. Arrive at meetings on time or even a few minutes early.
. If you do not arrive on time, your behaviour may be interpreted as indicating that you are unreliable or that you think your time is more important than the person with whom you are meeting.
. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.
. Expect a brief amount of small talk before getting down to the matter at hand.
. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, exaggerated claims, hyperbole, and bells and whistles. New Zealanders are interested in what people 'can do' not what they say they can do.
. Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the New Zealand business climate.
. Maintain eye contact and a few feet of personal space.

Negotiations

. The negotiating process takes time.
. Do not attempt high-pressure sales tactics.
. Demonstrate the benefits of your services or products rather than talking about them.
. Start your negotiations with a realistic figure. Since this is not a bargaining culture, New Zealanders do not expect to haggle over price.
. Kiwis look for value for their money.
. Do not make promises you cannot keep or offer unrealistic proposals. Kiwis do not generally trust people who have to oversell!
. They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by more detail than is required.
. Agreements and proposals must state all points clearly. All terms and conditions should be explained in detail.
. Stick to the point while speaking.
. Kiwis appreciate honesty and directness in business dealings.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Culture in Nepal

Want to know more about the culture in Nepal? The following article should provide you with some interesting information.

It is important when you visit Nepal that you are observant and respectful of the culture at all times.

Nepal has a rich cultural history, which is due in part to Nepal being sandwiched between both India and China. Since Nepal is also a very mountainous country, people exist at different altitudes which also affects the way in which they live their lives and hence their culture. The cultural diversity is also evident through the different ethnic and religious groups within Nepal.

The Nepalese people are generally fairly forgiving when people make a cultural hiccup, but they are extremely appreciative of visitors who are respectful to their culture and who make an effort to understand it and abide by it.

There are many behaviours in the Nepalese culture which put western cultures to shame, so it’s important that you do not visit Nepal with a ‘developed versus non-developed’ attitude.

When visiting a Nepalese home always remove your shoes. You should also remove your shoes before entering a temple or Buddhist sanctuary. You may find however that westerners are not allowed entrance to the Hindu temples.

If you visit a home in Nepal then you should also be extremely careful not to throw rubbish of any sort into an open fire as fires are culturally held to be sacred. This observation should also extend to camp fires if you are out trekking with Nepalese individuals.

When eating, you should only use your right hand and ideally, you should try to drink without letting touching the drinking implement with your lips. You should also avoid ‘polluting’ food by ‘contaminating’ it with a used utensil.

You should dress modestly whilst in Nepal as the culture in Nepal is not one for exposing the body. Nudity is not acceptable anywhere under any circumstances. It is not acceptable for a male to take his shirt off and equally, women should not wear revealing clothes as both actions can be deemed offensive.

Do not show affection in public, do not shout, and avoid making body contact unless this is essential. The lower parts of the body are the least revered and therefore it’s important not to point at anything with your feet and it is certainly not acceptable to touch anything with your feet. Since the head is spiritually the purest part of the body, then it’s equally important that you do not make any kind of physical contact with it. This means that it is unacceptable for you to pat a child on the head.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

History of Japanese Art

Interested in the development of art in Japan? Relish in the History of Japanese art as we cover the most important periods through the course of time.

The history of Japanese art is extensive enough to form an encyclopedia in its own right. We find that the Japanese have had a long and rich history of art that stretches back to ancient times. In fact some of the oldest artifacts known to man belong to the Japanese.

The different eras of art have been given names according to the places where the government was located. Historians claim that the earliest inhibitors of Japan was a tribe called Ainu. They were the ones responsible for the early artifacts of Japan. With time the Ainu people started having an influence on the Northern areas of Japan. The people of this region were called the Jamon people and consequently the period is known as the Jomon and Yayoi period.

Jimmu is recorded as being crowned the first emperor of Japan in 660 B.C. Later on Japan was invaded by the Yayoi people. One can find remnants of pottery vessels and clay figurines from the jomon and yayoi period. These people were skilled in making weapons out of copper and bronze along with various religious artifacts.

Another important era was the Kofun period in 250 BC. The culture of the time period is also known as the Haniwa culture which consisted of typical sculptures that were found on tombs. Bronze mirrors belonging to this time period have also been found.

With the advent of Buddhism into Japan from China began the Asuka period. This period saw a series of developments in Japanese arts. Many advanced techniques of art and architecture flowed in from the Chinese who were far ahead in terms of art and living than the Japanese.

The Nara period is one of the most significant eras in Japan’s history of art. It was under this era that the Japanese came under the complete influence of Buddhism which led them to adopt the Chinese Tang dynasty style. Many of the Buddhist temples that exist today belong to the Nara period.

Next to follow was the Heian period which proved to be a decisive era for Japanese art. In this era Japanese art flourished in a wide variety of mediums. The first novel known as the tale of Genji Monogatari also belongs to this time period. Although the subject matter of the novel was highly controversial it was still a pioneer for the Japanese in the field of novel writing. The Fujiwara period is also known to be a time when art and literature flourished in Japan.

With the establishment of the Shogunate and the birth of the Samurais the Japanese artists got a new domain of inspiration for their art work. The Kamakura period as it is known is regarded as the time period when Japanese arts moved towards a realistic trend and popularized art forms. Japanese calligraphy also took birth during this time period.

Samurai art is still a popular theme in Japan today. Although there have been many other decisive periods in the history of Japanese arts the above mentioned art eras are by far the most important movements that took place during the course of history.

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