GIFT GIVING SAVVY
How to Avoid Blunders
and Faux Pas
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Gift-giving customs vary from culture to culture.
What may be considered culturally savvy in one culture
often becomes cultural faux pas in another culture.
Not only do customs vary from culture to culture, but the importance placed on exchanging gifts, and the protocol associated with giving, will vary.
It is important to understand how various countries view gift giving. Gifts may be viewed as thoughtful gestures, generosity, business development & promotion, bribery, or payment for special favors. |
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Understanding
the Etiquette & Protocol of Cultures |
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It is important to know the
protocol is of each culture. This is the formal etiquette and code of
behavior, precedence, and procedure that each culture considers
important. Some cultures place less importance on a formal standard code
of behavior than many other cultures. That is not to say that proper
etiquette is not expected or should be ignored.
For example, Japan is assigns a high level of importance to a code of
behavior, for example:
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The ritual of gift giving
- How a gift is presented and
received
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What is said when a gift is
presented and received
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Giving/receiving a gift with
both hands, often with a bow
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Proper wrapping and color
- Number
of items in a gift
- Knowing
when to open a gift
- Knowing
how to reciprocate
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Why
Do People Give Gifts?
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People give gifts for a variety of
reasons...
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To build and maintain personal or business relationships
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To promote business products or
services
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To
enhance the image and reputation of the company
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To show appreciation
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To show respect
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To express an apology
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To encourage or motivate
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To celebrate or congratulate
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To acknowledge your host
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The
Importance of Business Gifts
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With few exceptions, good business relationships are built upon strong personal relationships. In Asian and Latin American countries, in particular, relationships are key to business success.
Selecting an appropriate and proper gift requires knowledge & sensitivity. The art of gift giving is a tradition that has been around for a long time.
A British expression gives an excellent suggestion: Avoid "Carrying coals to Newcastle." People in Newcastle, a coal-mining town, would not appreciate receiving coal as a gift!
In other words, avoid giving something people already have. Do not give wine to the French, beer to the Germans, chocolates to the Swiss, or tea to the Chinese.
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Cultural Savvy Recommendations
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Research the cultural do's and taboos for each of the cultures in which you do business.
Consider the following:
- Status and title of people receiving gifts
- Type & costs of gifts
- Relationship to people receiving gifts
- Wrapping gifts
- Protocol of presenting gifts
- Reciprocity
- Prepare a list of items that represent your local culture, region, country, company
- Keep a detailed list of gifts that you have presented, and the names of recipients. Duplicating gifts shows a lack of thoughtfulness
- Provide cultural training for employees who are responsible for making gift selections, and/or work with cultural experts that can make suggestions, or review your corporate gift giving programs
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| Copyright © 2014 Joyce Millet All Rights Reserved. |
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| CONTACT US to discuss how our training, consulting, and coaching services can help your company become culturally savvy. |
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