Belgium
FORMAL/INFORMAL
GREETINGS
In between
Belgians shake hands with everyone in the room or office upon meeting and departure. Displaying good manners is of great importance in Belgium. At the first meeting, it is polite to say “nice to meet you” (“enchanté” or “aangenaam’). Try addressing people in their own native language or stick to English, since this is a very sensitive aspect of the Belgian culture. The ongoing language conflict in Belgium is still giving rise to tensions. When in Belgium, it is probably safest to speak English even if you are fluent in French. By speaking in French you are instantly allying yourself to one particular fraction. English is far more neutral and is widely spoken (especially in Brussels).
First names are still generally reserved for close friends, so you should always use the standard courtesy titles followed by the surname until invited to switch to first names. It can take longer to move from the surname to the given name than in the Netherlands and this can make Belgians appear to be somewhat formal in approach to people from cultures where first names are the norm in business relationships.
Belgians are known to keep their business and private life strictly divided. Do not expect them to straightforwardly invite you to their home since that's mainly reserved for relatives and close friends. In general, the only time Belgians meet up with their colleagues outside office hours is during (mandatory) events organized by the company.
In Belgium, organizational structures tend to be flatter than in France but less flat than in the Netherlands. Things like job title and size of office are likely to be of less importance than a good salary. Although the superior remains the final decision-maker at all times, Belgian employees prefer a manager who allows his/her subordinates to co-decide.
In group meetings, Belgians are non-assertive and welcome compromise. If you are looking for solutions, there is a good chance of finding a well-supported agreement. Belgians tend to have a calm style. They include anyone in a discussion of facts, principles or theories. Hence, winning a discussion is generally regarded as less important than achieving mutual agreement. Belgians sometimes show a tendency to hold back on new ideas. It might, in fact, take some persuasive argumentation backed by logical reasoning to have a revised approach accepted. Thus, do not overlook that personal appeal is also an important factor during negotiations. The decision-making process is pragmatic, yet slow. However, it can lead to surprisingly creative solutions. At the same time, the urge for compromise also gives rise to a somewhat conservative attitude.
Belgians like a meeting to be well-structured and focused. Therefore, agendas are strictly followed. Nevertheless, meetings usually start with a 15-minute small talk which is the perfect occasion to build relationships and make personal contacts.
Belgians would tend to be direct in their speech, saying more or less what they mean in a matter of fact way. Arrogance or boastfulness should be avoided at all costs. It is best to appear low key and modest rather than giving the impression that you are somebody special.
Humor is used in business but far less frequently than in countries such as the UK and Ireland. Belgians are known for their auto derision and their sense of humor (although, of course, there
are exceptions).
Going for lunch in a business context is still quite common in Belgium. Usually, business over dinner takes place at a restaurant. After you have arrived, wait for your host to introduce you to the other guests. Furthermore, wait to see if your host or anyone else offers a toast before sipping your drink. Belgians take pride in their cuisine; so, praising a meal is a sincere compliment. While business breakfasts are rare and generally not appreciated, lunch is the most popular time for business meals.
Feedback in Belgium is important, however it usually only occurs on fixed evaluation moments. These evaluations tend to take place in a rather formal manner. Since privacy is important for Belgians, feedback is mostly given to the person of interest in an office to avoid others overhearing the conversation.
In a Belgian working environment, clothing is rather formal or ‘smart casual’, not extremely high fashion, but elegant in a more traditional sense. Men are expected to wear dark suits and ties, while women wear business suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses. Belgian businessmen behave formally and expect formality in others, so it is advisable to dress conservatively at least for the first meeting. In common with most continentals, Belgians have a highly developed dress-sense and will immediately assess your level of professional achievement and social standing in the light of your taste and the quality of your clothing.
When invited to someone’s home, you do not have to dress as formally. For example, a man could wear a sports jacket or blazer with a shirt and tie, and flannels or smart chinos; a woman might wear a blouse and trousers
MEETINGS
BUSINESS LUNCHES
FEEDBACK
DRESSCODE
RELATION WITH COLLEAGUES
HIERARCHY
India
Formal culture
In large cities, men and very westernized Indian women will offer to shake hands with foreign men and sometimes with foreign women. Western women should not initiate handshaking with Indian men.
The traditional Indian greeting is the Namaste, useful for foreigners in any situation where a handshake might not be acceptable. To perform the namaste, press the palms of your hands together (as if praying) below the chin, near the heart, and gently nod or bow slightly.
Indians of all ethnic groups disapprove of public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex. Do not touch (except in handshaking), hug, or kiss in greeting.
Titles are highly valued by Indians. Always use professional titles, such as “Professor” and “Doctor.” Don’t address someone by his or her first name unless you are asked to or you are close friends; use “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss.”
Relationships (friendship and kinship) are more important than expertise, although diplomas and certificates are coveted. In general, you first have to build a relationship with someone before you can work together. Trust and confidence are the basis here. These can be attained by discussing family-oriented themes, sports interests, music interests, … Topics such as religion, politics, caste, health care and pollution should be avoided.
There are rigid, hierarchical communication patterns and lines of authority within organisations.
For major decisions you have to be at the top of the company. Middle managers do have input. However they usually do not make final decisions. A middle manager on your side can forward
your proposal. Often they are more accessible, and they are willing to meet at any time of the day.
Key decisions are made at the highest levels of the organisation. This is usually not an inclusive process.
However meetings exist. These will come along very serene, as harmony, saving face and avoidance of conflict are important principles in Indian culture. This even to the extent that avoidance of conflict may be valued more than clarity of meaning.
Business lunches are very common in India and preferred over business diners. A great amount of hospitality is associated with doing business. Being invited to someone’s home is thus no exception. Tea and small talk are preludes to most discussions. Punctuality is very much appreciated by Indians but they do not always practice it themselves. Therefor it is not necessary to be on time, though you should not show up later than 30 minutes.
Indians are very polite and will never refuse a request. However, asking for feedback or recommendations on your work may be looked upon in a negative manner. It can be perceived as that you are not competent to solve something yourself.
Also you better not confront a colleague when you want to resolve a work-related problem. Indians tend not to like confrontation and will try to avoid the issues or disregard their impact. It is best to bring up your issue informally in a conversation without addressing it directly.
Indian business people dress conservatively. Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should wear conservative dresses or pantsuits. As they revere cows, wearing leather may be considered offensive, especially in temples.
RELATION WITH COLLEAGUES
HIERARCHY
MEETINGS
BUSINESS LUNCHES
FEEDBACK
DRESSCODE
The Netherlands
FORMAL/INFORMAL
Informal culture
The Dutch are rarely very formal, but when greeting older business partners and those of a higher business rank, they will use a more formal tone. Handshakes and eye contact are frequently used in all kind of situations, as it signals trustworthiness. In business meetings, with a number of people present, it is perfectly normal to circle the room shaking everyone’s hand and introducing oneself each time with at least one’s family name. The Dutch directness in the communication might cause misunderstandings with foreigners. They prefer to communicate verbally and might sometimes lack some politeness.
It is generally appreciated to establish friendly relationships with colleagues or clients before getting down to business, however this is not essential. Work should be enjoyable and proceeds more efficiently if there is a cordial atmosphere. That is why the Dutch have great relationships with their colleagues but will rarely invite them in their homes as they keep work and private life strictly separated. The personal dimension can simply be achieved by talking about one's personal life or experiences, in whatever way one feels comfortable with.
As in every organization there exists some hierarchy within Dutch organizations, however in reality that hierarchy might be not so visible. To make it clearer, we will give a testimonial of an Indian businessman who is currently employed in the Netherlands. "I am happy that my Dutch personnel did not throw me out of my office the first week. As top manager in India, I barely spoke to my lower personnel. I was used to giving orders and being served. "In Amsterdam I learned to exchange some words with the cleaning lady, to discuss all the work with my managers and to kindly ask my secretary what phone calls came in for me. I am now used to making my own photocopies and coffee. Once you know the rules here it is very pleasant and productive to work in such an open society."
For social meetings in private or in business, one can arrive 5 minutes late, but “official” social meetings, especially in a business context will start on time. In negotiations, the Dutch ultimately say what they think and expect you to do the same. Furthermore, they will be suspicious of inflated claims, as they want concrete facts, hard data and statistics. Meetings are usually quite formal and well structured, with adherence to the agenda but might take some time as people seek consensus.
The Dutch are less inclined than their Belgian neighbors to combine business with pleasure. This particularly applies to the working lunch, which will be relatively fast and efficient so that you can get back to business. Business lunches may take the form of a sandwich and a glass of milk in the office, a meal in the company canteen, or a visit to the local café or restaurant for the daily special. Dutch people do not like to spend much money on business lunches, as they do not understand what might be the benefits of this.
The Dutch expect others to be as open and direct like them. They will tell you what they think of you and criticize your work independent of your hierarchical level in the firm. In most cases, they expect you to be honest and direct. If you detect mistakes in their work and you do not inform them about these mistakes, they might get disappointed with you. The Dutch do not feel ashamed when you inform them of a mistake, and can appreciate that you give them the opportunity to correct and thus improve themselves. The Dutch feel that in the end, one learns from his mistakes.
Dress codes in the Netherlands can vary between companies. Some companies require at least semi-formal wear, even for a typical day in the office. Others allow you to ‘dress as you please’ within sensible boundaries. Sometimes, the location or mean of transportation might determine the way you dress. In major cities such as Amsterdam, many people travel by bicycle or tram. Color has no particular significance, and colorful shirt/tie combinations are quite usual in some sectors, such as marketing and service industries. When in doubt about the dress code for a particular business event, it is advisable to be well dressed rather than under-dressed.