Interim Report

1.0 Introduction

Sienna Chen, of Singaporean origin, is planning to expand her Australian business to India. For this, she will visit Mr. Sunil Singh for a business meeting in Mumbai. Indian culture is a very sensitive issue (Frazee 1998), thus, to become a part of the flourishing Indian economy, it is important to avoid cultural miscommunications. Therefore, Ms. Chen must be clarified about the corporate culture of India to eliminate any cultural faux-pas. She will then be able to impress Mr. Singh during the meeting.

2.0 Indian Culture

The traditional Indian greeting is the "Namaste"; conservative behaviour is the by-product of everyday Indian life (Stevens 2007). “Placing a garland of flowers around your neck means your counterpart is greeting you in the traditional Indian manner” (Culture Quiz 1998, 11). It is protocol for you to remove the garland of flowers before sitting down as a sign of humility.

Caste is a very complex aspect of Hindu culture (Frazee 1998). It is considered impolite to address a person older or holding a higher status by their first name. The first name, followed by "ji" to show respect is the best advice to follow.

3.0 Business Etiquettes

According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions, Australians (flat managerial structure) do not perceive hierarchy to be as important as Indians do. Frazee (1998) thus propounded that this formal structure of Indian businesses leads to titles such as “Srimathi”, “Sri” (the equivalent terms for “Mrs.” and “Mr.”) being said all the times.
Australians value privacy (Stevens 2007). It is evident from this fact that foreigners would feel Indians are prying, as Indians like to talk about personal matters. These matters should be taken lightly.

An Indian does not say “No” directly (for fear of causing offense). If terms like "We'll see" or "I will try" are being used, then it means they are subtly trying to say “No”. Punctuality is expected in Australia. Conversely, flexibility is paramount in India (lateness does not have disastrous consequences) because family responsibilities take precedence over business.

When Asians are requesting for a contract, it means that they fear the foreigner might cheat if legal restrictions are not present (Kumar and Sethi 2005). Interpretation of this fact is that in India; talks about contracts will be frequent. To make a good impression, contractual matters should be taken seriously!

4.0 Potential areas of Miscommunications
4.1 Negotiations

‘From a Euro-American perspective, the Indian appear to be both indirect as well as contentious.' (Kumar and Sethi 2005, 134) He means to say that for Indians, their personal gain is prevalent. Thus, negotiations can be slow in India. Indians believe a good working relationship and trust is very important in business; so intuition, feeling and faith are used to guide them.

4.2 Body Language

Culture Quiz (1998) exposed the facts standing with your hands on your hips will be interpreted as an angry and aggressive posture. Winking may be interpreted as either an insult or a sexual proposition. It is advisable to refrain from doing the above. Indians bob their heads up and down when affirming something. Although it looks similar to "no" of the West, it is in fact a sign that your Indian associate is listening attentively.

Kumar and Sethi (2005) also noted that arm around the shoulders or the holding of the hand for a fraction too long, are all signs of Indian friendliness. Therefore, do not give such closeness a sexual meaning. Men keep a respectable space from a Woman.

4.3 Giving Gifts

Stevens (2007) warned that gifts should not be opened in the presence of the giver. But, if an invitation to an Indian home is received, do take some small gift (for the children if they have any). For wrapping colours; the author advised to avoid white and black as they are considered inauspicious.

Also, according to Culture Quiz (1998), since Hindu Indians regard the cow as sacred, leather gifts must not be given. Furthermore, thanking the hosts at the end of a meal is considered a form of payment and therefore insulting. Refrain from doing so.

4.4 Visiting Cards

DeJarnatt (2008) focused on business cards, which should be exchanged at the beginning of a business meeting. As an advice, the author singled out that cards in English are fine but, as a sign of respect, have it translated on one side into Hindi.

5.0 Conclusion

Indians are very conservative in their everyday life, and they bring this attribute into their Corporate World. To be able to conduct business successfully in India, one should be aware of the differences and then act to avoid making mistakes.

6.0 Recommendations

 Sienna Chen can start conversations by using topics such as the latest business news or cricket.
 Sienna Chen should dress formally and be conservative when planning her wardrobe.
 As a general rule, never use the left hand (considered the toilet hand) and never talk about caste.
 Generally, Hindus do not consume beef. Vegetable menus are safer choices for everyone.
 Do not discuss about out poverty and social ills because Indians may interpret it as insult coming from a foreigner.
 Do not meet Mr. Singh near or on national holidays such as Independence Day, or either of the two Eids. Consult the Indian Embassy for a list of National Holidays.
 When negotiations end successfully continue the relationship building process with Mr. Singh with a celebration dinner.