The following tips will help develop your cultural knowledge of the United Kingdom.

Language & Communication

Even though the United Kingdom is the birthplace of the English language, it has evolved under separate, unique circumstances, making it distinct from international versions of the language. Depending on the kind of English you’ve been exposed to, you may or may not know what the following words actually mean. Ask yourself if you know the British meaning:

+ The “queue”
+ “Cheers!”
+ “Skinny milk”
+ “Dodgy”

(Answers: the line you wait in e.g. at the store, used in conjunction with goodbye or at the end of a phone conversation or when making a toast, nonfat or fat-free milk, an adjective for something negative or troublesome.)

+ The subtle way Brits give negative feedback may make it hard to understand the core of their message. They are likely to cushion bad news by sandwiching it between more positive messages. This can obscure underlying, yet important information, so be alert.

+ As a group, the British are not animated speakers. In fact, if you insult someone, their facial expression may not change. This only shows they do not believe in putting their innermost thoughts on display. Likewise, emotional appeals will not be effective in many business environments.

+ Humor is a vital element in British communication. As a general rule, it tends to be subtle and clever. Irony and self-deprecation are very common.

Behavior in General

+ The British sense of politeness is world renowned, so keep this in mind. Personal space (at least an arm’s length) and privacy are important aspects of British culture.

+ Do not confuse the geography of the country. Referring to someone from Wales as ‘English’ is inaccurate and offensive. The United Kingdom, much like the United Arab Emirates and the US, is a union of smaller political entities (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and numerous outlying islands). Regionalism is a strong cultural aspect of the country.

+ The British aversion to risk is a key cultural concept. Think of the American proverb, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” as opposed to the British proverb, “Let sleeping dogs lie,” which means that disturbances cause complications. Brits will often initiate business discussions by outlining the history and risks involved before discussing the actual opportunities.

+ Business meetings are generally structured although not excessively formal. They begin and end with a modicum of social conversation. This may center on the weather, a favorite subject among the British. Meetings tend to end without a recap or “next steps.”

Finally, it is important to differentiate between living in London and living in other parts of UK. They are two drastically different experiences. Many expatriates find London much more fitting than, for example, Liverpool, given London’s high volume of international residents. You could live in the UK for years and still not grasp the full breadth of British culture, so always keep your mind open and aware of differences, subtle or not, that are culturally rooted.

- from RW3 CultureWizard™ Country Profiles

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+ Bahrain was one of the first countries in the Gulf to discover oil and build a refinery, thereby becoming wealthy before most of its neighbors.

+ Bahrain is one of the few Gulf countries where nationals represent the majority of the population. Many Bahrainis are of Persian rather than Arab descent, (73,000 according to Wikipedia).

+ The country’s population is majority Shi’a and minority Sunni, representing the two primary sects of Islam. The ruling family is Sunni.

+ Bahraini’s view time as something that is fluid and adjusts to changing circumstances. The expression “insh’allah” literally means “If Allah wills it”, and is an explanation for much behavior. Personal relationships are so important that they take precedence over strict adherence to time.

+ While women are more publicly active in Bahrain than in most Middle Eastern countries, it is still important to establish a businesswoman’s credentials to avoid any misconception about her role. To do so, it’s a good idea to forward a brief bio including academic background, title, and professional accomplishments.

+ A personal introduction can open doors that might otherwise be closed. Bahrainis prefer to do business with those whom they have a personal relationship. A letter of introduction from someone they know allows you to be treated with the respect and trust of the other person.

+ As Bahrainis judge people on appearances, it is a good idea to stay in a high standard international hotel when traveling for business. Wearing good quality, conservative clothes marks you as someone of status. They respect education; mention if you have an advanced degree from a prestigious university, without appearing to boast.

-from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

For more country-specific information on culture and business, contact us.

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+ With over 6000 years of history, Egypt’s culture is oriented to its past as much as it is oriented to its present. If you are a business traveler, build time in your schedule for sightseeing. Egyptians are proud of their culture and heritage and enjoy arranging tours for visitors. Do not consider such excursions a waste of time.

+ Kinship and familial ties play an all-important role in Egyptian social relations. The individual is subordinate to the family, tribe or group. The family often has more importance than business, and nepotism is viewed positively since it is patronage of one’s family.

+ In Egypt, a person’s promise is considered his or her bond, and to go back on one’s word is to bring dishonor to one’s entire family.

+ For an Arab country, Egypt has a relatively progressive attitude towards women’s rights. Many women work in business, although seldom in senior management positions. A high proportion of women are employed as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, ministers and high officials.

+ Egyptians require little physical distance between speakers of the same sex. Men widen the gap considerably when speaking to a woman. They generally stand further away than you are accustomed to in your own culture. Attempting to close the gap could upset your Egyptian colleague, make him question your intentions, and jeopardize your business relationship.

+ Modify your speech pattern if you come from a culture that is direct and to the point. Arabic is a language of hyperbole.

+ Egyptians use indirect, circular, and ambiguous language rife with emotion. Although mirroring their speech pattern would be insulting, it is a good idea to temper directness. Your goal is to get your point across and this happens more readily if you speak in a manner that does not sound harsh and offensive to the listener.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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Aside from UBS’s recent dress code publication, there are many other facets of Swiss culture one should know. Whether you’re a business traveler, or your part of a global team with members in Switzerland, the following culture tips will prove essential:

+ There are four major cultures co-existing in Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Each has linguistic and cultural ties to a neighboring country. While the following are overarching cultural norm, the general Swiss attitude is summed up in the phrase “unity, but not uniformity.”

+ Although friendly and informal with close friends and family, the Swiss are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders. They do not put their possessions or emotions on display.

+ For the most part, the Swiss believe time is something that can, and should, be controlled. Time is viewed as a commodity and it is not something to be wasted. Business meetings start and end at appointed times, as do social events.

+ The Swiss are pragmatic and responsible. They do not brag or boast and will not be impressed if you state your credentials. The Swiss are obsessed with politeness and expect courteous good manners. Begin with a formal demeanor, moderate your speaking voice, and allow your Swiss colleagues to determine when, or if, you should become more informal.

+ Switzerland’s business community is relatively small and most executives have a network of trusted friends and associates. As such, if you do not handle your business dealings in an acceptable manner, word of your behavior will spread through the business community relatively quickly.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles

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+ Colombia is highly stratified: the traditionally rich families of Spanish descent have benefited from the country’s wealth to a much greater extent than the majority mixed-race (mestizo) population. Upward social mobility is quite limited.
+ Appearances matter. Colombians are fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance. They believe that clothes indicate social standing and success.
+ Colombians are outgoing and are quick to make friends, especially with foreign visitors. They enjoy sharing meals with friends and will often invite you out after a short acquaintance.
+ Colombians have an indirect communication style and rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell what they feel. They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word.
+ Although Colombians are friendly, it is best to err on the side of formality rather than jeopardize a business relationship because you were too informal.
+ When meeting in a professional context, allow the Colombian to determine when it’s time to discuss business. The preference is to converse informally, part of the relationship-building process, before moving to more serious topics.
+ Because decisions may be reached on the basis of personal sentiment, spend time cultivating the personal relationship.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles

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+ Harmony is a key value in Japanese society. Harmony is the guiding philosophy in family, business and in society as a whole. However, younger generations are shifting to more individualistic norms.

+ The basic precept of harmony is that the individual alone is incomplete and can only be personally fulfilled by being part of a group. Most Japanese believe the needs of the society supersede personal desires.

+ Face is a mark of personal dignity and is used to maintain status with one’s peers. The Japanese avoid engaging in behavior that may cause a loss of face. To do so, do not openly criticize, insult, or put someone on the spot.

+ The Japanese are very conscious of age and status. In general, the elderly are treated with the highest regard.

+ The aesthetics of food, its presentation and eating are as integral to the culture as the Japanese language. More than simply a way to gain sustenance, food is presented and eaten in a stylized, elegant, artistic way, replete with protocol. It is important to understand this protocol in advance of a business lunch or dinner.

+ Japanese businessmen may have difficulty seeing a businesswoman as the final authority. In general, a businesswoman will be more successful if she establishes a relationship and strong credibility by forwarding a brief bio including her academic background, title, and professional accomplishments.

+ Japanese communication is somewhat vague and roundabout, placing emphasis on non-verbal cues and subtle nuances of tone and wording. The Japanese value a well-crafted message that is subtle and polite.

- from RW3 CultureWizard’s™ Country Profiles

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+ Panama City is the capital of Panama and is purported to be one of the most modern cities in Central America. The skyline is reminiscent of major cities in the US, while the old part of the city has narrow, cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.
+ If you were to think about the most important cultural attributes that you will see operating in business in Panama, they would be:
- A hierarchical structure
- Group-oriented interests
- The importance of interpersonal relationships
- An indirect form of communication

+ Panamanian society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured. People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision making. Rank is important and those above you in rank must be treated with respect.
+ When greeting one another, women often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands. If they are close friends, they may hug and kiss on the right cheek. Men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to the more traditional abrazo, a hug and back slapping.
+ Panamanians do not require a great deal of personal space when conversing. If you back away, you may give offense or the person may step forward to close the gap.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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The chart above was used at an INSEAD conference on international management to demonstrate the different ways US Americans, Brazilians and Japanese would negotiate by counting the incidence of various verbal and non-verbal actions. It is surprising to see how the subjects observed from the US and Japan are much closer to each other than they are to the Brazilians in terms of behavior.

We can see how the idea of personal space is very different in Brazil because of their inclination to physically touch their colleagues during the negotiating process, while silence was employed on a frequent basis by the Japanese and not at all by the Brazilians. Interruption, rather, resembles a sign of great interest and enthusiasm for the Brazilians, while silence has a similar affect within the Japanese context.

Can you add to this chart with your own experience? What have you found unique about these three cultures during the negotiation process?

+ In business it is best to adopt a formal approach and pay close attention to hierarchy and status. Hungarians are highly individualistic and proud of their personal accomplishments. They work exceedingly hard and will work extra hours to complete a job to the best of their ability.
+ Both men and women greet by shaking hands, when meeting someone for the first time. Some older men may kiss a woman’s hand in greeting, although this is less common than it once was. They may, however, bow slightly when shaking the woman’s hand to demonstrate their deference. At subsequent meetings, they kiss one another lightly on both cheeks.
+ Hungarians can be quite formal and do not often call anyone outside their family and a few close friends by their first name. Do not presume this level of intimacy until invited.
+ Most Hungarians grant an automatic 5-minute grace period and expect people to arrive within that window for both social and business occasions. In many respects, Hungary is an extremely achievement oriented culture where people work extremely hard.
+ Hungarians are emotive speakers who are not afraid to argue their position. At the same time, they may use stories, analogies, or jokes to get their point across in an indirect manner.
+ Hungarians often have a dry sense of humor. They enjoy complaining or poking fun at anything that is reminiscent of the Communist era. While they may make these types of comments, foreigners should not.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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+ Chilean nuclear families are generally small, although the extended family is quite close. Many young people live with their parents until they marry, although there is an emerging trend for young people to move away from the family.
+ The extended family celebrates holidays and other social occasions together. Weekends are considered time for the family and it is rare for business to interfere with family obligations.
+ Family relationships may carry over into business. In smaller firms, family members first and close friends second often fill positions. Chileans distinguish between business and family, but the line is less clearly drawn than in many other cultures where business and personal lives do not overlap.
+ Indirect communication is usual in Chile, and people are extremely courteous. Consequently, sometimes, if the information is not what they think you will want to hear, they say it in a way that is so courteous that it is difficult to discern the information, especially if it is disagreement.
+ In some ways, you will find Chile less hierarchical than many of its neighbors, thus, in meetings, more participation may occur.
+ For the most part, Chileans are not risk takers. They take pride in performing tasks according to rules, regulations and procedures. Such external restrictions satisfy their need to protect themselves. Chileans are not comfortable in amorphous situations; they prefer transparent business dealings.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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+ The influences of Buddhism and Hinduism as well as the caste system have created a culture that emphasizes hierarchical relationships. Sri Lankans are conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they family, friends, or strangers.
+ The tenets of karma and reincarnation help foster hierarchical structures because they purport that people are born into their social order based upon their behaviors in their previous life. Therefore, if a person is born to a wealthy family, it is right that this person should be highly educated and achieve material wealth, since that person previously led a good life and should be rewarded.
+ Marriage is considered the most important event in a Sri Lankan’s life. Some parents identify potential souses for their children through a network of friends and relatives, marriage brokers, the Internet, or newspaper advertisements.
+ Meetings generally start with a brief welcoming speech followed by relationship-building conversations. Sri Lankans must feel comfortable with you before they can conduct business.
+ Meetings may be interrupted more frequently than in many Western cultures but less so than in Arab cultures.
+ Relationship building is such a vital part of the business culture that you should expect to be treated extremely well. Sri Lankans pride themselves on being gracious hosts. They also want you to feel indebted to them since they believe that this facilitates negotiations.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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+ Ukrainians are extremely superstitious and avoid many behaviors. If you do something that they believe can cause harm, such as sitting on stone steps, someone will tell you that you risk doing great harm to yourself. Superstitions are derived from folk wisdom in rural communities.

+ The Ukrainian language is making a resurgence as the national language and a source of pride. It is the official language of instruction in schools and of the government. However, many older businesspeople in Kyiv still speak Russian

+ Ukrainians rely on a close network of family, friends, and co-workers as protection against the risks and unpredictability of daily life. Friends provide a vehicle to circumvent red tape and cut through bureaucracy. In business, friendships are called “svyazy” or connections.

+ The influences of the Russian Orthodox Church plus a long history of turbulent economic times, unstable governments and adverse climatic conditions produce a rather fatalistic approach towards life.

+ The Ukrainian communication style is very straightforward. Business is often conducted with minimal pleasantries. In fact, Ukrainians seldom use polite phrases such as “please” or “thank you,” which can make their requests sound more like orders. This is not meant to be rude; it is a cultural nuance.

+ For the most part, Ukrainians begin with the word no and gradually move to yes or perhaps.

+ Generally, Ukrainians do not display emotion when conversing. However, if they become angry or indignant, they will not hesitate to be extremely direct in stating their position.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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+ Assignments in Thailand require a depth of cultural understanding. International businesspeople will find the Thais respectful and deferential to authority, much because of the respect the culture holds for their monarchy and Buddhism.

+ Social interactions are governed by formal expressions of courtesy and deference to age and social status. The wai is the common greeting: raise both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, and lightly touch the body between the chest and the forehead.

+ Thais respect hierarchy. Social relationships are defined in terms of which person is superior to the other. Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates.

+ When Thais meet a stranger, they immediately try to place the person within a hierarchy so they know how to treat the person. This is why Thais often ask personal questions.

+ In many ways, Thailand is a matriarchal culture where women are afforded relative equality. In addition to having primary responsibility for the household and children, Thai women work outside the home, and many are entrepreneurs. Commerce has been a traditionally female domain.

+ Thai women are soft-spoken and gracious, even in business. In general, Thai businessmen have an easier time dealing with foreign women who adapt to the Thai demeanor. If a woman displays aggressive or domineering behavior, she will have a hard time being successful.

+ Thailand is known as the “land of smiles” and Thais often use smiles as a means of communication. Whereas people from many cultures would use the word please, Thais smile when making a request. Be sensitive to non-verbal expression in general.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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The way people communicate is a vital part of understanding a culture. It’s crucial to recognize an indirect communication culture because the words someone uses are only a portion of the message being conveyed.

Cultures in countries like India, Thailand and Japan are very indirect in their style. This means that individuals often speak in a roundabout way by adapting the language to be somewhat general and extremely tactful. Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, tone of voice and posture, take on a very important role as clues about the full message. While the goal of an indirect communicator is still information, he or she strives to maintain harmony, avoid confrontation and save face for all parties.

If you work with indirect communicators in your business activities, be careful to pay close attention to these signals.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard®

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+ Mauritius is the largest island in the Indian Ocean, and shares some similarities with Caribbean Island cultures, especially in the mix of cultural heritage from indigenous, European, and African peoples.

+ Older generations in Mauritius can be superstitious. Many people believe in white magic. This involves using prayers and incantations for healing purposes.

+ Faith healers use onions, candles, and needles to cure minor health ailments or injuries. Many educated Mauritians who scoff at such behavior will seek the services of guérisseurs (faith healers) if traditional medicine fails them.

+ With the various ethnic groups living on the island (Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%), there are a vast number of festivals each year. The most common other festivals are:

• January – Thai Poosam Kavadee
• February – Chinese New Year
• March – Holi
• April – Ougadi
• August – Rakhi
• September – Ganesh Chaturthi
• October – Divali
• November – Ganga Asnan

+ The tourist industry is a large part of the local economy, so Mauritians tend to be comfortable dealing with foreigners. Dressing well is important. Although skimpy clothing may be acceptable at resorts, it is frowned upon in towns.

+ Several languages are spoken in Mauritius. Almost everyone speaks Creole, a simplified form of French, which does not utilize gender differences. Verb tense is indicated by using “pou” to indicate the future and “ti” to indicate the past.

+ Using French denotes refinement, although the French used on the islands is somewhat more archaic than that used in France. English is also used by many, although it tends to be learned from written forms, making the speech pattern excessively polite.

- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles

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