JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.
Behind the Scenes
Watch out, similarity trap!
AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.
Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture
BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.
Familiar and yet different
INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.
Specialist skills and the ability to mimprovise are helpful
If you‘re doing business in North Africa, remember the continent is a collection of individual countries, each with its own customs and culture. So it pays to do your homework.
Always keeping a door open
JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.
Watch out, similarity trap!
AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.
Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture
BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.
Familiar and yet different
INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.
