Topic 1.7.4 Business Protocol
BUSINESS PROTOCOL
Discussion
- Do you think understanding cultural differences is important in international business?
- Do you work with people from other cultures?
- What are some examples of business practices that might be viewed differently in various cultures (e.g., greetings, meetings, negotiations)?
- In your opinion, which aspect of business protocol (e.g., communication style, punctuality, decision-making) is most important to adapt when working with people from different cultures? Why?
- What strategies do you use to avoid miscommunication when working with people from different cultural backgrounds?
True or False?
Vocabulary 1
Reading
Doing Business Around the World
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary focus
Speaking
- Punctuality: How important is punctuality for business meetings in Spain? Is it considered rude to be late?
- First Impressions: What are common ways to make a good first impression during business meetings in Spain? Are handshakes and eye contact typical?
- Forms of Address: How do you typically address business contacts in Spain? Do you use formal titles such as “Señor” or “Señora,” or is it common to use first names?
- Small Talk: Is making small talk before a business meeting common in Spain? What topics are considered appropriate or common to discuss?
- Business Meals: What role do business meals play in building relationships in Spain? Are there any special customs or etiquette to follow when dining with business associates?
- Negotiation Style: How direct are people in Spain when negotiating business deals? Is it common to interrupt others during discussions, or is a different approach preferred?
- Communication Preferences: In Spain, do people prefer to follow up on business meetings via email or phone? What are considered more effective ways to communicate?
Vocabulary 2
Discussion
- Can you think of a time when you had to initiate a project or conversation at work? How did it go?
- When traveling for business, how important is it to connect with locals? What benefits does it bring?
- Why do you think being punctual is valued in professional settings? How does it affect your reputation?
- Is it considered rude to interrupt someone during meetings in your culture? When, if ever, is it acceptable?
- How does having a firm handshake influence first impressions in business? Do you think it’s important?
- Do you think sarcastic humour has a place in business communication? Why or why not?
- Why is it important to be aware of someone’s ethnic identity in international business? Can you share an example?
- How do you handle timing when scheduling business meetings or projects? What challenges have you faced?
Expressions for giving advice
Look at the underlined structures below and put them into the correct categories.
- If you are a woman, you shouldn’t initiate a handshake with a man.
- Be careful to respect the customs of each ethnic group.
- Feel free to express yourself in a straightforward manner.
- Avoid being too negative or critical.
- It’s wise to make polite, friendly small talk at the beginning of the meeting.
- You should wear quality business clothes.
Using these expressions, give advice to someone coming to your country to do business.
Speaking activities
Role-Play Scenarios
Practice a meeting where a student is giving a presentation, and another student has to interrupt politely to ask questions or add a comment.
Debate
Have a debate on the following topic, “Is sarcastic humour appropriate in the workplace?”
Personal Storytelling
Share a personal story or experience where being punctual or firm was important, or times when they interacted with locals during a business trip.
Word Challenge
In pairs or small groups, think of a scenario such as: planning a business trip or meeting, and try and use all the words from Vocabulary 2 in context during the discussion.
Video
You are going to watch a video in which Erin Meyer talks about how cultural differences can affect business.
Speaking Activity: Scenario Simulation: Adjusting to New Cultures
Look at the following scenarios. Each one is a situation where you will need to adjust to a new culture. You must decide how to handle the situation based on the cultural context. In each situation, one student will take the part and the others in the group must take the part of the culture being visited.
Business Meeting in Japan
Scenario: You are a business professional from the U.S. visiting Japan for the first time. You are giving a presentation to a group of Japanese colleagues, but you notice that no one is making direct eye contact. You’ve learned from your colleague that it is important to pay attention to the brightness of their eyes to gauge their interest.
Task: You need to adjust your presentation style based on these cultural cues. How will you adapt your communication to encourage interaction and ensure your audience feels comfortable participating?
Focus: Understanding cultural differences in nonverbal communication (e.g., eye contact) and adjusting your behaviour accordingly.
First Meeting with Local Business Partners in Mexico
Scenario: You’re meeting a group of potential business partners in Mexico for the first time. In your culture, it is common to get straight to the point in business meetings, but you’ve learned that small talk is important in Mexico build trust before discussing business.
Task: Start the meeting by engaging in small talk. What topics could you discuss to build rapport and trust? How can you transition into business discussions while respecting local customs?
Focus: Adapting to cultural preferences for relationship building before business.
Negotiation with Colleagues from Germany
Scenario: You are in a negotiation meeting with colleagues from Germany. You are used to a more indirect and polite style of negotiating, but you’ve learned that Germans tend to be very direct and to the point in business negotiations.
Task: You need to adjust your communication style. How can you make sure you are clear and direct in your points without being overly blunt or rude?
Focus: Adjusting to direct communication styles in business negotiations.
Business Dinner in India
Scenario: You are invited to a business dinner in India. At first, you feel uncomfortable because the host offers you a large amount of food, and you’re not sure how much to eat. You’ve been told that in India, leaving a little food on your plate signals respect to the host.
Task: You need to navigate this social etiquette. How will you manage your food portions, and what cultural cues will you look for to know when the meal is nearing its end?
Focus: Understanding cultural dining etiquette and managing expectations in business meals.
Video 2
This funny video illustrates the importance of learning about other cultures in business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xJ_hbD4TQA
What lessons did you learn about the importance of learning about other cultures?
Pronunciation
Intonation and politeness
In order to sound polite and interested, we use a varied intonation when we ask questions.
1.Listen to two versions of three questions. Which version sounds polite and interested, the first or the second?
Are you very busy at the moment?
Where are you based?
Do you travel a lot for work?
2. Listen to the polite and interested version again. Mark the word with the main stress in each. Then listen again and repeat.
Work in pairs. Take turns to ask one of the questions, sounding either polite and interested or impolite and uninterested. Answer in the same style.