CONTENT

TITLES & BUSINESS CARDS

DRESS

NEGOTIATION

GIFT GIVING

MEETINGS

GREETINGS

England

Man greeting Man:

Men shake hands whengreeting one anotherand usually throw in a"How do you do."Handshakes are usuallyon the lighter side anddon't linger that much

• Woman greeting Woman:

- At a first meeting, women generally shake hands.

Man greeting Woman:

At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Women tend to extend their hand first.

Vietnam

• Man greeting Man

Handshakes are the mostcommon form of greeting.They are usually gentleand not to prolonged.Many people use a twohanded handshake whengreeting and departing.

Woman greetingWoman:

While handshakesare a common formof greeting, manytimes a simple nodof acknowledgmentwill do.

Man greeting Woman

While handshakes are a common form of greeting, many times a simple nod or slight bow will do. Wait for the woman to initiate.

England

• When doing business direct questions often receive evasive responses.

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important.

• In England culture open displays of emotion, positive or negative are rare and should be avoided

• Business meetings tend to bestructured but not too formal,beginning and ending with a bit ofsmall talk.

Vietnam

• Arriving on time for a meeting is importanteven though they may not begin exactly ontime.

• Hierarchy is very important in Vietnameseculture, so it is always best to defer to themost senior person in the room when it comesto beginning and guiding conversations.

• Periods of silence are consideredacceptable and are to be expected.Avoid interrupting, showingdispleasure through facial or eyemovements and talking oversomeone. Be patient.

England

• Titles are important and it is best to address people directly by using Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.

• It is not appropriate to address a business a businessperson in England by his first name unless he invites you to do so.

• Business cards are necessary and usually exchanged.

Vietnam

• Titles are somewhat important.

it is best to address people by

using their professional title or

Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by

the surname.

• It is advisable to have one side

of your business card translated

into Vietnamese and be sure to

present and receive business

cards with both hands.

• It’s best to never write on or

fold a business card you are

given.

England

• The English valuebeing well dressed andnicely groomed.

For men: conservative,dark or mediumcolored suits withshirts and conservativeties. Avoid stripedties.

For women: stylish yet classic businesssuits or dresses and blouses.Accessories are usually worn.

Vietnam

• For men: conservative colored suits with white shirts and ties. Jackets are not a must but good to have just in case. Being well groomed is appreciated.

For women: conservativeskirts, pants, suits, andblouses are appropriate.Avoid short, tight fitting,and sleeveless attire.

Both England and Vietnam

Jeans and business casual attire are not recommended but may be appropriate in more rural areas.

England

• Decisions tend to be

made from the top

down and can take

sometime.

• Humor is often used

in negotiations

English are very reserved and seldom show strong emotions while doing business. Keep your voice down when speaking

Do remember that England people have a real problem with saying “No”. They feel that saying “No” negatively affects the positive relationship.

Vietnam

•Vietnamese value relationshipbuilding and harmony.

•Decisions tend to come fromthe top down and can take awhile, so patience is a must.

The most important quality in negotiations with Vietnamese ispatience.

Outward displays of anger are interpreted as a sign of personalweakness.

Do not feel compelled to fill silences that may occur duringbusiness negotiations

Vietnamese will avoidusing no in answeringquestions. They tendto say, “maybe”, or“that would bedifficult” or even “yes”or “no problem” evenif the answer is reallyno.

England

• Gifts are not usuallyexchanged at a first meeting.

• If invited to an Englishhousehold, it is appropriateto bring flowers (avoid whitelilies as they are reserved forfunerals), good wine, liquor,or chocolates.

• Make sure that gifts arenicely wrapped.

Vietnam• Very simple gifts are sometimes

exchanged after a first meeting.• If invited to a Vietnamese

person’s house, it is appropriateto bring picture frames andsomething for the children ifthere are any.

• Gifts are not to be opened whenthey are received.