A Guide to Cultural Business Gifting

Whether you have a habit of celebrating Christmas, the Jewish tradition of Hanukkah, or some other culturally specific holiday, giving gifts to loved ones, business colleagues, friends, or customers is a custom throughout the year in many cultures. Although there is almost no person who would not like to receive a gift, it can be difficult to find that perfect gift, especially if the gift recipient comes from another part of the world. That is why we want to share with you a short guide to gifting people of different cultures.

When we decide to give gifts in different cultures, it is good to know in detail the protocol of giving and receiving gifts in the country where we will do business. Exchanging gifts is a highly valued habit in some cultures, while in others it can be irrelevant, inappropriate, or sometimes offensive. You should also take into consideration your company’s gift giving policies. Many companies in countries such as Singapore and the United States, for example, have policies that restrict the giving or receiving of gifts to avoid any form of bribery. Other countries, such as Denmark, will force you to declare the value of a company gift to the tax authorities if it exceeds a certain amount.

Japan

In Japan, it is polite to offer or receive a gift with both hands. Although it is customary in our country to open a gift immediately, in Japan it is customary to wait until a later time when the giver is not present.

It is customary to bring a small gift on an initial visit or sales call. O-seibo (late year) and O-chugen (mid-summer) are the main gifting times in Japan. The Japanese give gifts to all who are indebted to them – superiors, subordinates, co-workers and good customers. Gifts received shall be reimbursed at an appropriate opportunity with a gift of comparable or slightly higher value, not necessarily immediately. Gifts should be nicely wrapped; presentation is just as important as content.

China

If you receive a gift, you can expect a mutual gift or favor. This sense of reciprocity is something most Chinese learn as a child, so to express gratitude, Chinese people usually give a gift in exchange for every little thing. It is also interesting to note that a Chinese person will often refuse a gift two or three times before finally accepting it. This does not mean that gifts are not appreciated or desired, but they want to express modesty and good manners.

Examples of inappropriate gifts when gifting a member of Chinese culture are knives, scissors or letter openers, which can symbolize the end of a relationship, watches (in many Chinese dialects, the word “give a watch” sounds like “send to death”), handkerchiefs, which are associated with weeping and funerals, and items packed in sets of four, unless it is a set of two pairs.

Egypt

In Slovenia, gifts are usually given to celebrate important events in the gift recipient’s life, such as graduations or weddings. Many Muslims, however, would find the gesture extremely nice, for example, if a foreigner (especially a non-Muslim) sent them a greeting at the beginning of Ramadan.

Egyptians build and maintain their personal and professional networks in part by exchanging gifts, so these are common, especially in long-term relationships. Suppliers and retailers usually send their customers gifts such as calendars and items with logos. If you are invited to the home of a Muslim family, do not bring alcohol, as you may offend them.

Russia

In Russia, the value of gifts varies according to relationship and context. It is advisable to avoid giving expensive gifts that could be understood as bribes. Generally, gifts are given at the end of a transaction or meeting. It also helps reduce any misperceptions of misconduct.

It is inappropriate to give flowers in even numbers, but above all, avoid yellow flowers, lilies or carnations (which are associated with funerals). Gifts may not always open in front of the giver, and some Russians may initially refuse to offer a gift. It is best to reduce the mental value of a gift when you give it. For example, if you bring it to a Russian colleague at home, you can present the gift as just something small for the house, spouse or children.

USA

When gifting a member of the United States, it is important that you pay attention to any restrictions of companies or government regarding the giving or receiving of gifts. For example, U.S. government officials often have explicit restrictions on whether and what types of gifts they can receive.

Americans don’t usually bring gifts to customers when they first meet or in gratitude for doing business together. Nevertheless, during the holidays in late December, they like to give gifts to co-workers, colleagues and clients. It is common for bosses to give gifts to executive assistants and other subordinates during this time. When a gift is given to a person in the U.S., the donor may not receive it in return. Americans often open a gift right away, in front of the giver, to see what it is, and to thank them for the item.

France

Good taste is a must when gifting in France, but time is also important. In general, the French avoid giving presents at the first business meeting, although they tend to bring a gift when they are invited to someone’s home. This is where the line between the personal and business worlds comes into play.

Good gifts reflect respect for knowledge and art, such as books and music. Gifts should not offend the intelligence of French co-workers. For example, a biography of a well-known psychologist may be a better choice than a more simplified book with a fictional story. Giving gifts with the company logo in France is considered bad taste.

If your business partner invites you to dinner at their home, you can surprise them with flowers instead of a branded gift, but avoid chrysanthemums (used for funerals), red roses (exchanged only by lovers and very good friends) and carnations. brought resin). Fine chocolates or champagne are also suitable gifts.