by Rohan Jolly

Created on: January 18, 2010

First of all I am an Indian, however I live and study in Australia. One of the most annoying things that has come to my notice while studying business here in Australia is this whole concept of communication with regard to mirroring the other culture when dealing with them. Sometimes it's alright. When in India it's always best not to suggest beef or pork, however going all the way to say 'Namaste' and other minor utterances in the local language really doesn't do your cause any good.

Think for a second, who are you dealing with. Such tactics are best employed on the vast majority of people. They are easily impressed and will hold you in higher esteem as they feel you went out of the way to learn about them and this act shows you respect and care for them. But you are not dealing with them; you are dealing with business men. Most of them are highly educated and hold masters degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Such tactics really don't impress them one bit. It is one thing to show cultural regard and quite another to act like a fool in front of people you are trying to do business with.

The rules of the game are the same world over. Portray yourself as dignified and well educated in the subject matter you deal with. Carry yourself with the norms held internationally and all will go well. The most important thing you need while doing business with people from other countries is respect. This is inspired by behaving and responding in a sensible manner. Bring out the best from your own country and culture. Don't try to puppet the other person's culture. At best you will be an inside joke. Remember envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide.

Indians are just the same as anyone else in the world and if someone is really interested in doing business then they will do business and not concentrate on such trivial matters. If you really want to appear culturally sensitive do some research on the religions of India and the politics going on in India. However don't ever discuss this or point it out. Let it come out in your tacit understanding of what is going on and not as a chance to show your apparent ignorance. It is not a bad idea to gather all the information you can before meeting any counterpart in India or from India. However remember, it is important to know all the rules, not necessary or wise to follow them all.

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