国际商务礼仪作业(英文版)

B u s i n e s s G i f t-g i v i n g A r o u n d t h e W o r l d
武汉大学何坚婷
Abstract: Nowadays, gifts are playing as an important role in international business relations. But different countries have different customs of gift-giving. The paper gives some details about how to make a good business gift-giving in many countries around the world.
Key words: significance, different cultures, comparative of business gift-giving
Introduction
1.Significance of Gift-giving in Business
First of all, in international business dealings, appropriate gift-giving can not only fully show the enterprises culture and academic spirits, but also promote each other's friendship.
And then, gift-giving can show people's congratulations, condolences and thanks to others. At the same time, it is also an emotional investment, reducing the emotional distance between people and being conductive to people's communication.
2.Different Cultures' View on Gifts
Before we start to talk about how to make a good business gift-giving, let's give a view upon different counties in the world, knowing that how the people in different cultures treat the gifts.
The first one is America!
In America, people like the practical and peculiar gifts very much. For example, if you could give them some small gifts with unique styles or ethnic characteristics, such as the faked terracotta warriors and horses, they will be very happy. American people treat the snails and horseshoe as the mascot. When you present some gifts to them, remember not to make the number of gifts singular, and you should be attention to the packaging.In addition, packaging gifts, do not use black paper, because the black in American eyes was unlucky color. Also, gifts should pay attention to the business end of the conversation.
In the UK, people don't like the gifts that are very expensive. It will be taken as a bribe if you give them some precious gifts. Gifts like premium chocolate, a two bottles of wine , and flowers would be a good choice. Do remember that not to present gifts printed with company flag. Also, remember not to send the lily, because it means death.
In France, people are very romantic, so they usually like the artistic and intellectual gifts very much, such as picturesque, art albums, and small crafts. If you are invited to a French people's house for a dinner, remember to take a few pieces of fresh flowers without bundling with you, but the chrysanthemums must be excluded, because chrysanthemums are only used at funerals in France.
In Russia, people like to treat the guests with bread and salt to show their friendship and respect. They like to receive gifts that are brand name, such as a LEVIS jeans, regardless of the level of the value of gifts. But do not give money to people, because it will be considered as charity and insults. In Japan, people think that gifts represent peoples' true mind. For the Japanese, the ceremony of gift giving is more important than the objects exchanged. While you give them some flowers, the flowers
should not be white, as these are associated with death. Also, avoid giving gifts with even numbers of components, such as an even number of flowers in a bouquet. Four is an especially inauspicious number, never give four of anything.
In Saudi Arabia, people are very hospital, but you are not expected to bring any gift when invited into a Saudi home. Arab traders generally presente expensive gifts to others, but also would like to receive the same valuable in return. Do not present used items to them, not so as wine and gifts with animal patterns on it. It is considered a violation of their privacy to give the wifes of Arabs gifts.
3.How to Make a Good Gift-giving
As we have discussed about the different cultures' attitudes toward gift-giving, I'm going to list the way to make a good gift-giving in different countries around the world.
First, we should know about the four elements of gift-giving, thus gifts, means, time and place.
To tell it in detail, let's have a look on some countries that may provide us some useful information. In America, business gifts are discouraged by the law, which allows only a $25 tax deduction on gifts. So, it is important for you to choose a good time to present gifts, the time when you arrive or when you leave America is OK. When you visit a home, it is not necessary to take a gift, however ,it is always appreciated. You may take flowers, a plant, or a bottle of wine. Take care, if you wish to give flowers, have them sent ahead so as not to burden your hostess with taking care of them when you arrive. And personal gifts such as perfume or clothing are inappropriate for women.
In the UK, gifts are not part of doing business. Rather than giving gifts, it is preferable to invite your
hosts out for a meal or a show. But when you are invited to a English home, you may bring flowers, liquor or champagne, and chocolates. Send a brief, handwritten thank-you note promptly afterwards, preferably by messenger rather than by mail.
In France, it is not a good idea to give a business gift at your first encounter. For thank-you's, send at least a note, the day after you were invited to a dinner. Of cause, you can send flowers or a basket of fruit if you like. To be romantic is necessary.
In Russia, gifts are more popular than the countries described before. So, you will have more choice to present gifts to your friends in Russia. Gifts like baseball caps, rock or country and western cassettes are welcome, also, camera, watches, and inexpensive jewelry is OK. Thus after you choose a good time, you will make a good impression on your friends with the wonderful gifts.
In Japan, gift giving is very common. Business gifts absolutely must be given at midyear and at year end. They are often given at first business meetings. Usually, Japanese do not open gifts directly once receiving them. If they do, they will be restrained in their appreciation. This does not mean that they do not like what you have given. When choosing gifts, imported goods and electronic product are fine.
In Saudi Arabia, every Saudi who must broker or approve a business deal will traditionally take a percentage. Be careful that you do not run afoul of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The gifts you are going to give should be the same value as what the hosts will give you, usually,the dearer, the better.
Conclusions
parative of Business Gift-giving in the World
From the above cases, we can see that different counties treat the gifts differently. What we need to do, is to know more about the countries' culture that you are interested in. Here, I will make a summary of the same points which almost all the countries have to the view of gifts.
Firstly, it is important for us to know about the country's custom.
Secondly, when you are invited to your host's home for a dinner, don't forget to bring a small gift, it is considered bad manners with your hand empty.
Thirdly, the gifts you buy may not be precious, but at least be in a good packaging.
Moreover, pay special attention to the country's taboo, it is very important for you to know about the difference between your own culture and the country's culture when you are choosing a good gift. So, that's all about the gift-giving around the world, for more information, you may have a contact with me!
Bibliography:
2010年秋季学期.International Business Etiquette
人民网。