For people doing business abroad, and especially for those working on assignment, it can be a big surprise to find out how many cultural differences exist.

When it comes to understanding cultural differences in business, it’s one thing knowing the correct way to greet colleagues and formal guests. However, the ability to understand and adapt to business and social norms when working on assignments has become a skill of paramount importance.

It’s no surprise that cultural training is now mandatory in many major corporations when sending assignees to work abroad – for people in global mobility it is as important as being able to do your job.

So, here examples for working in a just a few countries, you may be surprised how different we all are…

Germany:

When giving feedback, be as direct as you can. Concentrate on what needs to be changed or improved and point that out. Instead of ‘Perhaps you could consider...’ use something more direct such as ‘Some of this is not right, please change xyz.’ As rude as that might sound for a Brit it isn’t for a German. Still not convinced? Keep in mind that feedback which seems polite to a Brit might be both confusing and even seem dishonest to Germans who value direct communication.

Be careful with using British humour. Germans use humour much more sparingly in professional situations. British irony is often lost on Germans - and many other cultures for that matter! British people joke as a way to get someone on their side but sometimes they achieve the opposite when doing this abroad!

Don’t be surprised if after your presentation the German audience applaud by knocking on the table repeatedly using their knuckles.

Poland:

Brits tend to aim on using first names too fast (or immediately) when speaking in Polish. Poles tend to be more formal and would like to be called Pan or Pani for quite some time. When speaking English, first names usage is more common but just be a little more formal initially than you would in the UK.

A big challenge is operating around the business calendar, which is somewhat shorter than that of the UK. Bank Holidays can often be on a Wednesday or Thursday and it is common for people to take a day or two before the holiday or even the whole week off. Always check for business holidays before planning a trip and check that the person you want to meet will be at work.

Hong Kong:

Most communication, even if the person is in the cubicle or office next to you, will be done through a computer screen via an instant messager programme. Do not take it personally if people prefer an instant message or text to a phone call or face-to-face conversation.

Taking clients out for lunch is really important – a lot of locals are taking out clients to celebrate ‘Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year’ in one meal. Going out for an informal drink after work as you might in the UK doesn’t work well in Hong Kong, it would still be considered as an official work event no matter how informal you want to make it.

Australia:

There’s a more social approach to business in Australia. Meetings at the office often continue socially at restaurants or pubs. Sometimes there may be even be personal invitations to homes for BBQ’s. This is just as important as the main meeting to build that relationship and get to know the client better.

Dress style is largely smart causal rather than full business suits. More conservative businesses will certainly still dress more formally but in many cases being ‘overdressed’ will not be seen as a sign of respect as it might be in the UK.

The more you look into global business culture, the more apparent differences become and the potential impact this can have on working relationships and networking abroad.

It can take real understanding to make a success of doing business abroad.