Doing Business in Germany Iryna Oleksynska
Doing business abroad brings people face to face with different cultures and practices. A lack of cross cultural understanding leads those doing business abroad to form stereotypes. Common terms used to describe Germany include humorless, aggressive, distant, stubborn and obsessed with details.
Organization When doing business in Germany it is possible to notice a heavy emphasis on careful planning, consideration, consultation and consensus. This has developed an appreciation for detail, facts and statistics. Organization is a means of negating uncertainty and averting risk.
Business Communication
- Germans address business partners as “Herr” or “Frau” followed by their surnames - They tend to speak to the eldest person in the room first to show their respect to one another - They start and end meeting with handshaking and proper eye contact - Germans never joke and rather act very serious while conducting business - Germans tend to comment when the job went bad rather than praising the job well done
Business Hours • Normal business hours are 9 am- 5 pm • Gas Stations are the only business open on Sundays
Doing Business - Punctuality When doing business in Germany, remember that punctuality is a serious issue. Business people work hard and are under a lot of pressure. Germans typically plan their time very carefully. It is considered bad etiquette to be late or early as it shows disrespect for peoples' time.
Doing Business - Humour A common misconception is that the German sense of professionalism and strict protocol when doing business leaves no room for humour. An element of this true in that jokes are not commonplace. Yet Germans, just as much as anyone else, like to laugh and as long as it is appropriate, tasteful and in context then humour is acceptable.
Business Attire in Germany
- Germans are very conservative with what they wear - Men tend to wear black or navy blue suits with white dress shirts and very moderate ties. - Women wear white blouses, jackets, and skirts that are never above the knee and hills that are not longer than one and half inches.
Rules on Gifts: • A small gift is polite, especially when contacts are made for the first time. • Substantial gifts are not usual, and certainly not before a deal has been reached if you don't want your intentions to be misinterpreted. • Even small souvenir-style gifts to thank local staff for their assistance and hospitality during your stay at a company will not be expected but will always be appreciated. • Avoid giving substantial gifts in private. The larger the gift, the more official and public the giving should be.
Gender Roles Women only hold 9. 2 percent of jobs in Germany's upper and middle management positions. They hold roles as business women.
Doing Business in Germany is an important trade partner for many countries in the world. Learning how to do business in Germany and understanding its culture, business practices, business etiquette and protocol will only enhance the skills of international business people and lead to greater cross cultural success.
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