| • |
In India, a side-to-side toss
of your head indicates agreement. An up and down head
nod means “no”. That is just the beginning
of the confusion. India has 14 major and 300 minor languages,
although mercifully, English and Hindi are spoken throughout. |
| • |
Punctuality is appreciated, but don’t
expect it from the Indians. |
| • |
The phone service and mail is very slow,
so you should plan at least two months ahead. |
| • |
Go to the top of the company. Although
most middle managers will be glad to deal with you, it
will be a waste of your time. Despite that, understand
they will be the ones to forward your proposals. |
| • |
Try to visit India between October and
March. |
| • |
Business is not conducted during the numerous
religious holidays, so it’s best to check first. |
| • |
Indians are fatalists so your concept
of hurrying to get things done is going to be meaningless
to them. |
| • |
Business in India is highly personal.
As a result, if you are not prepared to establish personal
relations, you should forget it. |
| • |
Never refuse an offer of refreshment.
To refuse any refreshment is an insult. Simply drink slowly
and to your limit. |
| • |
Do not use the word “no”.
It is much better to be vague. If you refuse an invitation,
it is taken as a high insult. It’s better for you
to say “maybe” or “I’ll try”.
|
| • |
Remember, the Hindus do not eat beef and
Muslims to not eat pork. |
| • |
Never touch a communal dish. |
| • |
Never offer another person (even a spouse)
food from your plate. It is considered “polluted”. |
| • |
Wash your hands before and after each
meal. Note: In Hindu homes, you are expected to rinse
your mouth out as well. |
| • |
Do not thank your host at the end of the
meal. Saying “thank you” for a meal is insulting
because thanks are considered a form of payment. |
| • |
Women should never initiate handshakes
with men. |
| • |
Learn to give the traditional “Namaste”
greeting. |
| • |
Indians are very impressed by titles and
degrees of education so be sure to make yours well-known. |
| • |
Never touch someone’s head as it
is seen as the soul. |
| • |
Never point your feet at a person; feet
are considered unclean. If your shoes or feet touch another
person, apologize immediately. |
| • |
Do not point fingers. |
| • |
If you are invited to a home for dinner,
bring a gift of chocolate or flowers (avoid funeral flowers). |
| • |
Do not wrap gifts in black and white as
they are unlucky colors. Red and yellow are lucky colors. |
| • |
Indians enjoy receiving imported whiskey
as there is a high surtax on it. |
| • |
If you give money to an Indian, be sure
it is an odd number by always adding one dollar. |
