INTERCULTURAL
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
AND PROTOCOL

Protocol is what to do
in given situation.
Etiquette is how to do
it- and how to do it
gracefully.

1.Technical merit  protocol
2.Artistic impression  etiquette

“First impressions are made only once
but are remembered for a long time”

The meeting & greeting
Buddhism believed in such principles such as every person lives a life
as a worldly being and depending on their behavior will come back in
their next life as a higher or lower being, this means that Cambodia is
also considered as a “collective society”. In such societies, etiquette
and protocol there are some things we should be aware of such as
using a subtle communication style to avoid the chances of causing
offense to others or the elders.

Meeting & greeting customs in Cambodia
Cambodia is a collectivist society therefore hierarchy
is important, this means that we also greet people
depending on the relationship/hierarchy and age
between the people. The traditional greeting is a
bow combined with bringing of the hands together
at chest level; this shows respect.

With foreigners or foreign investors coming into Cambodia, we have
developed or adopted the western practice of shaking hands.
However, similarly to China we do not use large hand movements or
any movements at all while talking, personal contacted must also be
avoided if possible.

During business meetings must arrive on time or early if you
are the guest.

Not only that, but during
business dinners or meal we
must not eat all your meal
because in Cambodia people will
assume you did not receive
enough food and are still
hungry.

Naming systems
Names are what makes us different from others. Remembering names and
using them when addressing other people is one of the most important, yet
difficult, elements of protocol. One of the most troublesome aspects is which
name to use and when to use it. Failure to show the proper respect or simply
calling someone by the wrong name at the first meeting can be jeopardizing.

Business naming system
First or given names are used almost immediately by people
from U.S. and Great Britain, but introductions are most formal in
many other cultures. Titles are used when introducing people in
certain parts of the world; they often indicate the person’s
profession or educational level. In Asia the surname precedes
the personal name, and in many Hispanic cultures, most people
will have two surnames, one from their father and one from
their mother.

Names in Malaysia:
- 甄健全
-Rosli bin Suleiman(male)/Aysha bint
Suleiman(female)
-Anbuselvan a/l Ramanan(male)/Mathuram a/p
Anbuselvan(female)

One of the best strategies: be aware that there are
differences in global naming systems, and the differences
can often be subtle. When in doubt, ask what name is to
be used.

Business card etiquette
Since all business contacts require a
business card, knowing the proper
procedure for exchange business cards is
an important aspect of business
protocol.
In Asia the exchange of business cards is
a meaningful ritual than a casual
informality.

Presentation of the card varies between cultures. The practice in the
U.S. of glancing at the business card and promptly putting in the
pocket is considered rude in countries like Japan. The Japanese
examine the business card carefully and comment while accepting it.
In the Islamic world the left hand is considered unclean. When
presenting or receiving a business card, use both hands or the right
hand.

Gift giving
South Korea shares its traditional culture
with North Korea.
However, it is totally different now.

Gift giving is very common.
Always bring a small gift for the hostess.

DO NOT give…

DO NOT give…

Gift-giving
This is a very important issue in Cambodia. While picking out gifts we
have things to avoid such as knives or anything colored white or
black should not be given as a gift. Gifts are also usually wrapped in
colorful paper. Gifts are also not opened once received in front of
guest because face can be lost of embarrassment or etc.

Purpose of dining: To extend the meeting time through the
mealtime.
Time and place: Lunch time for Chinese would be around 12 - 1
Manners of eating:
• Use your chopsticks properly
• Never dig for something inside the dishes

Purpose of dining: To fill up empty tummies after having the
meeting.
Time and place of dining: Lunch time for Indonesians would be
around 12 – 1
Manners of eating:
• Attempt to respect the culture.
• Keep praising the host about the great taste of the food.

Drinking protocol
As discussed elsewhere,
Muslims completely shun
alcohol and Americans
drink conservatively. BUT
Russian people think that
alcohol can break down
the strict barriers between
social classes and allow
people to discuss
problems without barriers
. It is said that no Russian
meeting is complete
without vodka.

Business dress
The way you are dressed is important in making a positive first
impression.
Business dress can be a reason of failure if you are dressed not
properly. For example, Americans like more casual style, while in
China casual dressing while business meeting shows lack of interest
and disrespect.

AVOID

Global dress codes
For men: a dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie.
For women: a knee-length dress, high-cut blouse and comfortable
shoes.

Why humour is a must in business meeting?
Humour is important because using humour you can easily
break the ice and ease the tension in the room, build up a
good atmosphere before the meeting, enhance the
relationship between organizations and it can be use to
motivate your clients and colleague.

Use humour about the situations and not people because
it can easily offend other party easily.
For Example: Women jokes, Men jokes, Your Mama So Fat
Jokes, Blonde Jokes, Black People Jokes etc etc..
Overuse of jokes is a No no.

BUT!!

You can make jokes in a business using funny quotes :
• “A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife
can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a
man.”
• "The politicians say 'we' can't afford a tax cut. Maybe we can't
afford the politicians."

1
2
Use humour to catch your clients attention
Use humour to make your message more memorable

• Intercultural business communication (跨文化商务交际)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_and_etiquette_in_Chinese_dinin
g
• http://www.cyborlink.com
• http://www.etiquettesurvival.com/
• http://www.mannersinternational.com/default.asp
• http://www.17k.com/html/books/0/1/181/18156/3b1ab8/897127.shtml
• Own experience
Sources

QUESTIO S?