International Business – The Basics Of Gift Giving Article

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International Business – The Basics of Gift Giving

There are more differences among nationalities in terms of their gift-giving customs and it is important to consider these before you give anything, no matter how well-meant.

Author: Jessica Ricks

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Those who are involved in any type of business know that they can never avoid giving gifts once in a while. Be it Christmas or an important client's birthday, gift-giving is one of the most effective ways of establishing stronger ties to those who matter to you and your business. But while this is the most common perception, this may not be entirely true. There are times when giving presents can be one of the worst things you can do, especially if you are engaging in international business. Mostly, that’s one of the reasons why differences in the insights towards business presents have a lot to do with race or nationally.

Other countries can actually take the act to be completely not acceptable while some may be very open to giving presents. For instance, in Czech Republic, Columbia, Indonesia and some others, giving presents is a warm symbol between business people. This can be misunderstood as bribing when you’re on other countries like Australia, Denmark or Uruguay.

While it is true that many countries are delighted with gifts, some find it offensive. Some countries like Indonesia for instance may view this act as a friendly gesture for business people. But in other countries such as Australia, Uruguay and Denmark, this can be misconstrued as bribing.

If you're involved in international business, it can be crucial for you to take time to research on the gift-giving customs of the people you deal with. Sometimes, it can be easy to conclude that a gift on a client's birthday is going to make your ties stronger. But sometimes, it will not work this way. It can still make negative vibes that may be considered to affect the business relationship. It is significant to always know the background of the people you consider giving presents for this reason.

The issues around gift giving may not even be purely cultural but religious as well. If you plan to give gifts to a colleague, make sure you make a little research about his background so that you won't offend him in one way or another. You might think, for instance, giving your boss a gift on his birthday. If this person is Indian, you cannot possibly give him anything made of cowhide as in India, cows are considered sacred.

There will be rituals or “rules” that have to be pursued as giving gifts is not really discouraged in some cases. The Chinese, for instance, consider red a lucky color. The financial value of presents may also influence its meaning approximately in all situations. Whatever thing that is costly can make the receiver feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed. In other cases, a gift should fit the level of relationship that the giver has with the receiver.

About Author

For personal gift-giving, anything comes from the heart will surely be appreciated. Holiday gift baskets are some of the most warm presents you can give. You can choose online where you'll have a great array to choose from, whether you're looking for mother's day gift basket, thank you gift boxes or anything that fits the occasion and your intention.

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International Business – The Basics of Gift Giving