Gift giving

It is important to understand the customs concerning gift giving. The customs very greatly from country to country. In some country ,gifts are expected and failure a gift is considered an insult ,whereas in other countries offering a gift is considered offensive. Business executives also need to know when to present gift-on the initial visit or afterwards;where to present gifts-in public or private;what type of gift to present;what color it should be;and know many to present.

One basic rule of thumb in international gift giving;ideally,any gift you present should be manufactured in your home country. Keep in mind that you will either have to carry the gift or the recipient will have to transport it back to his or her country. It is best to avoid heavy,burdensome gifts. Accept a gift gracefully,regardless of how you feel about the gift or the giver. Always remember that before presenting a gift to an important foreign colleague,do a little research on the customs and protocol.

[Countries in which a gift is expected:

Europe :Czech Republic ,Poland,Russia,Ukraine; Latin America :Bolivia,Columbia,Costa Rica; Pacific

Rim:China,Hong

Kong

SAR,Indonsia,Japan,Korea,Malysia,Philippines,and Thailand.

Countries in which a gift is not expressed on the first visit,but would be expected on a subsequent visit:

Europe :Portugal,Spain;

LatinAmerica:Brazil,Chile,Guatemala,Nicaragua,Panama,Peru,

Venezuela

Scandinavia :Finland,Norway

Countries in which a gift is not expressed or gifts are less frequent exchanged:

The United States,Canada,Australia,most of the Western Europe.]

There are some countries in which a small gift is expected at

the

first

meeting.

These

include

Japan,Indonesia,Philippines,SouthKorea,Bolivia,Columbia,Costa Rica,Russia,Poland,and Ukraine. And in other countries you don’t want to give an item with your company logo. These are Belgium,France,Greece,Italy,Portugal,and Spain.

Gift giving is an important part of doing business in Japan,where gifts are usually exchanged at the first meeting. In sharp contrast,gifts are rarely exchanged in Germany and

are usually not appropriate.Gift giving is not a normal customs in Belgium or the United Kingdom either,although in both countries, flowers are a suitable gift when invited to someone’s home.

In the United states,when giving gifts to a business acquaintance,do

not

give

anything

of

a

personal

nature,especially to a woman. Do not give cosmetics. A scarf is OK,but other types of clothing are not. Something appropriate for the office is best. But gift giving is not as important in America as it is in other countries, so there is nothing wrong with not giving a gift.

In Canada,thoughtfully selected gifts,preferable from your home countries, are the best choices. Select a quality gift that is at the same time not obviously expensive. For business associates,good choices include practical items for the office and a bottle of liquor or wine. When you visit a home,flowers,candy,wine or liquor usually make welcome gifts.

British business colleagues are quite likely to feel embarrassed to receive any gifts at all. The only exception would be at the conclusion of a deal when it might be appropriate to give a unique commemorative item to mark the occasion. Such items might be gold,silver,or porcelain with a

suitable inscription. If you are invited to a British home,it is standard practice to bring wine,flowers,and/or chocolates for your hosts. The usual caveats apply when giving flowers:no red roses,white lilies,or chrysanthemums.

In France,gift giving is left to the foreigner’s discretion. Good gifts to present include books or music,as they demonstrate interest in intellectual pursuits.

It is quite rare to be invited into a Belgian’s home so,if you enjoy this privilege[most likely in Flanders],you must be certain to behave accordingly. Belgians already know that they make the finest chocolates in the world,so it is probably best to take flowers for your hostess[not chrysanthemums,lilies or red roses and, in accordance with the old European tradition, an uneven number that is not thirteen] and perhaps a bottle of spirits for your host. Any gift should be presented on arrival.

In Italy,do not offer gifts showcasing your company’s logo,brooches and handkerchiefs. Do not offer wrapped in black,gold or purple paper. When invited to some Italians’ home,bring

gift-wrapped

chocolates,pastries,or

flowers.

Flowers must be given in even numbers,except for a dozen or half-dozen,especially if roses. If you bring wine as a gift,make sure that it is of excellent vintage,as many Italians are wine

connoisseurs. Avoid giving anything in a quantity of 17,as 17 is considered to be bad luck,or a doomed number.

In ordinary Spanish business culture,gifts are usually given only at the conclusion of successful negotiations. If you receive a gift,you should open it immediately and in front of the giver. When offering any gift,you should ensure that it is a high-quality item (perhaps a brand-name) and that it is finely wrapped;it should advertise your company name only if it is a fine pen or a tasteful-desk accessory. You should not give anything too extravagant as your generosity may be perceived as a bribe.

To the Japanese,gift giving is a way of communicating respect ,friendship, and appreciation. When meeting with a Japanese colleague or visitor for the first time,always be prepared for the gift giving ritual that has been deeply rooted in the Japanese culture for centuries.

Always wrap the gifts you present,but remember to avoid white and brightly colored wrapping paper. White symbolizes death and bright colors are too flashy. Never surprise the Japanese with your gift. Subtly alert the recipient That you would like to present a small memento.

When presenting a group gift,be sure to allow time for the

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