現代商務禮儀：跨文化意識實例

譯/陳櫻 魏家海

現代商務禮儀：跨文化意識實例

譯/陳櫻 魏家海

Modern Business Etiquette:A Case for Cross-cultural Awareness

According to a recent survey ofcorporate executives， over 83 percent of small-to-mid-size business in the United States list overseas expansion as their top priority.

[2] The priority that businesses throughout the world place on global expansion highlights the need for crosscultural understanding at all levels.

Understanding other cultures enables people to demonstrate respect—the foundation of every good， lasting relationship. Plus， it can help avoid miscommunication， which can be both fi nancially and professionally damaging to individuals and organisations.

[3] While formal cross-cultural training is the best approach for businesses operating internationally or aspiring to do so in the future， here are some helpful tips for navigating global boundaries to avoid sending the wrong message in a variety of situations:

[4] Follow appropriate business card etiquette: The exchange of business cards is a moment of great signi fi cance and ceremony in many countries.Failing to follow proper protocol，for example not using both hands to give or receive in Japan and South Korea， has the potential to not only be embarrassing but insulting.

[5] Avoid giving alcohol as an of fi cial gift until you know the culture: In most Muslim countries it’s not acceptable while in some countries (like Argentina)it’s appreciated because of high tax on alcohol.

[6] Be formal when addressing someone: Use an honori fi c (such as Mr.，Ms.， Mrs.， or Dr.) with a person’s name when meeting for the fi rst time to show respect. Be observant for countries (like China) that use the surname fi rst.

[7] Dress appropriately: Different countries have different standards of formality when it comes to business attire.Dressing to those standards demonstrates an important level of respect and understanding that’s extremely critical to making a good fi rst impression.

[8] Watch your body language: Did you know that a simple act， like using one’s left hand instead of the right， is considered offensive in India? Avoid gestures like the “OK” signal， and crossing legs which show the bottom of your foot or shoe.

[9] Be all-inclusive in your greetings:When doing business around the world， make sure you shake hands with everyone you greet and greet everyone in the room. Failure to do so is considered a rejection of those you omitted， and will be noticed.

[10] Know your communication style:In the US and Germany， communication is formal， direct and at times blunt.In Japan and United Arab Emirates，communication styles are less direct and status oriented. Brazilians are informal.Don’t be surprised if you’re interrupted while speaking in a meeting or making a presentation. Be sure to gently word your feedback in order not to embarrass someone.

[11] While understanding and appreciating different cultures may seem like a nice-to-have soft skill set， the hard truth is that clearer communications，stronger relationships， and deepening trust have rewards that extend well beyond the bottom line. ■

最近一項對美國企業高管的調查顯示，83%以上的美國中小企業把拓展海外業務列為首要任務。

[2]各國企業優先重視海外業務擴張，突顯了對各個層面跨文化理解的需求。

理解其他文化，能讓人們彰顯尊重的態度，而這正是建立各種持久、良好關系的基石。此外，它可以有效地避免誤解，以免有損個人和公司的經濟效益和事業發展。

[3]鑒于正式的跨文化培訓是企業跨國經營或追求在未來實現跨國經營的最佳方式，筆者在此提出一些有益的建議，旨在指導企業跨越國界障礙，避免在各種情況下傳遞錯誤訊息：

[4]遵循得體的商務名片禮儀：在許多國家，交換商務名片意義重大，是一種儀式。不遵循適當的禮儀，如在日本和韓國遞接名片時不用雙手，不僅可能引起尷尬，而且會被認為是侮辱性的舉止。

[5]除非確認對方文化接受，否則不要輕易將酒類作為正式禮品：大多數穆斯林國家不接受酒類禮品，而有些國家（如阿根廷）由于酒類征稅高而愿意接受。

[6]使用正式稱呼：初次見面應在稱呼時使用敬語以示尊重，如使用“先生”“小姐”“女士”“博士”等尊稱。注意有些國家（如中國）姓氏在前。

[7]穿著得體：不同國家對于商務著裝正式性的標準不盡相同。按照對方標準穿戴，不僅彰顯對對方的高度尊重和理解，而且對自己樹立良好的第一印象尤為關鍵。

[8]注意身體語言：你知道嗎，一個簡單的動作，如在印度用左手而非右手會被視為無禮？避免做OK的手勢；避免雙腿交叉，露出腳底或鞋底。

[9]逐一問候：進行跨國業務時，確保問候在場的每個人并與之握手，否則你會被認為是有意冷落你所遺漏的人，從而引起他人注意。

[10]了解溝通風格：在美國和德國，人們之間的溝通很正式、直率，有時甚至有些生硬。在日本和阿聯酋，人們的相互溝通沒有那么直截了當，往往注重身份地位。而巴西人則較為隨意。如果你在會議上發言或陳述時，被別人打斷，不必感到意外，一定要禮貌地給出反饋，以免提問者尷尬。

[11]理解和欣賞不同文化似乎是一個值得擁有的軟技能，而通過更為順暢的人際溝通、日益融洽的關系、不斷增加的信任取得遠超預期的回報，才是硬道理。 □

（譯者單位:華中師范大學外語學院）