European Business Etiquette

If you are doing business with professionals in Europe, be aware of the business culture in this part of the world. First impression could lead to a beneficial partnership.
Business Etiquette in Europe

Europe ranges from the cold northern countries of Norway and Sweden to the warm Mediterranean countries of Italy and Greece. Some customs and mores vary as much as the topography, while others are shared across all of Europe.

Handshakes

Handshakes are standard business greeting gestures throughout Europe. However, the European handshake is usually exchanged before and after every meeting, no matter how many meetings you've already had. An exception is Great Britain, where, as in the United States, an initial handshake is often the only one you'll receive.

European Handshakes are more formal and less buddy-buddy than those in the United States. A quick grasp and release is the norm. In most European countries, handshakes are firm. An exception is France, where a lighter grasp is customary.

Finally, it's customary to let women and those in a higher rank to extend their hands first in Europe.

Names and Titles

It's unusual in Europe for People to use first names immediately. Wait until he asks you to call him by his first name or uses a familiar form of address with you.

Titles, especially academic titles, are always used in Europe. In European countries, professors, along with lawyers, medical doctors, and others are introduced with their title(s).

Dining

Europeans don't do business breakfasts. In many countries talking business during lunch is no a violation of etiquette. In the Czech Republic, Italy, and Greece, on the other hand, you do not talk business over lunch unless your host initiates it.

Depending on the country, you may start dinner as early as 6:30 p.m. or as late as 11:00 p.m. Dining is taken seriously in most of Europe as an expression of generosity. In some countries, such as Italy and Greece, this generosity can reach stupefying levels; it can be virtually impossible to pick up a check in Italy and virtually impossible not to overeat or overdrink in Greece. But it's rude to refuse dinner invitations.

Here are some general dining rules:

1. In Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, be on time for dinner.

2. No host gift is expected in Great Britain.

3. Do not take wine to a dinner in The Netherlands, France, or Belgium. It will show that you think that there is no any wine in the host's cellar.

Gifts

In some countries, for instance, a small host gift is O.K. if you are invited to someone's home for dinner. But not in Great Britain - here, no host gift is expected.

Across most of Europe, business gifts should not be too personal and should be wrapped professionally. Try not to use white wrapping paper, and use a brightly color ribbon.

Social Taboos

Europeans are, for the most part, more formal and reserved about such matters than Americans are. Watch out for these gesture-related mistakes:

2. Showing your palm to someone is offensive in Greece.

3. Keeping your hands in your pockets is rude.

4. Back-slapping is out of place in northern Europe.

5. Having your hands below the table while dining in France, Germany, and Austria is rude.

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American Business Etiquette

In the United States business is conducted at the speed of light! So when going to the United States, remember that the Americans like to be efficient and quick with their work.

Greetings

American businessmen and women shake hands with one another when greeting and most of the time when leaving a meeting as well. A brief but firm handshake is the norm. A light hug is common among Americans who are friends with one another, and U.S. professionals may extend phrases such as, "How are you?" while shaking hands. A answer "Fine, thank you" is sufficient.