Even though almost everyone appreciates receiving gifts, it can be difficult to pick the perfect one. Especially if the supervisor, coworkers, or employees are from another country. So let us give you a quick rundown of gift-giving traditions from around the world.
With the aid of gifts, we are confident that it is feasible to raise employee motivation and engagement. As a result, we shall begin this article by exploring the significance of cultural concerns for corporate presents. Then let’s discuss the customs around giving gifts in various nations.
This article was influenced by a more broad and detailed version of Cultural considerations on corporate gifts. Definitely check it out too!
Take into consideration culture traditions
You can avoid mistakes by being aware of cultural etiquette about business presents and the customs of other cultures while presenting gifts. It truly shows your consideration for and understanding of other cultures to the recipients.
The most important tip is to learn about the nation’s gift-giving traditions before doing business there. Giving and receiving gifts can be a highly cherished custom in some cultures, although it can also be seen as petty, improper, occasionally unlucky, or even offensive in other cultures.
Check your workplace’s gift giving traditions and especially policies. Many companies, like those in Singapore and the US, have policies that restrict the giving and receiving of gifts in order to avoid the appearance of bribery. Other countries, like Denmark, require you to submit business gifts to the tax authorities if their value reaches a certain threshold.
United Kingdom and Ireland
Corporate culture in Ireland and England generally does not value giving presents. Personalized emails, for instance, are very effective. Achievement celebrations are also extremely typical. The common life milestones to celebrate with prospective customers, clients, and team members include birthdays, professional anniversaries, promotions, and corporate funding.
Simply try to stay away from any inappropriate or intimate gifts. If you want to bring a gift, make sure it is little and courteous because it is uncommon to give gifts in a professional atmosphere.
USA
Americans often do not provide gifts when meeting a customer for the first time or as a way of saying thank you for doing business together. However, Americans are allowed to give gifts to employees, colleagues, and clients throughout the holiday season (late December). Executive assistants and other employees frequently receive presents from their bosses around this time of year.
It is improper to give your business partners intimate or private corporate gifts, such apparel.
Nordic countries
If you’re doing business in Scandinavia, it’s useful to know that sending and receiving gifts as part of commercial partnerships is unusual. Their gift giving traditions are pretty much non existent. Even on holidays, it’s not traditional to send gifts. If your Scandinavian business partner has not previously given you a gift in exchange, you are not expected to bring one.
Numerous personalizations on gifts don’t always work. Instead, make sure the present you offer can be linked to the organization’s ideals or objectives.
Japan
Known as “Omiyage” in Japan, corporate gifting is a significant aspect of Japanese society. It is regarded as a means of forging connections and expressing gratitude. In Japan, it is customary to accept or give gifts with both hands. It is customary to wait until the giver is not there before unwrapping a gift.
In Japan, funeral flowers include lilies, camellias, and lotus blossoms; these shouldn’t be given as gifts. Any type of white flower should not be presented as a gift. Another urban legend claims that houseplants in containers spread illness.
Giving in increments of four or nine is unlucky. Also red should not be used for Christmas cards as it is generally reserved for funeral announcements.
Make sure to read our other articles such as Delivering constructive feedback at work and What is a positive company culture.
China
China gives corporate gifts for a variety of occasions, including national holidays like Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as professional and personal accomplishments.
Gifts are frequently rejected twice or even three times before being accepted by Chinese people. This in no way implies that they are unappreciative of the present. It serves more as a technique of expressing modesty and courtesy.
Knives, scissors, and letter openers aren’t good gifts in China since they could allude to a breakup. Clocks (the verb “give clock” has the same pronunciation as the phrase “see off into death” in various Chinese dialects), handkerchiefs, which are often used at funerals and connected with sobbing. Additionally, gifts that come in sets of four, unless they are sets of two pairs, are not appropriate.
Spain
In Spain, where personal ties are crucial for any business success, cultivating good relationships and meeting people in person are the keys to success. Spanish people will do business with you if there is chemistry, so make an effort to present the best image of yourself by appearing respectable and modest.
Due to their cultural associations, dahlias, chrysanthemums, white lilies, and red roses should never be offered as flowers. Sending flowers in odd numbers is essential as long as they don’t add up to thirteen.
Muslim countries
When learning about corporate gift-giving etiquette in different countries, pay special attention to Muslim countries. The fundamental reason for this is the abundance of restrictions.
The Koran forbids drinking alcohol. You should never provide anything that contains alcohol as a result, including beverages and colognes. Additionally, you should avoid foods that contain derivatives of pig, bird, and shellfish.
Give no artwork that contains nudity. In any case, do your homework thoroughly before buying anything because in some countries, like Saudi Arabia, you should only offer gifts to close friends or relatives.
It can be challenging to choose the perfect gift on your own. It is crucial to be aware of cultural restrictions on business presents. Now that you know more about gift giving traditions in various countries, you will be in luck when doing business in the above mentioned places.
Let us know which countries we missed and you’d like to learn more about!