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Corporate gift giving etiquette |
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Gift-giving etiquette varies from country to country. These tips are meant to provide some initial guidance. For more comprehensive information on presenting a gift to an important foreign colleague, resources such as foreign embassies in Washington, D.C. or the U.S. Consulate protocols officers can be helpful in providing additional advice.
ASIAN COUNTRIES
China
- Communism brought skepticism in gift giving, and gifts to government officials become illegal. However, the importance of gift giving in China is slowly returning,
- Present group gifts. This is seen as a "company presenting a gift to a company," and not as a bribe to one individual from that company.
- Display your company logo on the gift.
- Chinese will refuse a gift, sometimes repeatedly. It is expected, however, that the giver will persist and the recipient's acceptance will eventually follow.
- Present gifts with two hands.
- Give gifts in pairs; this implies good luck.
- Avoid giving clocks or sharp objects (e.g., knives, letter openers) as gifts, as the word for "clock" in Chinese is similar to the word for "death" and sharp objects imply the cutting of a relationship.
- Avoid wrapping gifts in white, blue or black, which are colors associated with funerals, and avoid writing in red ink, which symbolizes the end of a relationship. Red, yellow and pink are seen as joyful colors, and are acceptable for gift wrap.
Japan
- Gift-giving is a time-honored ritual in Japan, and is considered a way of communicating respect and appreciation.
- Gifts need not be extravagant, but avoid giving monetary gifts or gifts displaying company logos and make sure the gifts are high-quality.
- When working with a group of professionals, include everyone in gift-giving. Either present a group gift when everyone is present, or purchase individual gifts for each person, ensuring that higher-quality gifts are given to the higher-ranking people.
- Gifts should always be wrapped, in colors other than white (symbolizes death) and bright colors (considered too flashy).
- Never surprise the Japanese recipient with your gift. Alert the recipient that you would like to present a small memento.
- Downplay the importance of the gift, as if to say the relationship is more important than the gift.
- Always present the gift with two hands.
- Avoid giving gifts in sets of four which is unlucky and associated with the word for death.
- Gifts are normally exchanged at the end of the visit.
- Business gifts should be given at midyear (July 15) and at year-end (January 1).
Korea
- Generosity is viewed as a valued personal trait. Whenever possible, present an expensive gift.
- Gifts between business associates are viewed as symbols of appreciation.
- Four of anything is considered unlucky.
- Present gifts at the end of a visit, and gifts are typically not opened in front of the gift giver.
Malaysia
- With the Muslim culture, it is important to avoid pork, knives, alcohol, and highly personal gifts.
- Present gifts with the right hand only.
- In Indian sections of Malaysia, avoid black and white colors. Instead, opt for yellow, red or green which symbolize happiness.
Taiwan
- Avoid giving a gift made in Taiwan.
- Taiwanese will downplay the importance of a gift, as if to say the relationship is more important than the gift.
- Gifts should be presented at the end of a visit.
- It is impolite to open a gift in the presence of the gift giver.
Thailand
- Brightly-colored gift wrap and ribbons is acceptable, as Thais love bright colors.
- Ripping open wrapping paper is considered offensive by Thais.
- Exchange modest gifts.
- "Three" is a lucky number.
MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES
- Gift giving is important in the Arab culture, with generosity and politeness being very significant aspects in gift giving. Arabs will normally be the first to present a gift. Whenever possible, reciprocate with gifts of similar quality and value.
- Be sure to avoid alcohol and leather products made of pigskin, which are offensive to Muslims.
- Avoid giving gifts to the wife of an Arab colleague, and never inquire about her.
- Middle Eastern colleagues will especially appreciate leather gifts (non-pigskin), silver, crystal, precious stones, or porcelain.
LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES
- Gifts are not expected at the first meeting. However, when visiting a home for a meal, it is important to bring a hostess gift (e.g., chocolates, wine).
- Thoughtfulness and taking into consideration the interests of your recipient goes a long way in Latin American countries - it demonstrates your awareness and respect.
- Since most of the world's finest leathers come from South America, do not give leather gifts.
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, UNITED STATES, AND EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
- Gift giving in these countries is rarely expected. Small gifts such as pens, business diaries, and mementos with company logos are usually sufficient.
- Avoid highly personal gifts such as clothing.
- When visiting the home of a colleague from one of these countries, it is normally appropriate to present a gift to the hostess (e.g., wine, chocolates, flowers).
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