Doing Business in the U.K. Essay

Business Etiquette UKThe join commonwealth (UK) is comprised of four countries England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is important not only to be aw be of these geographical distinctions but alike the strong sense of identity and nationalism felt by the populations of these four countries. The terms English and British be not interchangeable. British denotes someone who is from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. English refers to people from England. People from Scotland are referred to as Scots. People from England are not likely to take offence at cosmos called English, whereas a Welsh, Scots, or Northern Irish person volition.Cultural DiversityFormerly a very homogenous society, since World War II, Britain has become increasingly diverse as it has accommodated large immigrant populations. The florilegium of ethnic groups and cultures make it difficult to define British as looking or acting in one particular manner. People may sound British and retain the cultural heritage of their forefathers bandage others may become more than British than someone who can trace his/her lineage to the 5th century. The item that the nations favourite dish is now a curry sums up the cultural mish-mash that is upstart day Britain.Doing affair in the UKThe British are rather formal. Many from the older generation even prefer to work with people and companies they know or who are known to their associates. Younger logical argumentpeople do not need long-standing personal relationships forwards they do business with people and do not quest an intermediary to make business introductions. Nonetheless, networking and relationship building are often key to long-term business success.Rank is respected and businesspeople prefer to deal with people at their level. If at all possible, admit an elder statesman on your team as he/she bequeath present the aura of ulteriorality that is necessary to good business relationships in many companies.Britis h communication stylesThe British have an raise mix of communication styles encompassing both understatement and direct communication. Many older businesspeople or those from the stop number class rely heavily upon formal use of established protocol. almost British are get the hang of understatement and do not use effusive language. If anything, they have a marked tendency to qualify their statements with much(prenominal) as perhaps or it could be. When communicating with people they see as equal to themselves in rank or class, the British are direct, but modest. If communicating with someone they know well, their style may be more informal, although they will still be reserved.Business meetingsPunctuality is a very British trait. It is especially important in business situations. In most cases, the people you are meeting will be on time. Always call if you will be even 5 minutes later than agreed. If you are kept waiting a few minutes, do not make an issue of it.How meetings a re conducted is often determined by the composition of people attending. If everyone is at the same level, there is generally a free flow of ideas and opinions. If there is a senior ranking person in the room, that person will do most of the speaking. In general, meetings will be rather formal and always have a clearly defined purpose, which may include an agenda. There will be a brief fall of small talk before getting down to the business at hand. If you make a presentation, obviate making exaggerated claims. Make certain your presentation and any materials provided appear professional and well purview out. Be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures. The British rely on facts, rather than emotions, to make decisions. assign eye contact and a few feet of personal space. After a meeting, send a garner summarising what was decided and the next steps to be taken.Basic British Etiquette TipsBusiness Dress* Business robes is conservative.* Men should wear a dark colo ured, conservative business suit.* Women should wear either a business suit or a conservative dress.Greetings* Shake hands with everyone at a meeting upon arrival.* agree eye contact during the greeting.Titles* Only medical doctors and the clergy use their professional or academic titles in business. * Most people use the courtesy titles or Mr, Mrs or Miss and their surname. (Mr and Mrs are words in the United Kingdom and do not require a period after them as they are not abbreviations.) * If someone has been knighted, they are called Sir followed by their first and surnames or Sir followed simply by their first name. * Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. People under the age of 35 may make this move more rapidly than older British.Business Cards* Business cards are exchanged at the sign introduction without formal ritual.* The business card may be put away with only a cursory glance.Business Gifts* Business gift giving is not part of the business culture. * If you choose to assign a gift, make certain it is small and tasteful. * Good gifts include desk accessories, a paperweight with your company logo, or a book about your home country. * Inviting someone out for a meal can be viewed as a gift.http//www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-uk.html http//books.google.com.my/books?id=1ccPcVjaRGMC&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30&dq=how+to+bargain+with+britain&source=bl&ots=FB64L7Wk6F&sig=6QVjUrzk4AcQ2OuUezZuyL64Mlw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2kALUeu0BcKPrgfjooH4Cw&ved=0CHAQ6AEwCAv=onepage&q=british&f= misguided