Business culture in India is different as compared to the rest part of the world. India is a diverse nation encompassing various cultures, identities, languages, and religions. You cannot generalize the business etiquettes when it comes to do business meetings in India. Every state has its uniqueness and business ethics. Today’s blog will provide insights about the business culture in India. It will also provide important tips on how to lead the business meetings in India successfully.
It is essential to practice a flexible approach and preferred to have an Indian partner to guide you through the meeting requirements. For example, some people may prefer a handshake and others may greet you with the Namaste. India is a family-oriented nation hence a small talk in the initial stage of the meeting including questions about your family, whereabouts, culture, and country will be very common. Similarly, you can also initiate the discussion about knowing the family of business partners, their culture, business etc. It can be one of the best ways of building trust before moving onto the next stage of meetings.
Prepare for Cultural shock
India is the land of cultural diversity. It is a complex yet interesting mix of various old and new traditions from both East and West. It often appears as a cultural shock to many visitors. If you are planning to do business in India, it is important to understand the vibrancy of the country’s rich history and culture. In addition, you also need to consider various other factors such as regionalism, people, and industry. It is advised to modify one’s behaviour, etiquette, and approach depending on your dealings with different people and regions.
India has 26 major languages but since mostIndian counterparts are well versed with the English language, you will likely not face any major issues. Although, diction can vary in different states. Also, it is important to understand that although your Indian counterpart may speak English well but thinks in an Indian way hence you need to build understanding and create a balance.
Deal with differences
The diversity of Indian culture provides ample space for non-conformists. Hence, the diversity of dress, language, food, ways of doing business or reacting to personal contacts can vary. Learn and adapt to go with the flow instead of keeping a straight face or being rigid about your own ways. For example, your host may want to talk about an interesting thing in your country instead of your product so just join the conversation to develop a good bond over the business meeting.
Stop stereotyping
India is one of the most varied and friendly nations across the globe. The culture embraces people from every background yet it has its reservations. Hence, keeping an open mind will save you from reaching to wrong conclusions. It is recommended to have a regional view when doing business meetings in India. You can save the global outlook for global deals.
Get into Group-thinking
Usually, the western countries follow the individual working culture whereas Indians are the part of collective work culture. For example, a business meeting with an Indian company may be attended by 4-5 people and it is difficult to predict the person in charge. It also happens that leaders are silent and just do the evaluation while other members speak. Another case can be where two-three meetings are required before meeting the final decision-maker.
Know your place
It is very important to decide on the right business base in India. Since the country is huge and diverse, depending upon your business requirements choose the location wisely. For example, Mumbai is known as the Financial Capital of India wherein the Delhi/NCR region is also known for its powerful business presence. Gurgaon is one of the most sought-after locations for global corporates to set up their base wherein Delhi- The Capital of India is more liveable and has strong political influence. But if your preferred market is South the Chennai is the best option. The recent shift to set up base in Smart Cities has also been in the trend. So, it is recommended to do a thorough research before reaching a consensus.
Re-think About your working day
If you are from a country where work timings are fixed, or you always have weekends off then re think your working day before scheduling work meetings. Breakfast meetings are usually set at 10 AM or even later barring any contingency but dinner meetings might not even start before 9 PM. Workhours are usually long, and people tend to work over the weekend. It is a normal culture in India.
Expect the unexpected
Indians are known as hard-working people and they don’t mind spending extra hours at work. The country runs at its own rhythm. The guests can show over a dinner meeting at 9PM or the meeting venues and time may get changed at the last moment. Hence, we recommend going with the flow.
Practice patience
Develop patience and flexibility for the ease of doing business. If you are from a country, where communication usually happens in a blunt and direct manner, adopting this approach will prove as a long-term asset for doing business meetings in India. In India a lot of the communication is indirect, so it takes time to discover the real issues. Also, be ready for a lot of surprises so being flexible and patient will help you sail smoothly.
Indians are known as multi-taskers. They like to perform multiple activities together hence it is expected that visitors may interrupt your presentations, the other person in the meeting may receive unavoidable calls on cell phones or any other distraction may crop up. So, neither lose sight nor the rhythm. India has yet a long way to go towards adopting single-mindedness contrasting with the western culture of single project orientation.
Deal with diplomacy
Blunt, rude, and direct approach may not always work while dealing in India. The country believes in building bonds over business meeting and they may easily get offend by your direct and formal approach. Hence, it is recommend to adopt diplomacy.
Give people time and space India can be both slow and fast towards its product/project delivery depending upon the requirement. So, you need to be patient and provide people ample time and space to ensure your business requirement is fulfilled. Sometimes deliveries happen at a speed faster than light wherein in other cases they may take forever. So, adjust accordingly.
