For first meetings, there are both appropriate and inappropriate questions in Western business culture. Most Westerners dislike being asked particularly intimate questions about their relationships, finances, politics, or religion. Many Westerners converse informally instead. This indicates that they avoid discussing sensitive topics. They might discuss sports, hobbies, or the weather. Therefore, we must be considerate of the queries that should be raised with western clients.
Facts: Western Business Culture
- Thread starter Shavkat
- Start date
It is not only in western world alone. In Africa generally and Nigeria in particular, it is not everybody that likes to discuss bhis private affairs in the public. They only engage in formal discussions with you and the moment the subject is being digressed into unofficial topics,, they stop the discussion.
I would avoid discussing topics such as religion, politics with business associates or customers. We usually talk about the economy, hobbies, traveling experience, sports and weather. I have encountered someone from China asking my age when we first met. I found that odd.
Another important western business culture is individualism. This is predicated on personal business interest. A westerner holds dear his personal business interest and expects you to appeal to it for the business to flow well.
- Thread starter
- #8
Indeed. Although we cannot generalize that people cannot open up with sensitive or personal information. If a person is good at speaking, he or she can initiate trust and can let others talk smoothly.
I also read somewhere that persons from western cultures consider it rude for a person not to maintain eye contact when speaking.
This notion is starkly different from that of Asian cultures such as the Chinese. To the Chinese, it is offensive for someone to look at you in the eyes when speaking to you.
This notion is starkly different from that of Asian cultures such as the Chinese. To the Chinese, it is offensive for someone to look at you in the eyes when speaking to you.
