Getting Familiar With Some Lesser Known Aspects Of Business Etiquette In Germany
In recent times,
Germany has emerged as the destination of choice for people intending to start
a business or expand their existing venture into new markets. The process and
formalities associated with forming a GmbH in Germany are quite simple and any business setting activities
receive much support and encouragement from the government. However, establishing
a venture successfully involves more than registering it and commencing trading
through it. In fact, there are countless other aspects associated with the
process that need to be taken care of to make the project successful. One such
aspect is business etiquette, which is quite unique and strictly adhered to in
this European country. For foreigners intending to establish a business in
Germany, having some basic knowledge about the below-discussed aspects of
business etiquette, is extremely necessary.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The German government
is extremely serious and committed to environmental issues within the country
and its energy and environmental policy objectives are deeply influenced by
this outlook. In fact, most foreign investors are unaware of the fact that Germany
holds the distinction of having the greatest solar and wind power generation
capacity on Earth. Moreover, the country has been taking various steps to
reduce the damage to its forests and environment. Hence, the government tends
to promote business units that are well aware of their corporate social
responsibility and have taken steps to become energy efficient. A willingness
to explore the options of using renewable energy and work towards reducing
their greenhouse gas emissions is sure to win business establishment the
support and approval of the German government.
Efficient Time Management
Germans like to
organize and compartmentalize their lives into controllable units. Hence,
efficient time management skills for an integral part of the work and business
etiquette within the country. Adhering to the set timelines, schedules and
agendas an expected norm even for foreigners forming a company in Germany. It is imperative for these investors
to carefully schedule their projects and create meticulously detailed
organization charts that should be strictly adhered to. Punctuality is another
trait that Germans respect and even a slight delay in keeping an appointment is
frowned upon and considered offensive.
Exchanging Of Gifts
Germans, in general,
concentrate more on getting the actual business on hand completed, rather than
wasting time on formalities like exchanging gifts. Hence the trend of casual
gift-giving amongst business associates and peers, expect on more social
occasions, is almost non-existent in this country. It is considered to be a
waste of time and money and more importantly an intrusion on the privacy of an
individual. The latter point is extremely important as Germans value their
privacy above everything else and are not too comfortable with the idea of
sharing their private life with office colleagues and associates.
Business Dress Code
Comments
Post a Comment