Observing and Understanding Germany Essays - Etiquette, Habits

Germany is a great economic influence of the countries in the world. In the whole Europe, Germany has the most powerful economy. Apart from that Germany has the most advanced and efficient system of manufacturers. Germans pride their country on national products produced. Germans have achieved success by hard work and efficiency. The quality of products is recognized throughout the world. Moran, Harris, Moran (2011) In today?s global business environment, developing successful business strategies and valuable business relationships, based on an awareness of this German culture, is essential. To be successful obtaining the great results from a business relationship with a German company, we have to observe and understand their social rules, etiquette and values in order to deal with them better. It is important to observe and understand many of the social rules in order to make a positive impression on your German hosts. It is probably a good idea to understand how Germans view business. Germans maintain a stronger separation between home and office than Americans do. ?Work is work and play is play? is an important distinction in their culture. Randlesome (1994) Germans have a reputation for being industrious, hard-working, reserved. They are meticulous and exact and often very militaristic in the preciseness of their actions. The Germans are not an outward people. They tend to be very private. Moran et al. (2011) Though their daily routine brings them into close contact with many different people, they are close to only a very few. Randlesome et al. (1994) The Germans make a strong distinction between acquaintance and a friend. The handshake is an important part of the German greeting. Firm handshakes are preferred. Moran et al. (2011) Proper etiquette is also important when impressing the hosts. It requires using titles when addressing Germans as well as using the polite form of speech. Moran et al. (2011) When doing business in Germany, remember that punctuality is a serious issue. Business people work hard and are under a lot of pressure. Germans typically plan their time very carefully. It is considered bad etiquette to be late or early as it shows disrespect for peoples' time. Randlesome et al. (1994) Recognition of personal space is also a matter of etiquette and status. Moran et al. (2011) Germans are restricted in their body movements. They do not use hand gestures as Americans do and feel it is impolite to talk with your hands in pockets. Moran et al. (2011) Another important issue when impressing hosts is values. Germans have a planning culture which prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day. Organization is tight and precise and decisions are made after careful assessment therefore risks are minimized. Moran et al. (2011) Time-management is strictly and efficiency is imperative to the Germans. These are the values that pervade society and are the foundation on which German managers build. Randlesome et al. (1994) In business they seek order and clarity to achieve an organized system and they expect a strong work ethic, reliability and honesty from their employees and partners. Business is serious business in Germany. Forming successful business relationships with German companies does not mean taking all of these social rules, etiquette, and values on board, but recognizing their importance to your business partner. It also means modifying your behavior in the interests of making a good impression on your hosts and achieving your business goals. It means accepting their particular behavior and avoiding judging their procedures and standards on the basis of our own. Learning how to observe and understand Germany?s social rules, etiquette, and values will not allow you to make a good impression on your hosts but allow you to better deal with them as well. References Harris, P.R., Moran, R.T., Moran, S.V. (2011). Managing Cultural Differences. Burlington. Elsevier Inc.. Randlesome, C. (1994). The Business Culture in Germany: Portrait of a Power House. Butterworth-Heinemann.