Business practices in India – Santandertrade.com

Meetings usually begin with conversations about personal matters and general small talk. That is an important part of business, and as such should not be rushed. Given that organisations have a hierarchical structure, the most senior person in the room should always be greeted first.

Decisions should often be based on trust and intuition. Statistics and data are also taken into account. It is therefore as important to build a relationship of trust. In India, the primary approach for negotiating is that, while the buyer plays an important role, both sides should make sure that they reach an appropriate agreement. When negotiating agreements, many rounds of back and forth are expected. Business is seen on the long term, as they expect long term commitments from business partners.

Communication tends to be indirect, and affirmations will be addressed by more nuanced phrases. In some companies.Interruptions are not uncommon, and people might answer their phones in the middle of the meeting. If that happens, it’s advised not to show irritation. When talking to people, be aware of your body language, as much significance will be attached to it. Aggressive postures, such as folded arms or hands on hips, should be avoided.

It’s not likely that a first meeting would take place over a meal. At business meals, the key people sit in the middle, flanked on either side in descending order by their aides, with the least important people sitting at the ends of the table, farthest from the middle. Business meals are generally not good times to make business decisions, and you should only talk business if your Indian counterpart does so. It is advised to eat with your right hand.