We are a global society now and no matter where you go in the world or what you're doing, there is always a proper way of doing things. Every culture on earth exchanges gifts and not just during the holiday season. We exchange gifts for a number of reasons:
1. Gifts represent what words cannot say. Emotions are sometimes hard to put into words.
2. Gifts remind others that we have not neglected them or that they should be thinking of us. For example, the motive behind the small gift you send your clients every six months.
3. Exchanging gifts incurs an obligation. In business, this usually backfires.
When asked, we admit to enjoying the custom, but at the same time we are not completely comfortable with it. Haven't we all searched hours, even days, for that "perfect gift"? Add to that the pressure of finding a gift for an international business client. We in America traditionally bring a bottle of wine to a dinner party. But did you know that liquor is taboo in the Islamic religion? If you do business overseas, if pays to know some gift giving rules:
Germany - Give something in moderation that tastefully reflects your culture and wrap it neatly in anything except white and black paper. Include a hand written note.
Saudi Arabia - Give a gift that has intellectual significance that perhaps recognizes the educational level of your host or guest. Never bring a gift for a wife or older female daughter but gifts for children are appreciated. Wait until rapport has been established before presenting your gift.
Latin America - The Latin people treasure good relationships and enjoy gift giving. Give a gift for the family or for the children, especially small electronic gadgets or popular toys. A gift for the wife is acceptable as long as it is not too personal. Businesswomen are sometimes not taken very seriously in Latin America so one should be cautious about gift giving, lest she give the wrong impression.
Singapore - Give something inexpensive, such as an American souvenir T-shirt. If you are presenting to a number of individuals, the first gift is given to the most senior person and then work your way down. Wrap your gifts in yellow, red or pink since they are considered good luck in Asia. When attending dinner at a Singaporean home, bring candy or a box of chocolates. The numbers 4, 7, 8,13, 37, and 69 are also considered unlucky.
France - Give thought to the gift you choose for a Frenchman. It should not be too personal, but it should reflect his taste or intelligence. Send flowers to the home you are visiting for dinner beforehand, but not chrysanthemums, which represent mourning. If you stay at someone's home for a few days, a gift of silver is especially appreciated. Do not give a businesswoman perfume. It is far too personal.
Great Britain - There is a clear line between business and personal lives in Great Britain therefore gift giving is not a big part of business. It is considered too personal. Generally, gratitude is expressed with dinner or an evening at the theater. When visiting a home, flowers or a small item is appropriate.
The United States - We Americans truly enjoy gift giving and are delighted when the recipient is genuinely surprised. We also delight in the wrapping of our gifts. Americans don't necessarily want big, expensive gifts, but we do appreciate quality. When visiting someone's home, we are expected to arrive with a bottle of wine or flowers. If we host a convention or seminar, our attendees have grown accustomed to leaving with favors or a "goodie bag" filled to the brim with promotional items.
