Business etiquette in India
Business etiquette
Encountering bureaucracy and IST ('Indian stretchable time') is part of the culture. It is expected that schedules will be delayed, and public offices are not particularly efficient, so one does need to waste energy in being annoyed about this.
Appointments
At first glance, things might appear to be fluid in terms of appointments in Indian etiquette. Nevertheless, Indians appreciate punctuality and sticking to appointments, even though visitors may occasionally be concerned when it comes to the general attitude to schedules and meeting appointments.
Business cards
Exchanging business cards is a necessary part of Indian business etiquette. You must ensure that you always have enough cards, since people also exchange them outside typical business situations.
Important to note
In big cities, a larger share of the population has adopted Western habits. Even though this is only a small percentage, it can nevertheless make up a large number of people.
Generation Z is influenced by Western culture to a far greater extent, and young people are often much more progressive.
Dress code
For women:
Your outfit signals your status, and an informal outfit will make it difficult for you to gain respect. Use loose-fitting clothes that cover as much as possible. Showing a lot of skin indicates that you cannot afford to dress properly, or that you do not respect the culture. Tight-fitting clothes are interpreted as shameless. The more you cover, the better.
For men:
Dress trousers and a shirt are the usual outfit. In the evenings and for more formal occasions, one wears a suit or blazer.
Handshaking
The left hand is traditionally used when using the toilet, and is therefore considered unclean. You must therefore use your right hand when shaking hands or when giving and receiving gifts, etc.
In big cities, men and more Western-oriented women will greet foreign men by shaking hands. Men sometimes also shake hands with foreign women.
Body Language
Think carefully about how you sit in meetings:
Never cross your legs, never show the soles of your feet, don't cross your arms, and don't lean back and stretch your legs.