Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Lillian H. Chaney (Author)
Key Phrases: travel customs and tips, written communication customs, tipping customs, United States, South Korea, Saudi Arabia (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Martin and Chaney have written prolifically on interpersonal communication and have trained professionals on business communication, ethics, and cross-cultural etiquette. In this new book, which extends the literature on cross-cultural competence and communication, they contend that meaning is culturally constructed and advise travelers to learn about a host culture before departing for a destination. Their practical volume provides key information about culture, etiquette, and customs around the world, comparing topics across ten major countries that trade with the US. Nine chapters guide the reader on a range of subjects, including preparation for travel, cultural attitudes and behavior, gestures and nonverbal communications, dining and tipping, oral and written communication, and development and maintenance of cross-cultural relationships. The book also discusses less common topics such as taboos, casual business attire, flowers for gift giving, and religious and civilian holidays. For country-specific information, URLs are provided. Concepts are illustrated with examples from the relevant literature. Summaries at the end of each chapter are categorized by country for comparative ease. The "Notes" section contains full references. An excellent resource for expatriates and travelers to other countries for business or personal reasons. Highly recommended. All collections.”–Choice

“This book is designed as a guide to help business people sent overseas on assignment work effectively understand business etiquette in another part of the world. Martin and Chaney have both written articles and given presentations on intercultural business communication. The book is divided into nine chapters, covering all aspects of the topic, from travel tips to language and business cards, socializing, nonverbal communicators, dress and appearance, cultural attitudes, dining and tipping customs, conversational norms and manners, and oral and written communication. Each chapter is subdivided by more specific headings, making the narrative easy to browse, and concludes with country-specific summaries for Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Taiwan, with some additional contact information provided (e.g., embassy phone numbers, official tourist board web sites). The narratives include case studies to illustrate specific issues that might arise. An extensive bibliography is included. Recommended for academic business collections as well as anyone anticipating a business trip abroad.”–Library Journal

“This book can be effectively integrated into undergraduate and graduate business, human resources, and public administration coursework....[p]rovide in-depth knowledge, proven techniques, and extensive practical advice for conducting business globally....The Notes can be used by librarians and information professionals to effectively develop and build their own international business collections.”–Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship

“"Going global" - as opposed to "going postal" - requires business executives, managers and employees at the barricades who are equipped to deal with the complications and misunderstandings that can arise when languages, customs and social perceptions clash. Global Business Etiquette is intended as a resource for behavior, dress, cross-cultural communication, appropriate gift-giving, overcoming stereotypes, interpreting signals and symbols and a thousand other elements where you could screw up and ruin the deal!”–The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

“Martin and Chaney explain the national customs of America's major trading partners that can affect individual business relationships. Separate chapters discuss greetings, gift giving, gestures, dress and appearance, cultural attitudes, dining and tipping customs, conversational manners, and oral and written communication. The writing style is casual and intended for the business traveler.”–Reference & Research Book News

“If you're involved in international business, you already know etiquette varies from country to country: the speed of expanding international sales is requiring a new type of executive and manager be able to understand cross-cultural communication to avoid misunderstandings. GLOBAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE: A GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND CUSTOMS is the place to start. It uses years of research and training in the field to cover both verbal and nonverbal gestures, dress, customs and more, adding examples and tips in their guide to interpreting around the world From dress to conversational customs, GLOBAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE covers all the common pitfalls and customs.”–California Bookwatch

“Written for people traveling on business or pleasure, students, government and military personnel, Global Business Etiquette offers a resource for understanding the dynamics of cross-cultural communication and etiquette. The book is designed to help business travelers successfully navigate the subtle interactions that can set the stage for profitable long-term relationships. Some of the topics covered include non-verbal gestures, proper dress, and gift-giving customs. There are many anecdotes that make it an easy read.”–Reinforced Plastics/Reinforced Plastics Weekly

“Global Business Etiquette is an insightful work that will be of inordinate value to both the novice and the experienced global businessperson. The practical dimensions of this comprehensive work are augmented with insightful contributions to the more sophisticated nuances of global business. The book is a testament to the authors' knowledge of effective communication in globally diverse environments. I would highly recommend the text to those interested in learning how to deal with the rapidly globalizing nature of business.”–Michael Harvey Hearin Chair of Global Business, University of Mississippi

“Dr. Martin and Dr. Chaney have captured the essential basics of conducting global business in Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs. Their clear and concise style of writing makes the research details easy to understand and comprehend. This book is a good reference to keep in the traveler's briefcase or on the global executive's desk.”–Dottie Byers Managing Director International Professional Relations, Inc.

“Global Business Etiquette should be every international businessperson's guide to not making faux pas around the world. It gives tips on the United States' top ten trading partners as well as numerous etiquette examples from other countries. Being able to negotiate your way through the etiquette patterns of another country when you are communicating can make or break a deal. This book is a must read for the novice and the expert.”–Jim Barksdale Former CEO, Netscape

Book Description

From Toronto to Thailand—a comprehensive guide to mastering the customs and nuances of cross-cultural business communication.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 188 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers; annotated edition edition (March 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275988155
• ISBN-13: 978-0275988159
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #674,479 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers all the common pitfalls and customs, June 20, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

If you're involved in international business, you already know etiquette varies from country to country: the speed of expanding international sales is requiring a new type of executive and manager be able to understand cross-cultural communication to avoid misunderstandings. GLOBAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE: A GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND CUSTOMS is the place to start. It uses years of research and training in the field to cover both verbal and nonverbal gestures, dress, customs and more, adding examples and tips in their guide to interpreting around the world From dress to conversational customs, GLOBAL BUSINESS ETIQUETTE covers all the common pitfalls and customs.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars International Business Must Read!!!, May 10, 2006

By	bearsfan (Collierville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

The book is full of tips for international travelers, whether they are business people, vacationers, students, or military/government workers. There are so many ways to convey right or wrong messages to people in other countries, and this book covers the most important ones. It helps the traveler avoid socially embarrassing mistakes while being an easy read. For international travelers, this book is a must read.

2.0 out of 5 stars Ok, but not very thorough, June 1, 2008

By	Murry G "Murry G" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs (Paperback)

I don't like the way this book is structured--with sections discussing cultural differences (duh, we all know that) and then with only small paragraphs actually noting what is different from the USA in Germany, England, etc. I was looking for something far more in depth in order to use it for employees' educations on the cultural differences. It's okay as a supplement, but sure not a definitive source.