Practice Global Manners and Thoughtful Consideration

Hyundai Glovis conducts business with various countries worldwide as a global company. Accordingly,
we need to practice etiquette befitting our status to satisfy customers around the world.
To do that, it is important to learn about the culture and sentiment of the relevant country.
So, thoughtful consideration of other people in your host country is essential.
Article: Editor’s Office/ Cartoon by Lee Su-Jung

The basics to win the hearts of overseas customers

The companies doing business in foreign countries try not to be bad-mannered in the country. Some companies educate their employees on it, while some employees find out for themselves. An action or a word that is perceived as normal to us can be perceived as uncomfortable or rude in another country. Moreover, this unpleasantness not only offends the other person, but sometimes causes negative images of the company or its business ideas.

It would be a shame if business goes wrong due to a trivial mistake, instead of conflicting interests. Therefore, it is important to have basic global manners to avoid conflicts or prejudice over misunderstandings.

In addition to these manners, a considerate way of communication and services is also necessary. Although these are international and business relations, it is the people who work on these matters. Conversations and services that are considerate and thoughtful will help you win the hearts of your counterparts, both at home or abroad.

Global manners in the European culture

ㆍFocus on business details instead of emphasizing intimacy
ㆍ Talk about sports, and avoid the subjects of women, wars, and religion
ㆍ Putting the thumb on the nose or making a V sign with the palm facing towards you is an insulting gesture

Global manners in the Southeast Asian culture

ㆍ Like it when you show interests in the culture or history of the country
ㆍ Show care to the superiors first as they have a tradition of vertical relationships
ㆍThey will think you look down on them if you rely too much on interpretation

Global manners in the Middle East culture

ㆍLong greetings are an expression of intimacy and good manners
ㆍTrust is built better if you observe Ramadan with them
ㆍ It is rude to start a conversation with a woman, or ask a female employee about her family

Global manners in the African culture

ㆍ Remember that things can move slowly due to “African time”
ㆍ Avoid mentioning race or the economy, as the wealth gap is big between races
ㆍ Staring at a person is considered offensive

GLOVIS CS Cartoon

* This cartoon is a reproduction of an episode with an overseas client who sent a thank you note through e-mail as thoughtful consideration. Think about what global manners or business manners you would need when dealing with a client.