In-person meetings are important for doing business across borders. According to MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab, face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than email, and handshakes promote cooperation and positively influence negotiation outcomes. It’s a compelling reason for businesses to send their teams on an international business trip. However, inadvertently offending someone you’re meeting because you misunderstood a cultural norm can instantly wipe out these benefits. That’s why cultural literacy – truly grasping the customs and mindsets of a culture – is vital for today’s business travellers. “As companies send employees worldwide to build relationships and close deals, awareness of key cultural differences can make or break success,” says Bonnie Smith, GM Corporate Traveller. Heritage Day in South Africa is a brilliant example of how we can celebrate and learn about diverse cultures. But the truth is, every day offers a chance to understand and appreciate different ways of life, especially if travelling to other countries for business, says Smith. While profit and loss fundamentals are universal, values and business practices can vary greatly between cultures. Something as small as how you show respect or handle deadlines can differ completely depending on your location. Smith says that overlooking cultural norms isn’t just a faux pas; it’s a missed chance to build lasting, respectful business relationships, make a good impression, and achieve goals. “Understanding a place’s heritage, etiquette, and local nuances isn’t just good manners now; it’s strategic,” she states. Consider the diverse cultural insights highlighted by Remitly’s (a global money…
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