Free Essential Business Culture Guides
The German Business Culture
Making appointments
Never underestimate the importance of punctuality in German business culture. Arriving even five to ten minutes later than the appointed time is perceived as late, especially if you are a subordinate. Fifteen minutes would be considered a very serious faux pas and could mean a shaky start to any potential business relations....
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The French Business Culture
Making appointments
Ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions. While you should strive to be punctual, you won't be considered late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time. There is an increased tolerance for arriving late as you go further south.
French employees get five weeks of vacation, and take at least three in July or August. Moreover, France practically 'shuts down' in August...
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The British Business Culture
Making appointments
In theory, official working hours are normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. In practice, most employees work considerably longer hours; many will be at their desks by 8:30 a.m. and executives rarely leave before 7:00 p.m. Professionals like lawyers and consultants may not arrive before 9:30 a.m. but, on the other hand, they may not leave the office until the following day. Generally, the British prefer to stay late in the office than to take work home with them even if they do carry a briefcase (their ‘executive lunch-box’)...
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The Chinese Business Culture
Making appointments
Being late for an appointment is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture.
The best times for scheduling appointments are April to June and September to October.
Business and government hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. There is, however, a five-day work week in larger cities. Do avoid plans to visit government offices on Friday afternoon, because this is sometimes reserved for 'political studying' of the officials.
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The Japanese Business Culture
Appointment Alert
Normal business hours might be 9-5, but most people don't follow this, and meetings can frequently go later. Today, making appointments through email or phone is the most common practice. Most morning meetings will start at 10am or later, and afternoons usually begin at 1:30pm or sometime later. Lunchtime is generally 12-1.
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The Spanish Business Culture
Making appointments
Working hours vary both across Spain and according to the type of business but most offices are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. and again from perhaps 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. until about 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. In July and especially August, when most people take their vacations, hours may change to 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday.
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