Germany Business Culture Pdf Printer
Doing business in Germany BUSINESS ATTIRE: German trade shows are conducted in a more formal manner than in the United States. Therefore, formal business attire is appropriate. Business cards are not given out as freely in Germany as in the U.S. German business practices and to make them aware of the peculiarities of the local business life. In short: it provides an introduction to “How to do business with Germans”, with a wealth of suggestions for the reader. This handbook undoubtedly does not attempt to answer all questions pertaining to German business culture.
Germany is the largest economy in Europe, with an international spirit that encourages foreign business. As an American working in Germany or trying to build a German network, there are a number of cultural differences to recognize. In some ways, German business culture is more regimented than in the United States, and in others, it is far more accommodating of workers. Both cultures share a strong work ethic and an increasing prominence of women in the workforce.
Work Efficiently
Germans are known throughout the world for their efficiency, punctuality and systematic work process. As a general rule, Germans are most comfortable with people who are consistent and follow proscribed practices. People are expected to be reliable and it is taken for granted that if someone offers to do something, he or she will meet the deadline. German manners may be construed as quite direct by Americans, but should not be mistaken for rudeness. Getting to the point and speaking about issues plainly can be a great virtue in a business setting as long as one is prepared. Similarly, helping others conform to social mores is part of the sense of community in Germany; it is not intended to cause offense if a German colleague or business contact offers a correction in behavior.
Dress to Impress
While street fashion in Berlin and other major cities can be quite avant-garde, corporate attire tends to be more formal in Germany than in the United States, which has been trending toward business casual for quite some time. Dress conservatively when making a first impression, and then adjust your style for future meetings if necessary.
Consider the Work-Life Balance
As important as work ethic is, Germans enjoy ample time off with a standard 24 days of paid vacation and many national holidays. In fact, Germans work among the fewest number of annual hours of any country, second only to the Dutch. Do not expect to set up many meetings in July and August, because they coincide with the traditional vacation time.
Communicate Effectively
Most Germans learn English in school, and speaking the language is a requirement for almost every corporate job. That is not to say that Germans, like most people, do not appreciate an effort to learn their language and fit into their culture. Learning greetings and a few common phrases can help establish a rapport with German business partners. Most often, Germans will only allow a few minutes for small talk at the beginning of a meeting, preferring to get to the business at hand. Germans have a strong need for personal space, and Americans would do well to take a step farther back than usual and lower their voices when addressing German colleagues and acquaintances. In the office environment, many Germans close their doors while working, but this does not necessarily indicate that they may not be disturbed. Because of the cultural appreciation for compartmentalizing different aspects of one’s life, Germans are not likely to try to form friendships or social relationships with colleagues.
Remember the Details
As in the United States, business cards are widely used and it is expected that new business contacts will exchange them at first meeting. Business gifts are not common practice, and shows of wealth are frowned upon. German companies face tight restrictions on environmental impact, and new business ventures will be given thorough scrutiny on all aspects of proposals. Being able to answer questions and provide as much detail as possible will put German contacts at ease.
References
About the Author
Following stints in London, Edinburgh and Dubai, Claire Propsting now lives in Washington, D.C. and has been writing articles on culture, art, architecture and urban regeneration for the last six years. Her work has appeared in “The Times,” “Retail & Leisure International” magazine and “The Buzz” magazine. Propsting holds a bachelor’s in English and journalism from Wake Forest University and a master’s in art history from the University of Edinburgh.
There are those who would argue that the Germans haven’t always gotten things right when looking back through history. However, there are some things that they have held on to, which have become invaluable to the way they do business. The corporate culture in Germany is unlike any other in the world, including the United States. While there are valuable aspects to both ways that businesses are run, there are some elements that make Germany a model to be followed.
Extreme Formality
Professionals in Germany are extremely formal. If a meeting is set to start at a certain time, it will start at that time, no matter how many attendees are there or not. The truth is that most attendees will probably be there, ready to go, because they are just as formal. Germans stick to the agendas created for their meetings. They expect that those they do business with will be just as formal as they are. In a corporate setting, they use formal and professional names and titles, rather than being on a first name basis with one another.
Contrast this with the United States. Many times, you hear a presenter say, “Let’s just wait another minute to see if we can get a few more people to show up,” before starting a meeting. Depending on the company and the individuals who run it, agendas are often a guide that does not have to be precisely followed. People in the workplace speak to each other as friends, using first names, nicknames, and talking about each other’s personal lives.
If a meeting is set to start at a certain time, it will start at that time, no matter how many attendees are there or not.
Serious Professionalism
Seeming like you’ve got it all together simply isn’t good enough in German corporate culture. You really have to have it all together to make it work. Professionalism is taken very seriously when it comes to business in Germany. Titles, diplomas, references, and certificates are mandatory, and people with those things demand more respect than those who are “less” than them. Those professionals must present actual logic when showing a business plan, rather than just presenting an awesome proposal.
In contrast, there are many professionals who “work their way up” in their line of business in the United States. They may not have a degree, and may not have the proper credentials for their job. However, with experience, dedication, and hard work, they could gain titles that demand more respect. Do they always get that respect? It depends on which industry they are in and what type of culture is distinct to that industry.
Professionals must present actual logic when showing a business plan, rather than just presenting an awesome proposal.
Precise Work Ethic
In German corporate culture, you will not find something that is second best. In fact, the label, “Made in Germany” is synonymous with the very best in quality. Individuals will pay more for products or services if they come from Germany and have that label. Though the label was actually not an original idea from Germany, companies in the country have adopted it and use it to promote their products.
With such high quality products comes a little bit more time that other companies and individuals will have to wait for the end product. Germans tend to be more thorough and detail-oriented than others. They avoid risks and strive for the very best results with every project they complete. What’s more impressive is that although they do this, they always meet their deadlines. If your company is expecting a product from Germany, you can count on it being there on time.
Unfortunately, there are those in the United States who are not quite as punctual. Procrastination seems to make its way in, making companies scramble to get things done in a short amount of time. In some situations where deadlines are met, the end product has to be redone. In other cases where the end product turns out great, it might be a little late. The good news is that many companies are understanding and would rather have a good product a little later, rather than a poor product on time.
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In fact, the label, “Made in Germany” is synonymous with the very best in quality. Individuals will pay more for products or services if they come from Germany and have that label.
Direct Communication
In dealing with German professionals, don’t expect to be on the receiving end of a polite conversation. While they don’t intend to be rude, they do intend to be blunt and direct. They won’t be particularly subtle and they aren’t afraid to provide honest and constructive criticism. Additionally, this direct communication is how they show the importance of their position in the workplace.
Americans may not be quite as rude. Of course there will always be those who simply don’t care, but as a general society, feelings are cared about. In presenting new ideas, Americans try to make sure that others understand them, but that they are not offended by any part of the presentation. Some may try to be assertive with their position and title at work, but many try to be down to earth and blend in with their “lesser” coworkers.
While they don’t intend to be rude, they do intend to be blunt and direct.
Complete Loyalty
Germans are loyal. Period. They expect that their dealings will be fair, and they are always fair in their dealings. If a German tells you that he will think about an offer, a concept, or a business deal, that is exactly what he means. He truly just wants to think about it and make an honest decision. Germans also don’t like to be pressured into making decisions. Just as they are loyal and will not pressure another company, they expect the same loyalty and fairness. When a negotiation reaches a deadlock, they will do what it takes to make a fair settlement.
Too often, those in the corporate world in the United States do not take this same approach. Some individuals are simply trying to climb the corporate ladder and will do what it takes to get to the top. If this means breaking loyalties and doing something that is not very fair, they are likely to do it.
Germany Business Culture Pdf Printers
If a German tells you that he will think about an offer, a concept, or a business deal, that is exactly what he means. He truly just wants to think about it and make an honest decision.
Which Way Is the Right Way?
Chinese Business Culture Pdf
With so much to compare and contrast, some may wonder, “Which way is the right way?” The truth is that there are good points to be made for both the German and American corporate cultures. Americans are a little more laid back, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t working for them. What’s certain, however, is that the world can learn a lot from German corporate culture. They didn’t earn so much respect from around the world with the “Made in Germany” label by running things inappropriately.
Germany Business Culture
With conviction, honesty, hard work, and dedication to the end product, German corporate culture is something that companies all throughout the world should model their companies after, but only if it works for them. Taking a deeper look at the contrast between American and German business models can help you decide which type of culture will work for your company, and what the outcome will be.