A Gift? Why, Thank You!

The ethics of gift giving and receiving are complicated enough between friends and family. However, when it comes to the business world, each country has their own system and specific (unsaid) rules of conduct regarding gifts, which complicate notions of hospitality even further.

In America, most companies have a strict policy against exchanging gifts amongst employees to prevent issues of bribery or favoritism in the workforce. An understandable procedure, or course.

In some European countries, such as France, rather than having a few small gifts for individuals, it is best to instead host a special social event or private dinner, once negotiations have concluded. The host/ess should then expect thank you gifts for the invitation.

In most of Asia, however, holding an entire banquet, cash in lucky red envelops, known as "li xi,"or even small pieces of technology are encouraged and expected--especially from Westerners who are typically considered rich foreigners--to be exchanged during corporate business negotiations. Extravagant gifts of a high-quality watch, a fine liqueur, or exotic fruit are always appreciated as well, more so in multiples of six or eight, which are luck numbers for the Chinese. Out of modesty, a strong factor of the Asian culture, it is custom for people on the receiving end to refuse the item three times before accepting, so as to not seem over eager, and then save the gift to open later. They may not open the gift then to express full gratitude for receiving a gift, and not just for its materialistic value. There are some specific items to avoid giving though, as they symbolize extremely negative omens and tend to be associated with death:

• Clocks
• Straw sandals
• A stork or crane
• Handkerchiefs
• The number four
• Red ink pens
• Anything white, blue, or black

Business Etiquette Sources:
America
France
China