Business Customs: Germany
Business Customs Business Customs in Germany Germany is a European country about the size of Montana with a population of about 81 million people (“,”). Germany has come into its’ own as an economy of force in recent history. In fact, today the economy of Germany is the fourth largest in the world (Export). A strong presence of American troops and the creation of the European Union have made Germany a preferred expansion location for many American corporations. Due to its location, population, and financial position; Germany makes an excellent base for all European operations. As a global business manager, you will need to ensure that you are familiar with business customs and accepted practices. Success in the global market depends on an understanding of the people you will be working with when. This paper will cover some of the most important customs needed to successfully interact with German business people and earn respect in the German business world.
Negotiations
Due to the precision of German contracts, there is a great deal of negotiating that occurs. Negotiations in the German culture require a great deal of patience and an understanding of the ability to understand German communication styles. It is important to establish rapport and trust with those whom you are working with but this is difficult due to the intensely private nature of most German people (Katz). Time is extremely important in German culture. To be prepared for a successful negotiation, a person must plan in advance how they will use their time and ensure that they have specific details to back up all of their statements. It is important not to over-embellish anything because it will breed distrust in you. Ensure that you know your most important goal and ensure that you know what you are willing to compromise in order to achieve the stated goal (Katz) When entering into the negotiations it is important to know that a higher authority will be required to
Negotiations
Due to the precision of German contracts, there is a great deal of negotiating that occurs. Negotiations in the German culture require a great deal of patience and an understanding of the ability to understand German communication styles. It is important to establish rapport and trust with those whom you are working with but this is difficult due to the intensely private nature of most German people (Katz). Time is extremely important in German culture. To be prepared for a successful negotiation, a person must plan in advance how they will use their time and ensure that they have specific details to back up all of their statements. It is important not to over-embellish anything because it will breed distrust in you. Ensure that you know your most important goal and ensure that you know what you are willing to compromise in order to achieve the stated goal (Katz) When entering into the negotiations it is important to know that a higher authority will be required to
References: Export, G. 5 May 2013. http://export.gov/germany/MarketResearchonGermany/CountryCommercialGuide/DoingBusinessInGermany/index.asp Graff, J.. N.p.. Web. 5 May 2013. http://www.german-business-etiquette.com/22-successful-negotiations.html Katz, Lothar. Negotiating International Business - The Negotiator 's Reference Guide to 50 Countries Around the World. . 2nd Edition. BookSurge Publishing, 2008. Web. www.NegIntBiz.com Kwintessential, . N.p.. Web. 5 May 2013. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/germany-country-profile.html N.p.. Web. 5 May 2013. http://www.international-business-etiquette.com/besite/germany.htm Roberts, Kimberley. "Kim 's Classy Business Tips Newsletter." International Gift Giving - Business Gifts. N.p., 07 Mar 2007. Web. 5 May 2013. http://cyborlink.com/besite.international_gift_giving.htm