Business Etiquette and Culture in Ireland
27 January 2014
Business Etiquette and Culture in Ireland
DO keep presentations simple and to-the-point, using empirical evidence when possible and leaving out any extras such as personal opinions or digressions. The Irish are unimpressed by anything they perceive to be exaggerated or overstated in the context of business meetings or negotiations; and “are usually distrustful of authority and of people who think they are somehow ‘better’ than others”. Therefore it’s important to remain modest at all times and refrain from exaggerated or overly enthusiastic talk in order to maintain their good faith. A perfectly acceptable exception to this rule is the use of sporting analogies, which will not be lost on the Irish and could in fact earn you some extra points.
DO respect the Irish’s casual attitude towards punctuality, drinking and enthusiastic conversation or debate. If your Irish companions are running late to an appointment, it’s important to stay patient and accommodating. This does not translate the other way around, which means if you’re a foreigner doing business in Ireland, especially for the first time, be punctual. Because drinking makes up a large part of Irish culture, it is not uncommon for business to be discussed over pints of Guinness in the local pub. While it is almost acceptable to get drunk in Irish culture, you may want to refrain from having more than one pint, and you should wait for your Irish counterpart to bring up any talk about business. Everyone at the table is expected to buy a round for the table, forgetting this can be taken as a slight. Lastly be aware that “when ordering Guinness, a man should ask for a pint of Guinness. It’s considered ‘unmanly’ to have anything less. Ladies can ask for a ‘glass’ of Guinness [a half pint]”.
DON’T boast or show arrogance, the Irish have zero tolerance for it. This maybe the most important piece of advice for business people headed to Ireland for the first time. The
Business Etiquette and Culture in Ireland
DO keep presentations simple and to-the-point, using empirical evidence when possible and leaving out any extras such as personal opinions or digressions. The Irish are unimpressed by anything they perceive to be exaggerated or overstated in the context of business meetings or negotiations; and “are usually distrustful of authority and of people who think they are somehow ‘better’ than others”. Therefore it’s important to remain modest at all times and refrain from exaggerated or overly enthusiastic talk in order to maintain their good faith. A perfectly acceptable exception to this rule is the use of sporting analogies, which will not be lost on the Irish and could in fact earn you some extra points.
DO respect the Irish’s casual attitude towards punctuality, drinking and enthusiastic conversation or debate. If your Irish companions are running late to an appointment, it’s important to stay patient and accommodating. This does not translate the other way around, which means if you’re a foreigner doing business in Ireland, especially for the first time, be punctual. Because drinking makes up a large part of Irish culture, it is not uncommon for business to be discussed over pints of Guinness in the local pub. While it is almost acceptable to get drunk in Irish culture, you may want to refrain from having more than one pint, and you should wait for your Irish counterpart to bring up any talk about business. Everyone at the table is expected to buy a round for the table, forgetting this can be taken as a slight. Lastly be aware that “when ordering Guinness, a man should ask for a pint of Guinness. It’s considered ‘unmanly’ to have anything less. Ladies can ask for a ‘glass’ of Guinness [a half pint]”.
DON’T boast or show arrogance, the Irish have zero tolerance for it. This maybe the most important piece of advice for business people headed to Ireland for the first time. The
Cited: Jordan, Gary D. SME Channel Manager Joseph L. Jordan-Allen. 27 January 2014. E-mail. McDowell, Lorna. "Ireland: Appointment Alert!" 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. . —. "Ireland: Conversations." 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. . —. "Ireland: Let 's Make a Deal! - Part 1." 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. . —. "Ireland: Let 's Make a Deal! - Part 2." 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. . —. "Ireland: Prosperous Entertaining." 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. . —. "Ireland: Public Behavior." 5 December 2006. Executive Planet. Web Document. 27 January 2014. .