Etiquette & Customs in South Africa
Meeting Etiquette
. There are several greeting styles in South Africa depending upon the ethnic heritage of the person you are meeting.
. When dealing with foreigners, most South Africans shake hands while maintaining eye contact and smiling.
. Some women do not shake hands and merely nod their head, so it is best to wait for a woman to extend her hand.
Men may kiss a woman they know well on the cheek in place of a handshake.Greetings are leisurely and include time for social discussion and exchanging pleasantries.
Gift Giving Etiquette
In general, South Africans give gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
. Two birthdays – 21 and 40 – are often celebrated with a large party in which a lavish gift is given. It is common for several friends to contribute to this gift to help defray the cost.
. If you are invited to a South African’s home, bring flowers, good quality chocolates, or a bottle of good South African wine to the hostess.
. Wrapping a gift nicely shows extra effort.
. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a South African’s house:
. Arrive on time if invited to dinner.
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
. Wear casual clothes. This may include jeans or pressed shorts. It is a good idea to check with the hosts in advance.
. In Johannesburg, casual is dressier than in other parts of the country. Do not wear jeans or shorts unless you have spoken to the hosts.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
Business Etiquette and ProtocolRelationships & Communication
. South Africans are transactional and do not need to establish long-standing personal relationships before conducting business.
. If your company is not known in South Africa, a more formal introduction may help you gain access to decision-makers and not be shunted off to gatekeepers.
. Networking and relationship building are crucial for long-term business success.
. Relationships are built in the office.
. Most businessmen are looking for long-term business relationships.
. Although the country leans towards egalitarianism, businesspeople respect senior executives and those who have attained their position through hard work and perseverance.
. There are major differences in communication styles depending upon the individual’s cultural heritage.
. For the most part, South Africans want to maintain harmonious working relationships, so they avoid confrontations.
. They often use metaphors and sports analogies to demonstrate a point.
. Most South Africans, regardless of ethnicity, prefer face-to-face meetings to more impersonal communication mediums such as email, letter, or telephone.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible.
. It may be difficult to arrange meetings with senior level managers on short notice, although you may be able to do so with lower-level managers.
. It is often difficult to schedule meetings from mid December to mid January or the two weeks surrounding Easter, as these are prime vacation times.
. Personal relationships are important. The initial meeting is often used to establish a personal rapport and to determine if you are trustworthy.
. After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided and the next steps.
Business Negotiations
. It is imperative to develop mutual trust before negotiating.
. Women have yet to attain senior level positions. If you send a woman, she must expect to encounter some condescending behaviour and to be tested in ways that a male colleague would not.
. Do not interrupt a South African while they are speaking.
. South Africans strive for consensus and win-win situations.
. Include delivery dates in contracts. Deadlines are often viewed as fluid rather than firm commitments.
. Start negotiating with a realistic figure. South Africans do not like haggling over price.
. Decision-making may be concentrated at the top of the company and decisions are often made after consultation with subordinates, so the process can be slow and protracted.
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is becoming more informal in many companies. However, for the first meeting, it is best to dress more conservatively.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
. Women should wear elegant business suits or dresses.
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