BY: WHITNEY YARBER

Republic of India

Introduction

Location Southern Asia Consists of entire Indian

Peninsula Portions of Asian mainland

Territory Nearly 1.3 million sq. miles

1/3 of U.S. North- snow-capped

Himalayas South- tropical forests

Introduction

Government Federal Republic

Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches

25 states with 476 districts

Foreign Relations United Nations,

Nonaligned Movement, etc.

Caste System Divides Indian society

Occupations, clothing, etc.

Religion in India

Business Greetings

Conducted formally Punctuality is important

Small talk first Address professors with title that

fits their statusExchange of business cards

Right hand onlyHandshakes are common

“Namaste” is bowing slightly Only shake woman’s hand if she

initiates it

Business Dress

Men Suit and tie

Jacket may be removed in summer

Women Conservative dresses or

pantsuitsAccessories

Avoid leather belts or handbags Hindus respect cows

Business Cards

Have enough for everyonePresent so the recipient may

read the card as it is handed to them Use right hand Have any degree or honor on card

No degree? Use “Sir” or “Madam”

Do not translate into Hindi or other languages

Business Introductions

Religion, education, and social class are important factors The eldest person must be greeted first

Hand shaking is acceptable Men do not shake hands with women for religious

purposesOnly do business with those you know

Trust and respect are big factors Third party introductions are common

Dining Etiquette/Table Manners

Say NO to the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks This is part of the Indian culture

Dress modestly and conservatively Take off shoes before entering house or

restaurantDo not order pork or alcoholMost food is eaten with the fingers

Always use right hand to eat Leave small amount of food to indicate

you are satisfiedWait to be told where to sit

Guest of honor is served first, then men, and children last

Gift Giving

Indians believe this is the transition into the next life Value is not important, but sincerity

Cash is given to friends and members of the extended family Birth, death, and marriage

Do NOT bring frangipani or white flowers Used at funerals

Use reds, yellows, and greens to wrap presents Symbolizes luck

Gift Giving

NO leather gifts or alcohol products

Gifts are not open upon being received Dinner guests are not required

to bring gifts Gifts from men are said to come

from both he and is wife (or other female relative)

Conclusion

Overall, culture has a large impact on how Indian government operates, how others are treated, and everyday life. The people of India take their religions and beliefs very seriously, and demand that they are respected in an approach that is easy for outsiders to adapt to.

References

http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/india.htmhttp://www.google.comhttp://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economi

es/Asia-and-the-Pacific/India.htmlhttp://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/glo

bal-etiquette/india-country-profile.html