International Business Card Etiquette for Engineering

Abstract
Business card etiquette shapes the level of acceptance and professionalism that businesspeople have for one another internationally. Although a business card may seem easy to maneuver when handing it over to the another person, there is much to learn about the etiquette needed in order to be viewed positively in the clients eyes. Japan, the Middle East, Africa, etc. all have different cultural norms when handling business cards and my research will uncover these procedures. My hope is to understand the importance of business cards when making international ties with engineers globally. Engineering has become a global practice that allows for many different countries to interact with one another. These business cards have become one of the first procedures for the first impression between individuals. Every country has different customs and ways for dealing with business cards, making it key to understand the nature of others culture pertaining to business cards.





Kirsch, Virginia. " Business Cards Around the World ." Welcome to Wisc- Online.com . wisc- online, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2011. .

This article gives the reader basics steps on how to develop a business card that could be given to any customer all around the world. This presentation slide is based on the idea that it is an American or English speaking individual making a card that can apply internationally. For an American to present a business card in East Asia the individual needs to stand straight and present the card with both hands, making sure that the local language is facing up. In general when receiving a business card individuals need to handle the cards with respect and write notes on the card in private later. In Japan before shaking hands or bowing, exchanging cards is key. The Japanese receiver will read the card, and then bowing and shaking hands occurs afterward. The slide show continues to give tips on China, South America, Mexico, Russia, and Europe. The creator touched on all of the key topics that each country uses for business cards mainly during the process that it is given. The creator does not include enough information though about the afterward practices that different countries use with the business cards, the information just seems to cut itself off.

Martin, Jeanette S., and Lillian H. Chaney. Global business etiquette: a guide to international communication and customs. Westport, Conn.: Praeger, 2006. Print.

Emphasis on the importance of knowing one anothers’ tittle, ranking, and position in the business world is key when making a business card. The quality of paper and font is important in other countries that can symbolize professionalism. It is advisable to have a business card for the United States and also one for each country that you visit, because there may be a translation problem between cultures. Business men/woman in Japan carefully study the business card that has been given to them and keep it in close proximity during meeting for reference. In the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and African cultures individuals presenting a business card will only use their right hand, for the left hand is reserved for taking care of bodily functions. I think it is important to highlight that the author of this book included Canada in the Country Specific information, I feel as though Canada gets left out of research at times. This book gives great detailed information about many different techniques that business men/woman use all around the world.


Mente, Boye. Japanese etiquette & ethics in business . 5th ed. Lincolnwood, Ill.: Passport Books, 1987. Print.

This book focuses on Japanese etiquette pertaining to business cards. It is very important for the Japanese businesspeople to know the rank of everyone with whom they come into contact. They must know there personal rank and also the rating of their organization. “Meishi” is a name card in business, and these cards tell the rank of individuals and stature of company they represent. The card also distinguishes the level of language that each will use. Recipients receive business cards with both hands at the beginning of introduction. The Japanese hand their card to the other person while also accepting the other persons. If the other person goes by these very small but important cultural rules of the Japanese, they tend to gain a few points in the eyes of the Japanese recipients. The key point to this article is that individuals need to understand the rules of the superior subordinate ranking system to keep harmony amongst themselves and the Japanese businesspeople. Once again I do not think that the author includes enough information on how the business card is used after the interview or meeting. I feel that it would also be key to understand how the Japanese use these cards after, do they keep them somewhere special or just put them in their wallet?

Mitchell, Charles. A short course in international business culture . Novato, CA: World Trade Press, 2000. Print.

In todays world of business it is more of a courtesy to have your card translated into the local language of the country you are coming from. It is normal nowadays to have the home language on one side and the foreign language on the other side. Never fling a card across a table or desk, that is considered bad manners. If presenting to a multitude of people, it is important to hand the card to the individual who is the highest ranking in the room. A great sign of respect is to put the card that you receive on the table in front of you, so that the Japanese individuals know that you have taken the time to look at their card. I thought it was incredibly interesting to learn that in the Islamic world, the left hand is considered unclean. So this is important in always using the right hand. This book uses informational bullet points that help the reader to understand more clearly the steps needed to take to have a successful “card game.” Yet I believe that the author focused very much on Japan, leaving out many other countries that he could have covered and helped his audience with.

"Japanese business etiquette and doing business in Japan." Doing business in Japan How to start doing business in Japan. Venture
Japan, n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2011. .

This website focuses on Japanese business etiquette. The author gives detailed information on the number of business cards one should keep on hand during business trips to Japan. They propose carrying at least 100 cards for a 1 week business trip to Japan, expecting to give out about 3-4 Japanese business cards at a small meeting and as many as 10-12 cards at a larger meeting. Once again never flick, throw, or slide the business card to the Japanese Businessperson. Never write notes on the Japanese business card. Never forget to pick up and keep all of the business cards that are handed to you at a business meeting with Japanese individuals because that is seen as a “slap in the face.” This goes back to the idea that even the individuals in the meeting who are considered the lowest on the hierarchal level, probably control millions of dollars and deserve the same amount of respect that you give to the individual at the top. I thought it was great to hear of at least one author talk about the importance of the people at the bottom, not forgetting them. I enjoyed that this author actually included pieces of information on how the person who is visiting Japan should prepare and also how the Japanese deal with the cards when the meeting is done.



Alana Snelling