Indian Culture Paper

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Lack of timeliness usually stem from travelling delays, due to overpopulated and disorganized transport systems and chaotic roads at peak times of the day.

Attitude towards Relation building

In Indian business practices, interpersonal relationships are very important. In a working environment, individuals need to work well in teams and tend to perform activities collectively. Compromise and avoiding conflict is vital to a well-functioning group and further build strong relationships. The Indian business culture focuses a lot on trust and making key relationships rather than working towards specific business objectives.

India is becoming more and more globalized in their practices. This has allowed Indian companies to increase their base of operations abroad and provide services to a broad range of new consumers. Provided that government and foreign businesses share common goals and values, investment will also continue to grow in the private sector in India. International companies are expanding their operations in India to service a growth in an emerging middle class. Language and communication is not seen as a high barrier in building relationships as a result of FDI, outsourcing to India and local companies venturing overseas. Much of the population, such as university graduates and urban dwellers, are comfortable with conducting business, negotiating and communicating at a high level of English (Himalayan Academy).

Faux Pas

Feet are sacred for holy men and women, and pointing footwear or the soles of your feet at people is considered an insult. When entering someone’s home, or possibly some workplaces, it is common etiquette to take off your shoes and leave them outside. It is also important to show due respect to religious buildings and shrines. When entering a temple or mosque, your shoes must likewise be removed.

As mentioned earlier, eating is usually done with the fingers of only your right hand as the left is considered unclean. The left hand is thought to be used for unpleasant functions such as cleaning your feet. Typically, utensils are not needed when eating, only when serving food. Rice or chapatti (bread) is used as the scoop on your plate. The rule of the right-hand extends beyond food, and generally you should except gifts with your right hand.

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