Business Etiquette and Values in Germany
- Carolyn Feddema
- Sep 27, 2017
- 1 min read
Germans are often considered the masters of planning. They are prized for forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day. Work and personal lives are often extremely divided. In fact, most Germans avoid mentioning intimate details from their private lives. If small talk is included in the conversation, it usually will pertain to sports, hobbies, or business issues. Gift giving is not a common practice used among business associates. The following includes a brief overview of German business values:
Formality and certain lack of flexibility- Germans are hierarchical in their decision making and often have to have everything approved by management. They also value the importance of being on time.
Professionalism-Titles, references, diplomas, and certificates are taken seriously.
Work ethic- Schedules and deadlines tend to be kept due to the emphasis put on
punctuality, detail orientation, and the ability to be thorough.
Bluntness- Germans are often straightforward and assertive in a business setting, but may not make much small talk.
Fairness and loyalty- Germans are often open to compromises in business decisions however, they do not like to be pressured through time or other methods.
Sources
http://businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-germany/business-etiquette-in-germany/
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