Cultural Etiquette: Doing Business in Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a rapidly growing economy. If you are planning to do business in Vietnam, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the local customs and etiquette. Understanding and respecting Vietnamese culture will not only help you build strong business relationships but also enhance your chances of success. In this article, we will explore the cultural etiquette you need to keep in mind while doing business in Vietnam.

Meeting and Greeting

• Bowing: When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow with your hands clasped in front of your chest is a common greeting in Vietnam. However, handshakes are also acceptable, especially in formal business settings.
• Addressing: Vietnamese people typically use their family name followed by their given name. It is polite to address individuals by their appropriate title and surname until invited to use their given name.
• Business Cards: Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of meetings. Ensure that you have a translated version of your business card in Vietnamese, with the Vietnamese side facing up when presenting it.
• Giving and Receiving: When giving or receiving objects, use both hands as a sign of respect. This gesture is particularly important when exchanging business cards or receiving gifts.

Communication Style

• Respectful Language: Vietnamese culture values politeness and respect. Maintain a calm and respectful tone during conversations, avoiding confrontational or aggressive language.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language, play a significant role in Vietnamese communication. Maintain eye contact while speaking, but avoid prolonged direct eye contact as it may be considered impolite.
• Indirect Communication: Vietnamese people tend to communicate indirectly, using subtle hints and gestures. It is essential to pay attention to non-verbal cues and read between the lines to understand the full meaning of their messages.
• Listening: Active listening is highly valued in Vietnamese culture. Show genuine interest in what others are saying by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and asking relevant questions.

Business Meetings

• Punctuality: Arriving on time for meetings is expected, although it is not uncommon for Vietnamese participants to arrive slightly late. However, as a foreigner, it is best to be punctual to demonstrate professionalism.
• Formal Attire: Dressing formally is essential for business meetings in Vietnam. Men should wear suits and ties, while women should opt for conservative and modest attire.
• Hierarchy and Seniority: Vietnamese society values hierarchy and seniority. It is customary to show respect to older or higher-ranked individuals by allowing them to speak first and addressing them with appropriate titles.
• Gift Giving: Presenting a small, thoughtful gift during a business meeting is a common practice in Vietnam. Gifts should be wrapped elegantly and given with both hands. Avoid expensive or lavish gifts, as they may be seen as inappropriate.

Negotiations and Decision Making

• Patience: Vietnamese business negotiations can be lengthy and require patience. Avoid rushing the process and demonstrate your willingness to invest time in building relationships.
• Building Trust: Trust is crucial in Vietnamese business culture. Focus on establishing personal relationships and building trust before diving into business discussions.
• Consensus Building: Decision making in Vietnam often involves seeking consensus among team members. Be prepared for a collective decision-making process and avoid pushing for immediate outcomes.
• Face Saving: Vietnamese culture places great importance on preserving face and avoiding public embarrassment. Maintain a respectful and non-confrontational approach to save face for all parties involved.

Business Entertaining

• Invitations: It is common for Vietnamese business partners to extend invitations for meals or social gatherings. Accepting these invitations demonstrates your interest in building relationships.
• Table Manners: Familiarize yourself with Vietnamese dining etiquette, such as using chopsticks correctly, not placing chopsticks upright in a bowl, and waiting for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before you begin.
• Toasting: Toasting with alcoholic beverages is a common practice during business meals. When toasting, hold your glass lower than those of higher-ranking individuals as a sign of respect.
• Refusing Food or Drink: If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, it is acceptable to politely decline certain dishes or drinks. However, it is advisable to explain your reasons politely to avoid causing offense.

Technology and Communication

• Mobile Phone Usage: It is best to silence your mobile phone during meetings and avoid using it unless necessary. Give your full attention to the conversation and show respect to the individuals present.
• Internet Access: Access to the internet is widespread in Vietnam. However, be mindful of the websites and content you access, as some sites may be restricted or considered inappropriate.
• Email Communication: When communicating via email, maintain a polite and professional tone. Use clear and concise language, avoiding overly direct or forceful statements.
• Social Media: Vietnamese professionals actively use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn for business purposes. Connecting with your Vietnamese counterparts on these platforms can help build relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and respecting Vietnamese culture and etiquette is essential when doing business in Vietnam. From meeting and greeting to business meetings, negotiations, and social interactions, adhering to the local customs will greatly contribute to your success. By demonstrating cultural sensitivity and building strong relationships, you can navigate the Vietnamese business landscape with confidence and achieve your objectives.

References

– vietnam-briefing.com
– vietnam.travel
– vietnamonline.com