I was sitting in a hotel business centre in Bangkok recently when I overhead a visiting businessman discussing issues with a number of Thais.

As the meeting wrapped up, the foreign businessman moved the conversation to issues relating to the Thai Royal family. The discomfort shown by the Thais was clearly evident as they shifted uncomfortably in their chairs and glanced awkwardly around to see who might be listening.

The businessman seemed oblivious to discussing issues which are regarded as highly sensitive to Thai people. New in his position, it was clear that he had been given no instruction or training on cultural sensitivities when working in foreign countries. The more awkward the situation became, the more he pressed on. Rather than fostering a new business relationship, it was more likely that those meeting with him would do whatever they could to avoid future meetings in public.

Regardless of the country with which you are dealing, it is worth spending at least a small amount of time studying issues of cultural sensitivity. Google them.

It may just save a business relationship.

PELEN

January 2018

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