WK1 Etiquette in the Workplace

Business in Other Cultures Forum (reply each post 150- 200 words)

(#3 of 3)

Doing Business in Canada(Regina)

The business opportunities in Canada are thriving and ideal for potential investors in the United States. The cost to do business in Canada is the second lowest in the world and is five percent lower than the United States. The social customs of Canada are much like the ones in France. When two people greet, they give one kiss on each cheek. They use the formal forms of people's names, "Monsieur" and "Madame". Only after an invitation has been made, people use the less formal form of addressing each other by first names. Older men greet a woman by kissing her on the hand. Proper etiquette is not only considered polite in Canada, but it is expected, regardless of where a person is from. A few examples of expected protocol are shaking hands upon arrival and before departure, maintaining eye contact while shaking hands and men must extend their hand to women before she does.

     Gifts are customary for Christmas, birthdays and dinner invitations. If someone is invited to dinner at a person's home, the expectation is to take a box of chocolates, flowers or a bottle of wine. If you are choosing to send flowers, it is proper to send them prior to the dinner and do not send white lilies. White lilies are only given for funerals. If you are taking wine, it is considered proper to bring the most expensive kind that someone can afford.

     While there are many proper expectations for social settings, there are also many improper expectations. An example of a few are to never point at people, do not confuse Canada with the United States and to never initiate conversations regarding Quebec's separatism, politics or religion.