British businesses need language and etiquette skills
The Times has reported that British businesses need to consider language and cultural etiquette skills if they are to be considered as serious contenders in the export market.
Experts believe that unless more firms adopt a proactive approach to developing language skills, the UK will drop rapidly in the league table of economic powers. It's no longer acceptable for businesses to assume that customers or contacts in a foreign country (wherever that might be) will speak English. Instead it's becoming increasingly important for businesspeople to be able to communicate and negotiate in a foreign language.
Cultural awareness is another important factor to consider when negotiating or working with businesses or customers outside the UK. Being culturally aware can build business credibility and enable a rapport to develop between firms and their clients. Being unaware of cultural etiquette can lead to faux pas resulting in the loss of a deal or, at the very least, a damaged reputation.
For example, many European countries behave in a very formal manner in business situations, and find the informal and friendly British culture unprofessional - an example is the simple gaffe of using a contact's first name before being invited to do so. On the other hand, many Americans prefer a much more explicit style of negotiation, and can be confused by British euphemisms.
