Attitudes and values are the foundation of every country’s culture, and are the building blocks for developing business culture. Cultural influences, attitudes and behaviour vary within and across nations and within and across ethnicities, and are strongly embedded within communities.
In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of planning.
This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day. The German thought process is extremely thorough, with each aspect of a project being examined in great detail. Careful planning, in one’s business and personal life, provides a sense of security. Most aspects of German living and working are defined and regulated by structure, for example, through laws, rules, and procedures, which are evident in all economic, political and even social spheres. Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected so that they can plan their lives accordingly. Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life. In German business culture, this is reflected in the adherence to prescribed business rules resulting in, a low degree of flexibility and spontaneity in attitudes and values.
Germans do not like surprises. Sudden changes in business transactions, even if they may improve the outcome, are unwelcome. Business is viewed as being very serious, and Germans do not appreciate humour in a business context. In addition, counterparts do not need or expect to be complimented.
Work and personal lives are rigidly divided, and Germans subscribe to the ideal that there is a proper time and place for every activity.
When doing business in Germany, it is essential that you appreciate that business etiquette is of great importance to your German counterpart. Germany is a nation that is strongly individualistic, and demands the utmost respect at all times, therefore the highest of standards are expected. Any unethical behaviour will seriously diminish all future business negotiations.
Business executives who hope to profit from their travels in Europe should learn about the culture and customs of the countries that they wish to visit. Flexibility and cultural adaptation should be the guiding principles for doing business in this country. Business manners and methods, religious customs, corporate social responsibilities, are all covered in the following sections. Some of the cultural distinctions that businesspeople most often face include differences in business styles, attitudes towards the development of business relationships, attitudes toward punctuality, gift-giving customs and the meanings of colours and numbers. The following sections give an insight into the values, attitudes and culture of Germany.
This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day. The German thought process is extremely thorough, with each aspect of a project being examined in great detail. Careful planning, in one’s business and personal life, provides a sense of security. Most aspects of German living and working are defined and regulated by structure, for example, through laws, rules, and procedures, which are evident in all economic, political and even social spheres. Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected so that they can plan their lives accordingly. Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life. In German business culture, this is reflected in the adherence to prescribed business rules resulting in, a low degree of flexibility and spontaneity in attitudes and values.
Germans do not like surprises. Sudden changes in business transactions, even if they may improve the outcome, are unwelcome. Business is viewed as being very serious, and Germans do not appreciate humour in a business context. In addition, counterparts do not need or expect to be complimented.
Work and personal lives are rigidly divided, and Germans subscribe to the ideal that there is a proper time and place for every activity.
When doing business in Germany, it is essential that you appreciate that business etiquette is of great importance to your German counterpart. Germany is a nation that is strongly individualistic, and demands the utmost respect at all times, therefore the highest of standards are expected. Any unethical behaviour will seriously diminish all future business negotiations.
Business executives who hope to profit from their travels in Europe should learn about the culture and customs of the countries that they wish to visit. Flexibility and cultural adaptation should be the guiding principles for doing business in this country. Business manners and methods, religious customs, corporate social responsibilities, are all covered in the following sections. Some of the cultural distinctions that businesspeople most often face include differences in business styles, attitudes towards the development of business relationships, attitudes toward punctuality, gift-giving customs and the meanings of colours and numbers. The following sections give an insight into the values, attitudes and culture of Germany.
The German government takes environmental issues in the country extremely seriously and the inclusion of the Green party in the ruling coalition over the past few years has greatly influenced Germany’s energy and environmental policy objectives. From phasing out nuclear power to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, Germany has become a pioneer within the EU in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in making alternative fuel sources viable. As a result, Germany has become the world leader in wind energy.
Despite this however, emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries contribute to air pollution and acid rain in Germany, and are damaging the country’s forests. Pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in Eastern Germany, along with hazardous waste disposal remain environmental problems for Germany.
In 2000, the government established a mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15 years. The government is also working to meet the EU’s commitment to the preservation of nature.
Germany leads Europe by having the greatest solar and wind electricity generating capacity on the continent.
Punctuality
Germans are most comfortable when they can organise and compartmentalise their world into controllable units. Time, therefore, is managed carefully, and calendars, schedules and agendas must be respected. Trains arrive and leave on time to the minute, projects are carefully scheduled, and organisation charts are meticulously detailed.
Do not turn up late for an appointment or when meeting people. Germans are extremely punctual, and even a few minutes delay can offend. If you are going to be even slightly late, call ahead and explain your situation. Be five to 10 minutes early for important appointments.
Gift giving
Gift giving among business associates is not common in Germany. There has recently been a move towards concentrating much more on the actual business at hand, and less on formalities and rituals like gift giving when travelling on business. However, for more social occasions, gift giving is relatively customary. The following issues are important to note when considering giving a gift:
A visitor thinking of giving a gift should choose one that is small and of good quality, but not overly expensive.
Acceptable gifts at business meetings are items of office equipment, good quality pens with your company’s logo or liquor
When invited to a German home, it is appropriate to bring a gift of flowers, wine, chocolates, or a small gift that represents your home country or region.
Flowers should be given in uneven numbers and unwrapped (unless wrapped in cellophane). Avoid presenting 13 of any kind of flower or red roses. However, this rule does not apply to bouquets arranged/wrapped by a florist.
Do not give red roses as they symbolise romantic intentions.
Do not give carnations as they symbolise mourning.
Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
Gifts are usually opened when received.
Germany generally has the same traditions as most other European countries in terms of gift giving.
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