Culture Shock in India
India is a truly unique country and the cultural differences can initially feel overwhelming.
Even within India are many unrelated cultures, religions and languages. Understanding this completely will probably never happen - something that makes India endlessly novel. Yet, particularly in businesses, expats are encouraged to have a grasp of Indian hierarchy, social norms, and ways of organisation. To illustrate how important this can be in India, many companies send their expat employees to cultural training classes.
English is commonly spoken, particularly at the workplace and professional settings, which eases the cultural transition. Yet, efforts to speak the local language, or niceties such as printing in English and Hindi are appreciated. India's business culture is similar to the west but engrained differences such as strong adherence to hierarchy or a slow pace of planning should be expected. That said, many Indian companies appreciate overseas expats in business because of the more aggressive fast paced style that they bring.
Many India expats will find living arrangements in India remarkably similar to home, particularity in luxury accommodations with all the amenities of western living. The first and most important thing to know is never touch anyone with the left hand which is considered unclean.
Even within India are many unrelated cultures, religions and languages. Understanding this completely will probably never happen - something that makes India endlessly novel. Yet, particularly in businesses, expats are encouraged to have a grasp of Indian hierarchy, social norms, and ways of organisation. To illustrate how important this can be in India, many companies send their expat employees to cultural training classes.
English is commonly spoken, particularly at the workplace and professional settings, which eases the cultural transition. Yet, efforts to speak the local language, or niceties such as printing in English and Hindi are appreciated. India's business culture is similar to the west but engrained differences such as strong adherence to hierarchy or a slow pace of planning should be expected. That said, many Indian companies appreciate overseas expats in business because of the more aggressive fast paced style that they bring.
Many India expats will find living arrangements in India remarkably similar to home, particularity in luxury accommodations with all the amenities of western living. The first and most important thing to know is never touch anyone with the left hand which is considered unclean.
Cross cultural training
Business etiquette
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