CANADA BUSINESS COURTESY

In the 21^st century, Canada has experienced a high influx of people with the interest of conducting business. The country’s official languages are English and French, but French is more profound in Quebec. Therefore, it is important to analyze the basic cultural impacts of conducting business in this country. To start with, dress code largely matters in Canada where men in large cities dress in conservative suits with colors such as navy, gray and shirts in white and light blue. In most cases, they accompany the suits with a thin tie, short collar shirt and laced shoes. Women can wear a pantsuit or skirt suit, a modest heel and jewels. However, the dress code might be changed due to the cold weather in the country. Secondly, Canadians are more reserved and polite compared to the Americans. Greetings involve shaking of hands firmly and a short introduction follows thereafter. It is also polite for men to offer women hands to shake and Canadians prefer using the last names and their titles rather than their first names.

            In corporate culture, punctuality is a requirement for business meetings and social occasions in Canada. Typical business operates 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday with a minimum of two weeks’ vacation time per year. The management style and leadership vary depending on the organization and personality, but the most common includes offering guided readings, attachments, presentations and effective strategic plan. Authority and responsibility are encouraged during management of the workforce. Another business aspect in Canada involves preparing business cards for your organization and exchanges it with others. Canadians prefer building a relationship before negotiating on an international business. Entertainment also involves courtesy where the host offers the first toast after everyone is served. To beckon a waiter a person quietly says “monsieur” and “mademoiselle” for a waitress.

Gift giving involves a box of gourmet chocolates, flowers, and/or a bottle of wine; people avoid issuing red flowers, white lilies and money because they are associated with love, funerals and bribe respectively.