Many of us think most about giving gifts these days. Particularly considering how common it is for us to express thanks and give gifts in Latvia. But one thing is for certain – giving presents to coworkers or employees is a year-round tradition in many countries. And first, we would like to start by researching cultural considerations on corporate gifts.
While almost everyone enjoys getting gifts, it might be challenging to choose the ideal one. Especially if the coworkers, employees, or boss are from a different country. We therefore wish to provide you with a brief overview of gift-giving customs around the world.
We are sure that it is possible to increase employee engagement and motivation with the help of gifts. Therefore in this article we will start by diving into the importance of cultural considerations on corporate gifts. And then move on to different countries and what gift giving traditions they have.
Countries mentioned in this article are what follows:
Importance of considering culture before giving gifts
We have already created an article on Gifting culture in Latvian corporate world where you can read the dos and don’ts about Latvian corporate gift giving.
Understanding the cultural considerations on corporate gifts and traditions of various cultures while giving gifts helps you avoid errors. It also demonstrates to the receivers that you are considerate and aware of other cultures.
Here are some broad guidelines for gift-giving across cultures.
1. Recognize the customs surrounding gifts in the nation where you will be conducting business. In certain cultures, giving and receiving gifts is a highly treasured tradition; but, in others, it may be trivial, improper, occasionally unlucky, or even offensive.
2. Check the gift-giving regulations at your workplace. To prevent the appearance of bribery, many businesses, for instance those in Singapore and the United States, have procedures that limit the giving and receiving of gifts. If the value of a company’s gift exceeds a specific threshold, other nations like Denmark will require you to report it to the tax authorities.
3. Determine the best time to give your gift, such as during a meeting or in a social environment away from the workplace.
England and Ireland – business gifts are not that common
In general, Irish and English corporate culture does not value providing gifts. For example, personalized emails work extremely well. Celebration of achievements is also fairly common. Birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, and corporate funding are typical life events to commemorate with potential clients, consumers, and team members.
Knowing of cultural considerations on corporate gifts will help you out a lot in situations like these where corporate gifting is not super popular. For example, if you are invited to a home for dinner, you are welcome to bring a small gift like flowers, chocolates, a handicraft from your area, or a bottle of wine.
Types of gifts to give
Some common corporate gifts in England and Ireland might include high-quality pens or notebooks, branded clothing or accessories, or gourmet food items such as chocolates or wine. Gifts are usually presented in a simple, elegant manner, with minimal wrapping or decoration.
Whether it comes in the form of a branded bottle of gin or a gift card for happy hour, alcohol is a very popular gift to give. Another great example would be sweet snacks like cakes.
What NOT to give
Generally just try to avoid any intimate or inappropriate gifts. Since gift giving in a business setting is not that common there, if you want to bring a gift, make sure it is something small and polite.
The Nordic countries – corporate gifts are given after closing a deal
It’s helpful to know that giving and receiving presents as part of business partnerships is uncommon in Scandinavia if you’re conducting business there. It’s not customary to send gifts, not even on holidays. You are not required to bring a present in exchange if your Scandinavian business partner has not already given one to you.
However, businesses might be more receptive to gifts once you’ve closed the deal. During the client lifecycle, you might give the customer a gift to decrease churn.
Types of gifts to give
Gifts should be useful, like a book about your nation or a great fountain pen.
Sending family movie tickets or a gift card for a new book at the bookstore would be appropriate gifts for Scandinavians, because they value sustainability and practical items.
What NOT to give
Gifts with a lot of personalization don’t always work. Rather, make sure that the gift you send can be connected to the company’s values or goals.
USA – the gift is opened right away
When meeting a customer for the first time or as a way of saying thank you for doing business together, Americans typically do not provide gifts. However, during the holiday season (late December), Americans are permitted to offer gifts to coworkers, colleagues, and clients. Bosses frequently present executive assistants and other workers with gifts during this season.
Corporate gifts are given on various occasions in the US. The most common occasions include holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as company milestones, employee achievements, or client acquisitions.
It is crucial to be aware of any limitations placed on giving or taking gifts by corporations or the government. For instance, the U.S. government frequently places clear restrictions on the quantity and nature of gifts that officials may accept.
A gift presented to a person from the United States might not be returned to the donor. In order to see what is inside and demonstrate gratitude to the giver, Americans frequently open gifts straight in front of them.
Types of gifts to give
The types of gifts given in the US can range from practical and useful items to more luxurious or decorative ones. Popular corporate gifts in the US include branded merchandise, gift cards, personalized items, technology gadgets, and high-quality food and beverages.
In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the US for companies to make donations to charities on behalf of clients or employees in lieu of traditional gifts. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility and the desire to give back to the community.
What NOT to give
It is inappropriate to purchase intimate or personal corporate presents for your company partners, such as clothing.
Germany – business gifts are very formal
German customers are typically more formal in their commercial dealings, which frequently leads them to view gift cards and personalized outreach as intrusive.
In Germany, gift cards are likewise less popular, so there are fewer ways to send eGifts for coffee or lunch. Germany still mostly uses cash, which makes gift cards less common, and is one of the main causes of this.
Types of gifts to give
Consider gifts like instructional bundles with knowledge that is helpful to the buyer, where they can learn something new and relevant to them, when reaching out to a German prospect or firm.
You may include a few branded goods, such as a water bottle, coffee, or cookie jar, in addition to the educational material, for them to use as they read.
What NOT to give
As previously mentioned, gift cards and overly personalized items are considered to be more intrusive than polite.
Sending presents to a recipient’s office is preferable, as asking for their home address in this situation can come off as too intrusive if you don’t already know them.
France – gifts are expected during social gatherings
In French business culture, pleasant and kind gestures amongst colleagues are not the norm. It’s acceptable to give gifts, but you should always use caution. However, gifts are expected during social gatherings, particularly as thank-you notes following an event or supper.
When giving gifts in France, good taste and timeliness are essential. The French generally refrain from bringing gifts to the first business meeting.
Most French people who are invited to someone’s home carry a gift and give it before the meal or celebration. Bring a gift that your customer would really enjoy when you are invited to a client’s home for dinner.
Types of gifts to give
Good presents demonstrate a respect for education and the arts, including music and books.
Providing high-end Cuban cigars or a bottle of fine Champagne is preferable to providing a random assortment of inexpensive items. For example, designer chocolates are also suitable gifts.
What NOT to give
Giving presents with a company’s logo on them is sometimes thought to be inappropriate.
Gifts shouldn’t be offensive to French associates’ intelligence. A biography, for instance, might be preferable than a work with fewer complex ideas.
Flowers are typically fine when invited to someone’s home, however chrysanthemums (used for funerals), red roses (exchanged between lovers and very close friends), and carnations (considered to bring bad luck) should be avoided.
Spain – gifts of high quality are expected
Building pleasant relationships and meeting people in person is the key to success in Spain, where personal connections are essential for all business success. If there is chemistry, Spanish people will conduct business with you, so make an effort to project the best possible image of yourself by acting dignified and modest.
Gifts are typically only given in the business culture of Spain after discussions have ended successfully. Once the deal is sealed, you can give them a corporate gift. Make sure the item is of great quality and that it is carefully packaged. If someone gives you a gift, you should open it right away in their presence.
Types of gifts to give
Gifts typically come in the shape of food, beverages, or mementos from your native country and shouldn’t be too pricey in order to avoid being mistaken for a bribe.
If you have nothing else to give, a bottle of whisky or brandy might make a great alternative gift, as would corporate gifts or literature about your nation.
You should bring gifts for the family members if you are invited to a Spanish home. Appropriate presents are a box of chocolates, candies, trinkets, or flowers.
What NOT to give
Dahlias, chrysanthemums, white lilies, and red roses should never be given as flowers because of cultural connotations. It’s also vital to send flowers in odd numbers, as long as they don’t total up to thirteen.
Muslim countries – food restrictions must be considered
You should pay special attention to Muslim nations when learning about business gift-giving etiquette in other countries. There are numerous constraints, which is the main cause of this.
Types of gifts to give
Edible goods are always a good choice. Gift baskets that include candies, biscuits, and dried fruit are a great option.
Another option is to select a formal present like a business card holder or an organizer. Invite your coworkers to a business lunch if you’re unsure about the ideal gift to select. However, make sure the restaurant you choose doesn’t serve any off-limits dishes or serve alcohol.
What NOT to give
Alcohol is forbidden in the Koran. As a result, you should never give anything that contains alcohol, including drinks and fragrances. Additionally, you ought to stay away from foods that contain shellfish, pig, bird and other derivatives.
Avoid giving any artwork that features nudity. In any event, be careful to conduct extensive research on this subject since there are some nations, such as Saudi Arabia, where you should only give gifts to close friends or family members.
China – it is considered to be polite to reject a gift
Corporate gifts are given on various occasions in China, including holidays such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as business milestones and personal events.
Chinese people frequently reject gifts two or three times before accepting them. This does not imply that they are not grateful for the present. It’s more of a means to convey modesty and politeness.
Chinese citizens are used to receiving business presents and frequently give gifts in return. But you should focus closely on the presentation. In particular, you should always wrap your presents tastefully and exercise caution while selecting your color scheme. You should be aware that the colors black, white, and blue stand for mourning and funerals. Instead, choose cheerful hues like yellow and pink or lucky hues like gold and red.
In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented stricter regulations on corporate gift-giving, particularly in the public sector. Many companies have their own guidelines to ensure that gifts are given and received ethically and transparently. Companies may set limits on the value or frequency of gifts, or may prohibit gifts altogether in certain circumstances.
Types of gifts to give
Traditional gifts include tea, fine wine, calligraphy sets, and jade or porcelain items. Gifts should also be wrapped or presented in an auspicious manner, with red or gold wrapping paper and decorative accents.
What NOT to give
Knives, scissors, and letter openers, which could signify the end of a relationship, are inappropriate gifts in China.
Clocks (the phrase “give clock” sounds the same as “see off into death” in many Chinese dialects), handkerchiefs, which are associated with crying and funerals. And items packaged in sets of four unless it is a set of two pairs are examples of inappropriate gifts.
Japan gifts known as Omiyage
Corporate gifting, known as “Omiyage” in Japan, is an important part of Japanese culture. It is viewed as a way to build relationships and show your appreciation. Using both hands when giving or receiving a gift is considered polite in Japan. It is traditional to hold off on opening the gift until later, when the giver is not present.
To know cultural considerations on corporate gifts in Japan is especially crucial. It is customary to bring a little gift when scheduling a first appointment or sales call. The two biggest occasions for giving gifts are O-seibo (year’s end) and O-chugen (midsummer). Japanese people will offer gifts to everyone they owe money to, including good clients, coworkers, superiors, and subordinates.
Gifts are returned with something of equal or slightly higher worth at a suitable time, not necessarily immediately.
Types of gifts to give
In Japan, corporate gifts are typically small and thoughtful, with an emphasis on quality and presentation.
Common gifts include confectionery, sake, and tea, as well as traditional Japanese handicrafts and souvenirs from the giver’s hometown or region. You may choose a pricey imported scotch or bourbon, an exquisite pen set, or a pair of cufflinks.
Presents ought to be elegantly wrapped; presentation is just as crucial as content.
What NOT to give
Funeral flowers include lilies, camellias, and lotus blossoms in Japan therefore those should not be gifted. White flowers of any kind should not be given as gifts. Another myth holds that houseplants in pots cause disease.
Giving something in multiples of four or nine is bad luck.
Christmas cards in red should be avoided because this color is typically used for funeral announcements.
Russia – corporate gifts are usually pretty luxurious
Corporate gifting in Russia is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. Gifts have different values based on the relationship and situation. It is best to refrain from offering pricey presents that can be mistaken for bribes. Gifts are typically offered at the conclusion of a transaction or meeting. Additionally, this lessens any false accusations of malfeasance.
These business gifts are given on various occasions in Russia, including holidays such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and International Women’s Day, as well as company milestones, employee achievements, or client acquisitions.
Refusing a gift in Russia is generally considered impolite, so it is important to accept gifts graciously. Gifts are often presented in elaborately wrapped boxes or baskets, with colorful ribbons and other decorations.
Some Russians would initially reject the offer of a gift, and gifts may not always be opened in front of the giver. When presenting the gift, it is best to play it down. The majority of Russians think that a small present for the house, the spouse, or the kids is what they would bring to a Russian coworker’s home, for instance.
If the present is declined, whether in a professional or domestic setting, the giver typically sets it down on the table before departing and saying something to downplay the gesture.
Types of gifts to give
Popular corporate gifts in Russia include high-end alcohol, gourmet food, luxury clothing or accessories, and personalized items such as watches or jewelry.
What NOT to give
Giving even-numbered bouquets of yellow, lily, or carnation flowers, which are often used at funerals, is improper.
Don’t give gifts like notebooks, cheap wine or vodka, pencils, pens, lighters (unless they are pricey), etc.
Finding the ideal gift in and of itself can be difficult. Knowing cultural considerations on corporate gifts is very important. It can get considerably difficult in an international situation, as you can see from the above mentioned suggestions and factors.
We hope you found this article interesting and valuable!
What other countries would you like to know the gift culture information on?
