Indian Culture Paper

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Table of Contents

Culture and Background        2

Spatial Distance and Greeting Protocol        2

Gift giving        3

Attitude towards Timelines        3

Attitude towards Relation building        4

Faux Pas        4

Bibliography        5

Culture and Background

The British had seen India as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ in during their rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. India announced its independence in 1947, after World War II, with movements inspired from leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi. India is a large country, with more than 1.3 billion people making it the second most populated country in the world. It has 28 states and seven territories (WHO), all with unique and distinct societies. There is no official language in India, although 41% of inhabitants speak Hindi and the remaining are among 22 scheduled languages, listed as their mother tongues (Times of India).

India’s culture is full of vibrant, diverse traditions and customs that span across the country. Much of today’s culture has been through the influence of history dating 4,500 years ago; making India one of the oldest civilizations. It is the origin of several religions and faiths, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, you see large majorities of societies around the world that cultivate beliefs based on these religions and their teachings.

Furthermore, it is one of the largest Islamic nations in the world, with Hinduism as the predominant religion. Hinduism is based on the diversity of ideas of spirituality, with a broad range of philosophies. The religion encourages followers to live the ideals of compassion and peacefulness. In Sanskrit, Indic language in which Hindu scriptures are derived, it speaks of abstaining from causing harm or injury to others. Not only physical, but mental and emotional. Speaking to forces of ‘karma’ and reincarnation (EdiDiplomat).

The Moghul Empire infiltration into India in the 17th century, left significant influence on the cuisine, with rich ingredients and spices. Cooking styles vary from state to state, with many vegetarians amongst Hindus. Their food is eaten with their fingers and usually no utensils are needed. The Moghul Empire has additionally inspired much of India’s famous art and architecture including the Taj Mahal.

India is well known for its film industry: Bollywood. These films are famed for their decorative and elegant dance, music and traditions.

Spatial Distance and Greeting Protocol

As a way of welcoming and greeting people, Indians press their palms together and sometimes bow. This is perceived as a more respective way than shaking hands, although shaking hands can also be a suitable greeting (Himalayan Academy). “Namaste” is a greeting used for strangers and friends alike. Citizens value personal space and generally arm’s length away, although pleasant patting on the back is a sign of friendship and a sense of connection. Gestures include head movements and nodding which in the Canada or the USA could look like a ‘no’ but in India could actually indicate a person agreeing on a matter or a conversation topic.

The right hand is commonly used for exchanging handshakes, merchandise and even money. The left hand is considered impure and unclean. It is usually not used in business settings. The right hand is used for eating as well.

From the corporate culture side, business cards are exchanged when introduced. Business discussions come after talking about personal affairs of their counterpart’s life such as family, interests and well-being. This allows for a more private relationship.

Whether in a business meeting or visiting another’s home, you may be offered a beverage, usually a homemade sugary, milky tea. It can also be offensive to refuse an offering and a certain obligation to allow hosts to serve you.

There is a sense of gender inclination, where females usually don’t have eye contact or initiate conversations with men. They also usually don’t touch men in their greetings, only other women. However, a woman from the Western World will usually shake the hand of an Indian man when meeting.

Gift giving

It is common to receive and give gifts, particularly during the festive seasons such as Diwali. Gifts are usually not expected during initial meetings, but can be once a relationship develops. Gifts are given with both hands and usually not opened in the presence of the giver. For foreigners travelling to India, gifts to natives from your own country are greatly appreciated. This shows a sentiment of connecting your culture to theirs and very important in a professional setting. If you are hosted at a house, giving gifts to the host’s or the host’s children is a way of showing gratitude.

India has several cases involving corruption claims, where only a fine line is drawn between gifts and bribes. This is because gifts are a cultural requirement and therefore seen as acceptable. In the government especially, numerous officials have been paid bribes by corporates in order to sway policies and influence decisions. Companies payoff public servants to gain competitive advantages. Gift policies are therefore laid out, especially with multinationals in India, to specify the nature of gifts and occasions where gift giving is appropriate. (FCPA)

Many Indian companies entering into business relations across borders now come under the anti-bribery laws and regulations, improving the corporate image of India and making these companies suitable partners (Business Standard Column).

Attitude towards Timelines

India’s culture perceives punctuality as a major part of showing mutual respect, especially in a business situation. It is good to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to a meeting. In the private sector more than in government organizations, Indian’s tend to have a professional attitude and get things done promptly and on-time. Although, punctually is not an Indian quality and is a common occurrence in many parts of the world and more-so important in the Western World (Journalism). In social situations, punctuality is not emphasized on. This is fitting to the laid-back nature of social gatherings and local lifestyles.

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