Gift vs. Bribe
What You Need To Know About International Gift Giving Protocol
By Karla Scott M.B.A.
Gift giving plays a vital role in social protocol in many parts of the world. In fact, what we consider to be bribes in the US are not only expected in many parts of the world-but, they are perceived as “gifts”.
In the arena of gift giving, it is as important to know customs associated with being the giver as well as being the recipient. Also, you need to consider: what kind of gift is appropriate, how it should be packaged, and how/when it should be presented. Each of these elements is important.
Generally, if you are offered a gift, you should graciously accept and send a thank you note.
Gift Ideas
Gifts can fall into several categories practical or useful (high quality pan), commemorative (corporate logo paperweight), personal (favorite food item), indigenous gifts (crafts from your region), cultural gifts (photo cocktail book), consumable gifts (box of candy) and just for fun gifts (Mickey Mouse T-shirt).
Here are common gift recommendations:
§ Candies
§ Wines/Expensive Liquors
§ Cocktail Table Books
§ Expensive Writing Utensils
§ Tickets to Events (Sporting, Music, the Arts)
§ Golf Equipment/Accessories
§ Symbols of your region of the country (maple syrup from Vermont, a beach towel from Florida, photo book of cowboys from Wyoming, pottery from New Mexico)
toys for children
§ Toys for children
§ T-shirts with American sayings
§ Bakery-made Dessert (if you are invited to dinner in a private home)
§ Book of Norman Rockwell paintings, Ansel Adams photographs, or a similar art/photo book
§ Photo or history books about your city or state
§ High quality folding set of binoculars.
§ Western-style belt buckles
§ Disney logo products
§ Beef jerky for Japanese hosts
Research your destination culture to identify what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.
Gift Giving Protocol in Business
Gift giving is a key component of business etiquette in most cultures outside the US. It is simply considered good manners to offer a gift to business associates, typically at the end of the first meeting. In Japan, for example, gift giving is an elaborate and expected ingredient of business culture. Consider the rank and position of your gift recipient and be sure to comply with rules for appropriate timing and location.
Gift Taboos
Before embarking on a gift shopping spree, it is important to learn specific contrary guidelines and taboos associated with this business activity.
Learn your company's policy around gift giving and reporting and know the latest IRS rules governing this practice.
Remember: A gift of money is considered to be a bribe by US standards and is usually in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and 1998.
Here are gift taboos, you need to know:
§ Never give a clock to a Chinese. The word for clock in Chinese equates to death.
§ Never give four of anything to a Japanese or Korean because four represents bad luck.
§ Never wrap a gift in White paper in Japan, because white is the color of death.
§ Never wrap gifts in green paper in Egypt or Malaysia
§ Shamrock Green is the national color of Ireland, but orange is the national color in Northern Ireland -----------
§ Avoid giving flowers because they carry different connotations in different cultures. White flowers mean death in Japan, chrysanthemums are death in European countries, purple flowers connote death in Mexico and Brazil, and red flowers connote romance in most places.
§ In the Middle East, anything with a human image is considered offensive, against Islam.
§ Don't casually admire an object in the Middle East if you are a guest in someone's home. They will go obligated to give it to you.
Always do your homework to identify what gifts are appropriate for your host country and have fun with your selection.
By Karla Scott M.B.A.
Gift giving plays a vital role in social protocol in many parts of the world. In fact, what we consider to be bribes in the US are not only expected in many parts of the world-but, they are perceived as “gifts”.
In the arena of gift giving, it is as important to know customs associated with being the giver as well as being the recipient. Also, you need to consider: what kind of gift is appropriate, how it should be packaged, and how/when it should be presented. Each of these elements is important.
Generally, if you are offered a gift, you should graciously accept and send a thank you note.
Gift Ideas
Gifts can fall into several categories practical or useful (high quality pan), commemorative (corporate logo paperweight), personal (favorite food item), indigenous gifts (crafts from your region), cultural gifts (photo cocktail book), consumable gifts (box of candy) and just for fun gifts (Mickey Mouse T-shirt).
Here are common gift recommendations:
§ Candies
§ Wines/Expensive Liquors
§ Cocktail Table Books
§ Expensive Writing Utensils
§ Tickets to Events (Sporting, Music, the Arts)
§ Golf Equipment/Accessories
§ Symbols of your region of the country (maple syrup from Vermont, a beach towel from Florida, photo book of cowboys from Wyoming, pottery from New Mexico)
toys for children
§ Toys for children
§ T-shirts with American sayings
§ Bakery-made Dessert (if you are invited to dinner in a private home)
§ Book of Norman Rockwell paintings, Ansel Adams photographs, or a similar art/photo book
§ Photo or history books about your city or state
§ High quality folding set of binoculars.
§ Western-style belt buckles
§ Disney logo products
§ Beef jerky for Japanese hosts
Research your destination culture to identify what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.
Gift Giving Protocol in Business
Gift giving is a key component of business etiquette in most cultures outside the US. It is simply considered good manners to offer a gift to business associates, typically at the end of the first meeting. In Japan, for example, gift giving is an elaborate and expected ingredient of business culture. Consider the rank and position of your gift recipient and be sure to comply with rules for appropriate timing and location.
Gift Taboos
Before embarking on a gift shopping spree, it is important to learn specific contrary guidelines and taboos associated with this business activity.
Learn your company's policy around gift giving and reporting and know the latest IRS rules governing this practice.
Remember: A gift of money is considered to be a bribe by US standards and is usually in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and 1998.
Here are gift taboos, you need to know:
§ Never give a clock to a Chinese. The word for clock in Chinese equates to death.
§ Never give four of anything to a Japanese or Korean because four represents bad luck.
§ Never wrap a gift in White paper in Japan, because white is the color of death.
§ Never wrap gifts in green paper in Egypt or Malaysia
§ Shamrock Green is the national color of Ireland, but orange is the national color in Northern Ireland -----------
§ Avoid giving flowers because they carry different connotations in different cultures. White flowers mean death in Japan, chrysanthemums are death in European countries, purple flowers connote death in Mexico and Brazil, and red flowers connote romance in most places.
§ In the Middle East, anything with a human image is considered offensive, against Islam.
§ Don't casually admire an object in the Middle East if you are a guest in someone's home. They will go obligated to give it to you.
Always do your homework to identify what gifts are appropriate for your host country and have fun with your selection.
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