-Our Task of Cross Culture Understanding-
Introduction
One
of the most striking features about India, which any foreign traveler
must appreciate, is the size and diversity of this country. Given its
vastness and variety, there is no single way to understand India. In
fact, one observer once commented that 'India as a nation exists only in
the minds of its population.' Many travelers find India unpredictable
and confusing because they fail to grasp this point. The following
paragraphs will give a perspective to understand one's experience of
India.
Geography
India is the seventh
largest country in the world in terms of size, with a total landmass of
3,287,590 sq km. Located in South Asia, it has land boundary of 14,107km
with its neighbors [Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal and
Bhutan] and a coastline of 7,000km, which stretches across the Arabian
Sea and Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean.
Population
The
population of India is more than 1 billion, which makes it the second
most population country in the world [after China]. Virtually all major
world religions and ethnic strains can be found in India, though a
majority of Indians come from the Indo-Aryan race [72%], followed by
Dravidians [25%].
Politic System
India has 7 national political parties, and more than 40 political parties recognized by the Election Commission.
The
President is the head of state, but it is largely a ceremonial post.
The actual legislative power resides with the council of ministers,
headed by the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the party in the
majority.
Voting age is 18 years.
Cadres of civil servants,
who represent the bureaucracy, support the political leadership for
executing the government policies. These government officers are
selected through a very tough competitive examination across the
country, and represent an intelligent and elite class.
The
judiciary in India is independent of political/ governmental influences.
It has often made decisions which are critical of--or even against--the
government's official policies. This occurs if such policies are
believed by the judiciary to go against the basic spirit of the Indian
Constitution.
India used to be a closed control-and-command
economy until the early '90s. Since then it has opened its economy, and
allows foreign investments in most industries except a few strategic
ones.
India's main stock exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange, has
around 6,500 listed companies, which is second only to NYSE. A total
number of 9,600 companies are listed across India's 21 stock exchanges.
It has the third largest investor base in the world.
The national
currency is the Indian Rupee, and is denoted as 'Rs.' Prior to the 90s,
the value of the Rupee was controlled through government intervention.
Since the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 90s, the Rupee has
become a floating currency.
Starting as one of the least-developed countries, India has emerged as a global player in many industries. Some examples:
It is the largest producer of tea in the world, accounting for more than 30% of global production;
India is the second-largest cement producing country in the world;
- 1. INDRIANI
GENERAL PROTOCOL
More tips
Feet
are considered unclean in India, so avoid pointing your feet at another
person. In the case that your feet or shoes touch another person, you
are expected to apologize by saying 'sorry.'
Indians do
not maintain continuous eye-contact while talking with others. Direct
eye-contact may be seen as intrusive. On the other hand, do not feel
uncomfortable if you find an Indian gazing at you; this is because
Indians are curious-, to the extent of sometimes being intrusive-, about
foreigners.
The comfortable distance to be maintained
during an interaction is much closer in India than in most Western
countries. In general, a distance of about 2 or 2 ½ feet is seen as
comfortable. However, since India has very high population density, in
public spaces [e.g., public transport, a queue, etc.], don't be
surprised if you find people almost rubbing against you.
The
public spaces [e.g., markets, roads, public transportation, etc.] in
India are far more crowded than in the West. You need to be careful
while crossing roads, and of pick-pockets who can steal your purse/
wallet.
You are likely to find beggars in most public
places. It is advisable to ignore them. Since if you give them alms, you
are likely to be pestered by many others.
Most Indians
are very courteous to foreigners. However, many also see foreigners as a
target for being swindled. You need to be careful about people who try
to give you 'great deals'; do check their credentials before giving them
money.
- 2. ULIL INAYAH MUTMAINNAH.
GREETING
Acceptable public conduct
The
traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding your palms
together, as in praying, and saying 'Namaste' [nah-mas-tay] or
'Namaskar' [nah-mas-kar], with a slight bow.
While, the Namaste or
Namaskar are Hindu ways of greeting, they are also accepted among all
other communities. These other communities, however, also have their own
traditional greetings. For instance, among Muslims, the traditional
greeting is 'Salaam-Wale-Kum', which is responded to by saying
'Wale-kum-Salaam.' Similarly, Sikhs traditionally greet each other by
saying 'Sat-Siree-Akaal.'
Shaking hands is also an acceptable way to greet people among urban and westernized Indians.
Among
the younger urban Indians, a 'Hello' or 'Hi' with a wave of the hand is
also an acceptable form of greeting when making informal contact.
In
general, Indian society is conservative about heterosexual physical
contact and relationships. Refrain from greeting people with hugs and
kisses.
Shaking hands with women, since it involves physical
touch, is not universally accepted in Indian society. Among the urban
westernized Indians, you may find some Indian women offering to shake
hands. However, it is advisable to shake hands only when it is offered.
In most other situations, 'Namaste' is the safest way to greet. In fact,
it will also be appreciated as a gesture of friendliness.
It is customary to allow women and guests to proceed before yourself.
The
acceptable way to beckon someone is to hold your hand out, palm
downward, and make a scooping motion with fingers. Beckoning someone
with a wagging finger, with the palm upward is seen as an authoritarian
and condescending signal, and will be perceived as an insult.
Do
not point to someone with your finger, since that is likely to be
interpreted as an accusatory gesture. Use of hand and palm or chin is a
more acceptable way of pointing towards someone.
Standing erectly with your hands on your hips is likely to be seen as an aggressive and dominating posture.
Among
Indians, it is normal for them to use their hands to gesticulate while
talking with each other. Folded hands, or hands in one's pockets while
talking are likely to be perceived as arrogant gestures.
Whistling and winking are usually perceived as rude and unacceptable behaviors, as they have sexual connotations.
Talking
to a woman who is walking alone is not advisable, since it is likely to
be seen as a proposition or other inappropriate gesture.
Seniority, age and authority are respected in India, both in business and in public life.
NAME
Addressing others with respect
When
addressing a person, it is advisable to prefix the name with a 'Mr.',
'Mrs'. or 'Miss', or the professional title of the person ['Doctor' or
'Professor'] unless the person asks you to refer to him by his/her first
name.
In general, people are addressed by their name
[without the prefix] only by close acquaintances, family members, or by
someone who is older or superior in authority.
The naming
conventions in the southern states of India [Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, and Kerala] are different when compared to other parts of
the country [often broadly referred to as North India, though it also
encompasses the eastern and western regions of the country]
In
North India, most people have a family name [e.g., Sharma, Patel,
Singh, etc.], and the names are written in the western style--first name
followed by the surname. Sometimes, there may also be a middle name,
such as 'Chandra', 'Kumar', 'Prasad', etc. For instance, Mr. Praveen
Chandra Kulkarni will be addressed as Mr. Kulkarni--or as Praveen, if
the relationship is informal.
In contrast, in southern
states, men do not have a family name. Instead, the name of one's father
and/or the ancestral village/town is used for the purpose. These are
normally abbreviated and prefixed before the first name. For instance, a
south Indian name 'Kamundari Ranganthan Gurumurthy' will be written as
'K. R. Gurumurthy', signifying that the person's ancestral place is
'Kamundari', father's name is 'Ranganathan', and his first name is
'Gurumurthy'. He will be addressed as Mr. Gurumurthy--or if the
relationship is informal, as just Gurumurthy.
Due to
assimilation in the local culture, often even non-Hindu communities
follow the same naming conventions in the southern states. For instance,
the former President of India, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is a Muslim
from southern India, and the initials in his name are an abbreviation of
his lineage [Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen].
Women normally adapt the husband's name [family name in North India, and first name in southern India] after marriage.
Changing Conventions
It
must be mentioned that with time and social mobility, the naming
conventions are also changing. For instance, many south Indian families
have started adapting the north Indian naming conventions.
Since
the family name in north India also denotes the person's caste--and
therefore, place in the social hierarchy--some liberal-minded north
Indians do not use the family name [or use their father's name instead].
There is an increasing trend among educated professional women of keeping their maiden name after marriage.
- 3. ANITA
HOSPITALITY
Indian hospitality is legendary. The maxim of hospitality in India has
crossed generations and is not only learned but truly believed by each
individual. The Sanskrit saying, "Atithi Devo Bhava," or "the guest is
truly your god," dictates the respect granted to guests in India
("Indian " 1). Each one is treated with the utmost consideration and
each Indian extends more than his hand to a visitor. From the Indian man
on the street, who when asked for directions, accompanies his company
to their destination, to an Indian couple's wedding invitation to a
foreign visitor, to the sign reading, "The Holy City Welcomes You" at
the Varanasi airport, India extends her arms wide to make a guest feel
at home. Indian hospitality is not only spontaneous but also quiet. The
Indian people are as Geeta Heble, a proud Indian woman, describes, "not
ostentatious in speech or in treatment of guests" ( Heble Interview).
For all Indians, hospitality, though not ostentatious, is a priority.
The Indian people feel that their guests must be given proper
hospitality, which certainly requires extreme care and attention.
Although the head male of the clan, usually the grandfather or great
grandfather, is the most prominent symbol of the family, the women are
the backbone of traditional hospitality. Despite fulfilling her duty as a
wife and a mother, a true Indian woman takes pride in herself, her
family, and her house and will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy
from her home. An Indian woman shows her talents and her warmth through
food and is known for her ability to serve fare to her guests, whether
they be invited or uninvited ( "Indian" 2).
GIVE GIFING
Gift
giving is customary in India, and is seen as a sign of friendship.
However, it is generally not expected at the first meeting.
It
is advisable not to give expensive gifts, unless you are very close to
the person. Normally, large and expensive gifts are given only by family
friends and close relatives--and for specific family occasions, such as
a wedding. Since Indians try to reciprocate a gift, if it is too
expensive, it can cause embarrassment for the recipient.
Use red, yellow, green or blue colored wrapping paper. White and black colors are considered inauspicious.
Normally,
gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. However, sometimes
your Indian host may insist on your opening the gift, and would expect
appreciation for his/her choice.
If you are invited to an
Indian's home for dinner, you must take some kind of gift, such as a box
of chocolates or flowers. If your host has children, carrying a gift
for the child [a toy or a book] is also appreciated.
If you are visiting an Indian during a festival, it is customary to carry a box of sweets.
If
you are giving money as a gift, do remember that 11, 51, 101, 501, etc.
are considered auspicious numbers. Your gift would be more appreciated
if it is in these denominations.
Before the opening up of
the Indian economy, many foreign products were not available in India,
and would have made a good gift. However, now most foreign-made products
are accessible to Indians, and have, consequently, lost their value as a
gift. However, Indians do appreciate a gift which is representative of
your, or a specific, culture [e.g., Dutch wooden shoes/clogs, a Swiss
knife, French perfume, etc.].
If you have worked or lived
with Indians, a framed photograph with them as a gift would be viewed as
a warm and friendly gesture.
Different flowers have
different connotations across India. If you are planning to give
flowers, do check with the florist as to what would be appropriate. A
bouquet of roses, however, is the safest choice across the country.
Drinking
alcohol is culturally not accepted in most parts of India. Many Indians
do not drink at home. However, if your host drinks and keeps drinks at
home, a bottle of scotch whisky or wine will be appreciated.
Be
cautious in giving a leather item as a gift. Since many Hindus are
vegetarians, they may not appreciate items made of leather.
A
jewelry item is considered an intimate gift, and would be viewed as
inappropriate if given by a man to an Indian woman. It is acceptable if
the jewelry is given as a gift by a woman; however, gold jewelry is
normally exchanged or given only among family and relatives.
- 4. MUKARRAMAH
APPOINTMENT
Making appointments
Indians
appreciate punctuality and keeping one's commitments. However, many
visitors to India find it very disconcerting that often Indians
themselves are quite casual in keeping their time commitments. One of
the reasons for this is that in the Indian mind, time is generally not
considered as the objective yardstick for planning and scheduling one's
activities. Rather, for most Indians, the plans and schedules are
contingent on other people and events, and therefore can--and do--get
changed.
It is advisable to schedule your appointment at least a
couple of months in advance. If you are making your appointments before
coming to India, do emphasize that you will be in India for a short
period of time, if this is the case. It is also useful to reconfirm your
meeting a few days before the agreed upon date.
Though not essential, it often helps in getting an appointment if you have an Indian contact.
There
is a distinct difference in the cultures of the government departments
and business organizations. Compared to a business organization, it is
normally more difficult to get an appointment with officials in a
government department. Also, in the government departments, there is a
greater likelihood that your appointment may be rescheduled or that you
may be kept waiting for as many as several hours before you actually
meet the person.
Do be prepared for last minute changes in the
time and place of your meeting. It is useful to leave your contact
details with the secretary of the person, so that, in case there are
changes, you can be informed.
It is advisable to make the effort
to be early in order to keep your appointment. In most Indian cities,
the roads are quite crowded, and during high-traffic hours, it can take
you a long time to reach your destination.
Indian addresses can be
confusing. This is so because the pattern of numbering the buildings
varies across different places, even in the same city. This is further
complicated by the fact that during the last few years, in many cities,
the streets have been renamed. To avoid getting lost, it is useful to
check 'how to reach there' from your contact.
Normal office hours
are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, in some large cities [e.g.,
Mumbai], some places of business start working earlier to avoid
congested traffic while commuting. Increasingly, among the business
organizations, there is also a trend towards a longer working day, which
can start as early as 7:30 a.m. and last till 8:00 p.m.
Normally, lunch is for one hour, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
In
recent years, there is a trend towards luncheon meetings and 'power
breakfasts', which are often the times when business is discussed.
More information on making appointments
Dinner
appointments for business purposes are rare. Official dinners are
mostly hosted as large gatherings, and are mainly meant for socializing
and getting to know each other.
The work-week differs across
organizations and sectors: Government offices work Monday-Saturday, with
the second Saturday of the month as an additional holiday; most
business organizations follow a five-and-a-half day work week; and, most
IT and software companies have a five-day work-week, with Saturday and
Sunday off.
The business and official work in India are done using
the western 'Christian' calendar. The convention for writing dates is
dd/mm/yy, e.g., December 25th, 2004 will be written as 25/12/04.
PUNCTUALLITY
The
work-week differs across organizations and sectors: Government offices
work Monday-Saturday, with the second Saturday of the month as an
additional holiday; most business organizations follow a five-and-a-half
day work week; and, most IT and software companies have a five-day
work-week, with Saturday and Sunday off.
The business and official
work in India are done using the western 'Christian' calendar. The
convention for writing dates is dd/mm/yy, e.g., December 25th, 2004 will
be written as 25/12/04.
In most Indian business organizations,
banks and government departments, the Financial Year is calculated from
April to March. Since the end of March is the time for closing the
financial year, people are very busy. Try to avoid scheduling an
appointment around this period. The MNCs, however, mostly follow a
January-to-December financial year.
Most Indians take vacations
during the summers [April-June] and Mid-December to Mid-January. In
addition, in Northern and Eastern India, a favorite time for taking
vacations is around October, which coincides with Dussehra/ Pooja
holidays [see below].
India has a long list of holidays. Some of
these--e.g., Independence Day [January 26th], Independence Day [August
15th], Gandhi Jayanti [October 2nd], and Christmas [December 25th]--are
observed according to the western calendar. The others, which are Hindu,
Sikh or Muslim festivals--e.g., Pongal/ Makar Sankranti, Holi, Idu'l
Zuha, Dussehra, Deepawali, Muharram, Guru Nanak Birthday, etc.--follow
the lunar calendar. The dates for the latter holidays are not the same
in terms of the western calendar, and therefore, it is advisable to
contact the local Indian Embassy/ Consulate to find out the holiday list
for that particular year.
- 5. IRSYAD
CONVERSATION
General guidelines
Most
Indians enjoy good conversation on a variety of topics. Even in
business meetings, it is common and normal to start discussions with
'small talk' on other unrelated issues. In fact, this is seen as a way
of building rapport and trust.
In general, Indians are
open and friendly, and compared to many countries in the West, have a
lesser sense of privacy. It is not unusual for a stranger to start up a
conversation with you on a flight or a train journey.
Sometimes,
Indians ask questions which can be seen as too personal and intrusive.
However, one must remember that discussing one's family and personal
life is normal among Indians. In fact, often enquiring about the other
person's family is seen as a sign of friendliness.
Conversation
in India is as much an exchange of views as it is a mode of building
and strengthening relationships. Consequently, complimenting and showing
appreciation are quite normal among Indians.
Indians
seldom express their disagreement in a direct manner; open disagreement
is likely to be interpreted as being hostile and aggressive [though
expression of disagreement by someone who is superior or elder is, by
and large, acceptable]. Normally, disagreements are openly expressed
only with those with whom one has built a trusting relationship.
Otherwise, disagreements are expressed in an indirect manner. In most
cases - unless, it is a crucial issue - it is advisable to avoid
expressing direct disagreement.
