Doing Business in the U.K.
Politeness - Social & Language Avoid direct approach: orders, commands, imperatives (Be polite but firm) Don’t criticize in public (”loss of face”) Sense of humour appreciated
Doing business in the U.K.
Need to establish good-will Importance of rapport Compromise Rights of the individual, Distaste for compulsion propriate language. Don’t understate (or overstate)
Recent changes in Business (2)
1980s: Increasing inward investment (Asia, USA, Germany) : Privatisation policies : Increased productivity, competitiveness, streamlining : Lower labour costs : Lower social costs : Influence of U.S. & Japanese methods
Recent changes in Business (3)
1990s: c. 200 large Japanese & Asian companies in UK
Attractions of U.K. market