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Do's
and Dont's
 Career
Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad. Do's
and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries,
find them all here.
Canada
Greetings
• In business situations, a
handshake is used for greetings or introductions. Men usually
wait for women to offer their hand before shaking hands.
• An open, cordial manner is
usual when dealing with Canadian business people.
• It
is considered alright to move to a first-name basis, but the best
policy is to wait for your Canadian colleagues to invite you to
do so.
• Among
French Canadians, use courtesy titles such as "Monsieur"
or "Madame", followed by the last name.
• If you are unsure of a woman's
marital status, it would be advisable to use "Ms." (pronounced
"Miz"), followed by her last name. If a woman dislikes
this term, she will usually tell you her preference.
• Despite the fact that first
names are used over the telephone, French Canadians may revert
to using surnames when meeting in person.
Dressing
up
• Comfortable, tasteful clothing
is the norm.
• A conservative, well-dressed,
appearance is important in Canadian business culture.
• Some professions allow casual
dressing, but if you are not sure it is advised that you adhere
to formal dressing.
• Suits and ties are the standard
attire for men.
• Business suits or dresses
are often the standard attire for women.
• Canadian winters can be quite
cold in many regions and dressing warmly is essential. During
this season, ensure that you bring a coat and pair of gloves.
It is also a good idea to take a pair of boots with good treads
to help you walk with ease through the ice, snow, and slush you
are likely to encounter on the pavement.
• During their leisure time,
Canadians dress casually, it is fine if you are dressed in jeans,
t-shirts, sweatpants, shorts, and running shoes. These are acceptable
in public.
• Canadians avoid fragrances
in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave, and heavily scented
personal care products such as shampoo and hairspray should be
avoided, or at least used sparingly. It's often believed that
perfume is worn to cover up poor personal hygiene. The presence
of fragrance can also be a health hazard to individuals with asthma,
a relatively common condition in Canada. Many jurisdictions in
Canada forbid the wearing of scented products in hospitals and
doctors' offices.
Conversation
• The weather is usually a good
conversation starter and staple of "small talk."
• Golf is a popular sport, especially
among businesspeople. Moreover, the golf course is often a venue
for business discussions and deals.
Welcome Topics of Conversation
• Positive comments about Canada
and Canadians in general
• Sports--popular sports include
hockey, football, baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis
• Business
• Weather
• Geography
• Travel
• Movies
• Books
Topics
to Avoid
• Making comparisons that emphasise
Canada's inferiority or similarity to the U.S.
• Quebec separatism/other conflicts
between French and English Canada
• Religion
How
to behave in public
• During a conversation, if
you want to convey interest and sincerity, you can maintain an
eye contact that is not too intense.
• The
standard distance between two people should be two feet. French
Canadians, however, may stand slightly closer.
•
"How are you?" is a popular greeting in Canada.
• Canada is a very open society,
exercising maximum social tolerance. It is considered impolite
to boast or talk loudly.
• It is considered impolite
to display emotions in public in Canada. Most Canadians try to
be tactful when dealing with other people. It is impolite to argue
or create a scene in public.
• It is considered rude for
people to speak in a foreign language in the presence of others
who do not understand what is being said.
• If you see an acquaintance
at a distance, a wave is the appropriate acknowledgement.
• Keep in mind the fact that
friends of the same sex do not hold hands. It could imply a sexual
advance.
• If you need to point, use
the index finger. Pointing at other people, however, is often
considered unacceptable.
• To beckon someone, ensure
that you wave with your fingers curled toward you and that your
palm is facing up.
• The "O.K." sign,
and the "thumbs up" sign are two popular gestures used
for expressing approval.
• To wave good-bye, move your
entire hand facing outward.
• If you want to give the "V"
for victory sign, do so with the palm facing out. Attempting this
gesture with the palm inward may cause offense
• Restaurants in Canada often
have smoking and non-smoking sections. Smoking is restricted in
most of the public places.
• Most Canadians prefer to sit
in a casual manner. For example, you may observe them sitting
with the ankle of one leg over the knee or resting their feet
on chairs or desks.
Gift
giving
• Traditionally, business gifts
are given after you close a deal. Gifts, however can be also presented
upon your arrival.
• It is appropriate for a person
to unwrap the gifts and show it to everyone present. If you receive
a Christmas gift, you will need to wait till Christmas to unwrap
it.
• Thoughtfully selected gifts,
preferably from your home country, are the best choices.
• For business associates, good
choices include items of use for the office and a bottle of liquor
or wine.
• Taking someone out for a meal
or other entertainment is another popular gift.
• When you visit a home, flowers,
candy, wine or liquor usually make welcome gifts.
• White lilies are sometimes
associated with funerals, while red roses are reserved for romantic
occasions. So be careful while choosing flowers.
• Gifts for women such as perfume
or clothing are usually inappropriate because these selections
are considered far too personal.
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