Vietnamese culture values Vietnamese Non-Verbal Communication - As in most cultures, non-verbal communication plays an important role in Vietnamese society,

sometimes to accompany and reinforce linguistic symbols, sometimes as a substitute for words. Communicating with Vietnamese Many older Vietnamese are familiar with French or English. Interest in English has been rising, with language schools opening throughout the country.

Vietnamese Business Culture With the Vietnamese economy opening up, more and more foreign companies are wanted to investing in Vietnam.

Gift-giving Customs in Vietnamese Business Culture Gift giving is important in Vietnam because of the significance of interpersonal relationships in Vietnamese culture.

Social Structure Vietnamese people tend to be excessively polite and delicate. Respect is the cornerstone of Vietnamese social interactions. Words can be expressed with a respectful or disrespectful tone that is very distinct. Culturally, Vietnamese are friendly and giving people. Collectivism In general, the Vietnamese are collectivists. The individual is seen as secondary to the group - whether the family, school or company. As a result there are strict guidelines for social interaction that are designed to protect a groups face Hierarchy As with most group-orientated societies there are also hierarchical structures. In Vietnam these are very much based upon age and status. This derives from Confucianism, which emphasizes social order. Everyone is seen as having a distinct place and role within the hierarchical structure, be it the family or workplace. An obvious example is seen in social situations where the oldest person in a group is greeted or served first. Within the family the head would be responsible for making decisions and approving marriages.

Business Etiquette - Appointments are required and should be made several weeks in advance. - Vietnamese are punctual and expect others to be so to. - Business cards are exchanged on initial meetings and should be presented with both hands. When receiving business cards ensure you show proper respect to it and do not simply glance at it and put it on the table. - Negotiations can be slow so it is important to bear in mind that decisions have to go through a lot of red tape and also group consultation. Be patient. - Business gift giving is fairly common at the end of a meeting or during a meal in honor of your business associates. Gifts should be small but not expensive. Something with your company logo or something typical from your country both makes excellent gifts.

General Etiquette Many will smile easily and often, regardless of the underlying emotion, so a smile cannot automatically be interpreted as happiness or agreement. Vietnamese often laugh in situations that other cultures may find inappropriate. This laughter is not intended as ridicule. Breaking a promise can be a serious violation of social expectation. It is very difficult to reestablish a lost confidence. When inviting a friend on an outing, the person who offers the invitation usually offers to pay to the bill. During social gatherings, Vietnamese will often arrive late so as not to appear overly enthusiastic. However, they are punctual to appointments in professional settings. When giving gifts, often the giver minimizes the value of the item, even though it may be great. The recipient of a gift is expected to display significant gratitude that sometimes lasts a lifetime. Some may be reluctant to accept a gift because of the burden of gratitude. Vietnamese may refuse a gift on the first offer, even if they intend to accept it, so as not to appear greedy.

Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women. Summoning a person with a hand or finger in the upright position is reserved only for animals or inferior people. Between two equal people it is a provocation. To summon a person, the entire hand with the fingers facing down is the only appropriate hand signal.