I-United State of America:

·        Business Dress: In U.S. business culture, dress tends to vary. In some parts of the country--the east in particular--most people wear business suits. In other areas, such as the west coast, a more relaxed approach to dressing is the norm in many workplaces. Executives in most regions of the country, however, usually dress quite formally.  Business suits or dresses are often the standard attire for women. Pantsuits, in classic styles, are also acceptable. Accessorizing, which adds flair to even very simple outfits, is also practiced here.

·        Time and Accuracy: Punctuality is very important for business occasions. In many U.S. cities, traffic can cause considerable delays, so be sure to allow enough driving time to your appointment. If you know that you will be late, call to let your contact know.

·        Gifts:   Business gifts are often presented after the deal is closed. In most situations, gifts are usually unwrapped immediately and shown to all assembled.

In many cases, the best gifts are those that come from your country.

·        Negotiation: In the U.S.A., money is a key priority and an issue that will be used to win most arguments. Status, protocol, and national honor play a smaller role. Similarly, "saving face" and other social niceties and formalities that are vitally important to other cultures are not as important in the United States.

Persistence is another characteristic you will frequently encounter in American business people; there is a prevailing belief that there is always a solution. Moreover, they will explore all options when negotiations are at an impasse.

·        Conversation: many Americans speak only English. Spanish is another common language due to the United States' proximity to Mexico and Central America and the large population of Spanish-speaking individuals in the country. However, English will still be used almost 100% for business deals. American business language is also very idiomatic. Many Americans adopt sports terms in their business speech ["Touch base," "Ballpark figures," "Call the shots," "Team players," and "game plan" are a few examples.] Many Americans may not be aware that they are using these idioms because they seem so natural.

·        First Name and Title: The order of most names is first name, middle name, and last name. When you meet someone for the first time, use a title and their last name until you are told to do otherwise. In many cases, Americans will insist on using first names almost immediately; this is a cultural norm that reflects a more casual business style rather than a sign of intimacy.

Physical Greeting: A handshake is the customary greeting for both men and women. Americans tend to refrain from greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact, except with family members and friends. For the most part, they are unreceptive to being touched during conversation and other social situations.

II- Argentina:

·        Business Dress: In business situations, conservative, dark suits and ties are standard attire for men. Wardrobe options for women include elegantly conservative business suits, dresses, or skirt and blouse combinations.

·        Time and Accuracy: For all business-related occasions, punctuality is appreciated and expected from visitors. Nevertheless, you should still expect your Argentine counterparts to be approximately 30 to 45 minutes late. It's a good idea to bring work, a book or another diversion to fill in the time. Most importantly, however, do not express annoyance if you are kept waiting.

·        Gifts:  Business gifts are exchanged only when the relationship with the recipient has become firmly established. Any gift given should be of high quality. If the item is produced by your organization, the company name or logo should appear discreetly.

·        Negotiation: Senior management usually has the final say in the decision-making process. Favorable decisions frequently depend upon the personal relationship that has been established with your side?-not necessarily the quality of the product or service being purchased. Consequently, forming a solid rapport with your Argentine contact in senior management is of crucial importance.

·        Conversation: Argentines like to engage in “small talk.” Generally, they are very sociable and take a genuine interest in cultural matters. Try not to take offense if people make jokes at your expense—even if remarks are directed at your weight or other aspects of your appearance.

·        First Name and Title: In this culture, using professional titles [i.e., "Doctor", "Engineer", "Professor"] confers respect. Most people should be addressed by their title and surname. Only children, family members, and close friends address each other by their first names.

III- China:

·        Business Dress: In Chinese business culture, conservative suits and ties in subdued colors are the norm. Bright colors of any kind are considered inappropriate.

·        Time and Accuracy: Being late for an appointment is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture. Moreover, the best times for scheduling appointments are April to June and September to October.

·        Gifts: Gift giving was an important part of Chinese culture in the past. Today, official policy in Chinese business culture forbids giving gifts; this gesture is considered bribery, an illegal act in this country. Consequently, your gift may be declined.

·        Negotiation: In this country, responsibility for all decisions rests with the Communist party and assorted government bureaucrats. In Chinese business culture, the collectivist way of thinking still prevails, even in sectors experimenting with free enterprise. Moreover, it will be adequate to speak in short, simple, sentences free of jargon and slang.

·        Conversation: Make an effort to learn and use at least a few words in Chinese; your initiative will be noticed and appreciated. Make sure you know the meaning and appropriate occasions for what you say. Moreover, In Chinese culture, the question 'Have you eaten?' or 'Where have you been?' is the equivalent to 'How are you?

·        First Name and Title: Most people should be addressed with a title and their last name. If a person does not have a professional title, use “Mr.”, “Madam”, “Miss”, plus the last name. Chinese names appear in a different order than Western names. Each person has, in this order, a family, generational, and first name.

IV- Egypt:

·        Business Dress: Visitors are expected to follow Egyptian standards of modesty. Even though it can be extremely hot in this country, most of the body must remain covered. Men should avoid wearing visible jewellery, especially around the neck. For women, a well-covered, shapeless appearance is the desired effect, not necessarily one that is flattering to the figure. While a hat or scarf is not always required, it is wise to keep a scarf on hand.

·        Time and Accuracy: In Egyptian business culture, punctuality is not as much of a priority. Although visitors to the country should make an effort to arrive on time, your contact may be late for an appointment or not show up at all.

·        Gifts: Make sure you give or receive gifts with the right hand, not with the left. Using both hands, however, is acceptable. If you are invited to an Egyptian home, baked goods or chocolates are good gift selections.

·        Negotiation: The Egyptians will accept information that does not contradict Islamic values. The pace of business is much slower in Egypt than it is in the West, so patience is necessary. Moreover, decisions will take a long time to be made. Producing “instant results” is not a part of Egyptian business culture.

·        Conversation: Egyptians like to joke around and make fun of themselves. For example, Egyptian bureaucracy is a favorite target. Nevertheless, no matter how self-deprecating their humor gets, you should not try to make fun of Egypt or the Egyptians.

·        First Name and Title: Most Egyptians should be addressed by title and surname, just as you would address a Westerner. Some Egyptians prefer a title plus first name.

V- France:

• Business Dress: The French will perceive the way you dress as a reflection of your social status and relative success. Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. Men should wear dark suits, particularly during the winter and when visiting the north. Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance.

·        Time and Accuracy: Ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions. While you should strive to be punctual, you won't be considered late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time. There is an increased tolerance for arriving late as you go further south.

·        Gifts: Gifts are expected for social events, especially as thank-you after a dinner party. Don't be overly concerned about whether your gift is too expensive or inexpensive: select something you think the recipient will appreciate.

·        Negotiation: The French tend to focus on long term objectives and will try to establish firm personal relationships with the other negotiating party. The French can be very direct, questioning, and probing, so a carefully planned, logically organized proposal is very important. Moreover, it is likely that the French side will focus on the aspects of your proposal that require further explanation. You may find that the French tend to treat the business discussion as an intellectual exercise.

·        Conversation: Give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. Studying French history, politics, and other aspects of the culture will be an advantage for you in conversation. Be prepared to answer questions about your own country, especially regarding political matters and its history.

·        First Name and Title: In accordance with French business protocol, use first names only when invited. Outsiders, clients, suppliers are usually referred to as Monsieur or Madame.