Discovering Singapore 2022

Negotiations and decision making One of the most important things to remember when doing a business with a Singaporean is that, though you may distinguish them as an individual, they may regard themselves as a representative or spokesperson for their company. This group orientation means that an individual may not be able to decide on matters there and then without consulting their bosses or colleagues. Because of this, the negotiation process is much slower than what most Westerners are used to. Singaporeans bargain hard and can be tough negotiators at times, so prepare for negotiations with a number of concessions in mind. However, Singaporeans do not give gifts to business partners frequently. This is because it can be interpreted as bribery in Singapore. Therefore, it is better to give something to a whole group at once to show transparency in the gesture. Singapore maintains zero tolerance in corruption both in the public and private sectors. Dress Code The dress code in most offices in Singapore is business casual. This is also due to the hot and humid weather all year round. Thus, men will often wear shirt and trousers with no tie (jackets are not usually worn). Women tend to wear lightweight business suits or dress. Accessories should not be overly ostentatious. Punctuality Punctuality and timeliness are essential in Singapore. Being late shows a lack of respect for the person you are meeting. It is considered polite to call a host in advance if one is running late.

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Discovering Singapore 2022