Class XVI international seminar trip Reports February 15-27, 2014

CULTURAL AND BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

According to Business Directory, the definition of culture is an expected behaviors and expectations for individual actions within society, group, or class. Within a place of business, it involves treating coworkers and employers with respect and courtesy in a way that creates a pleasant work environment for everyone. Known as the Rainbow Nation because of the different cultures represented, South Africa is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. It is a a very diverse country with a variety of customs due to the vast array of people from South Africa colonialism, immigration from white people of European descent, and Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian subcontinent backgrounds; all of whom reflect their individual cultures.

South Africa has many diverse cultures, and while visiting there, it is very important that you understand the manners to go with each of them. Being familiar with the etiquette will be important to you as is not making the mistake of assuming all cultures and etiquette are the same. Unlike America where immigrants have created a type of “melting pot” identity that has ever blending cultures and etiquette, people in Africa tend to stay near their own and remain separate from others. Collectively, they make up the category of people in South Africa. It is a huge mistake to assume it is a blended culture. There is a broad distinction amongst culture, socio-economic class, race, regular working class, and level of education across the continent. Therefore, it is important to not generalize and inflict assumptions and to avoid value judgments. Equally, avoid topics of discussion that are controversial.
It is imperative that you understand the individual’s culture as well as the country’s culture. Most like win-win situations and prefer to not have to haggle over the price of something. White South Africans tend to be more prepared/experienced in business and may not be as open or willing to share all information or motive. They may be considered shrewd in business. Regarding business meetings, appointments should be made far in advance; preferring more than a month. Do not expect a meeting with upper-level managers with limited notice given. Avoid desired vacation times that include the two weeks around Easter and prime vacation time from the middle of December to the middle of January. A call the day before the meeting to remind the person you are meeting with is recommended. Be prompt for the meetings regardless of the location where the meeting is being held. A meeting during a meal does not make it any less formal than one held in an office setting. Appropriate clothing is required. Dress conservatively, especially for the initial meeting, with men wearing darker color business suits when attending meetings. Women are expected to wear dark and conservative business suits or modest dresses. Slight discrepancy in the research I found in that women wear more elegant suits or dresses; regardless it is expected that attendees dress professional.
Developing a personal relationship is important. The first meeting is typically used to determine your level of trustworthiness. Having a shared mutual trust is critical to future business negotiations. The business culture in South Africa relies heavily on both parties experiencing a personal level of trust with each other. It is recommended to have a trusted third party provide a letter of recommendation prior to the initial meeting if the South African business or individual is unaware of whom you (or your business) are. It is considerably rude to interrupt when someone else is speaking so remember to be patient and polite. Women will experience a much more difficult time establishing relationships than their male colleagues will and do not currently fill upper-management positions. Decisions are typically made at the top but do include input from lower-level staff and that may cause a delay in the process. A letter detailing a summary of the meeting, decisions made and planned steps to happen next should be sent to meeting participants. Established deadlines may not be viewed as a commitment.

ETHNIC GROUPS

Majority of people are black South African. There are also colored South Africans (different shades of color due to being a mixed race), Indian South Africans as well as some Chinese Africans and a few other minority groups that also include white South Africans. South Africa is made up of 75.2% black, 13.6% white, 8.6% colored, and 2.6% Indian. Although South Africa has eleven (11) official languages, English is spoken throughout South Africa and is the language of administration. Other official languages include: Afrikaan, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu.

Communication styles among the different ethnic groups vary. Interactions may be direct or indirect, depending on the cultural background, and may at times be a mixture of direct and indirect interactions. Often times, the senior most family member, not necessarily a parent, will be looked upon to settle a problem with family members. People living in rural areas tend to be less formal and direct than those living in larger cities. Most South Africans prefer to not argue and disagree with people they do not know and may ignore a question or give a non-committal answer if they perceive a potential conflict or if their answer could be considered controversial.
Regarding socializing and conversing with different ethnic groups in South Africa, it is recommended that you be aware of the racial terminology when referring to black and white people. If a person is of African ancestry, it is preferred to refer to them as “black” and if a person is of European ancestry, it is preferred to refer to them as “white” and as earlier mentioned, people of mixed decent are referred to those of “color” as opposed to terminology in the United States where a person of African descent may be referred to as a colored person and a person of mixed race would be referred to as mixed or bi-racial.
While the Dutch played a large role in the history of South Africa, Afrikaners do not consider themselves as Dutch and take offense to being called “Dutchmen”. Realize in traditional African society, the tribe is considered the most important community and is considered the equivalent of a nation, with the family as the ultimate basis of the tribe. Colored and black cultures tend to value extended family members as important as their nuclear family members where white cultures tend to focus more directly on their nuclear family. It is not uncommon for rural black communities to remain deeply entrenched in traditions of their heritage while more urban black communities that are being established are attempting to combine their heritage with more urban influences surrounding them.
Disruption among family and tribes is occurring due to changes in the economic reorganization of South Africa. Challenges also exist as more people move into more urban areas and still attempt to maintain their family ties and cultures. Value placed on materialistic items over human decency that is seen more often in urban areas adds to the disruption as more typically rural ethnic groups migrate toward larger cities. This speaks to a few of the vast difference between rural and urban (typically black and white) dwellers and the clashing of their very distinct cultures.
Concepts of time vary widely in that some areas will pay close attention to timeliness and punctuality where in other areas it is quite acceptable to start a meeting an hour or so after it is scheduled and agreed upon time. Safe to anticipate very similar etiquette and restrictions in African cultures as is found in the Middle East and women to be considered a lower-class citizen. It is consistent across South Africa that all ethnicities prefer more personal face-to-face interactions, dealing, meetings, etc… rather than conducting those activities through email, written correspondence or telephone that tend to be more impersonal.
PROPER WAY TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES AND OTHERS

In an effort to show respect, it is not uncommon for a handshake to be soft and eye contact to not be direct. Generally, two white men in South Africa will greet each other with a handshake similar to an American / European greeting while one white man and one black man will add a thumb grasp before returning to a full handshake. Women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. When introducing someone, use their formal professional title. Do not use their first name until you are given permission to do so.

South African’s may often address a foreigner as “doctor” or use another type of professional title at an effort to give honor or establish high regard. Titles such as Mr. and Mrs. are acceptable. Protocol is not officially set in the exchange of sharing business cards. If you are given one, treat it with respect. Addressing everyone in a business meeting is considered appropriate and polite but remembers to start with the most senior person in the room. It is not appropriate to stand too close to someone. Usually one arm’s length way is acceptable. In more formal settings, refrain from touching someone on the arm. When standing, it is preferred that you keep your hands and arms at your sides and when in a seated position, have them folded loosely on your lap. It may be considered offensive if you stand with your hands on your hips, in your pockets, or arms folded across the front of your chest.
Yawning without covering your mouth, spitting, chewing with your mouth open and biting your finger nails are offensive behaviors as well as picking your nose. Expect a leisurely greeting that provides time for pleasantries and perhaps social discussion. Avoid embarrassing and potentially offensive moments by observing those around you and how they are conducting themselves. Best rule of thumb is to observe your host’s behavior. Use caution and restraint to not bring attention to yourself. In an effort to not offend someone, and not being positioned to know exact practices in a person’s culture in may be best to
In South Africa it is considered extremely rude to make the “peace” sign hand gesture with the back of your hand facing away from your body. It is even more insulting to take that same hand gesture and point it directly at someone. And while it may be difficult for those of us who are predominately left handed to use our right hand when eating, interacting with someone else and passing or holding items, much attention should be given to using your right hand due to the fact many cultures in western Africa expect personal and bathroom hygiene to be conducted with the left hand; making it very offensive to touch another person with that hand; best to err on the side of caution. A “thumbs up” is considered a sign of saying okay, good job, or well done. Putting your fingertips together from both hands is a sign of saying thank you or display of you being grateful.
Recommended reading: “When Culture’s Collide” by Brad Lewis
Sources:

African Business Etiquette by Dana Griffin, eHow Contributor www.wikipedia.com

Kwintessential relocationjobs | Global relacation services www.cyborlink.com

Kwintessential: South Africa Country Profile www.kwintessential.co.uk

Communicaid: Doing Business in South Africa www.culturecrossing.net

OKSBDC International Trade Center

Tracey Payton Miller

Republic of South Africa

Deemed a republic on 31 May 1961 (white vote.)

Motto: Unity in Diversity

Language and Religion

South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. The country has a population of approximately 53 million, with 80% from black African ancestry. S. Africa houses about 5 million immigrants, including 3 million Zimbabweans, Somalians, and those from the Congo. Most immigrants are refugees or seeking asylum. Christians are 79.8% of the population, while Muslims are 1.5%, Hindus are 1.2%, Traditional African religion is 0.3%, Judaism is 0.2%, 1.45% are unspecified, 15% have no religious affiliation, and 0.6% assume other religions.

There are 200,000 indigenous traditional healers (sangomas or inyangas) in South Africa, and up to 60% of South Africans consult these healers. Healers use a combination of ancestral beliefs, as well as medicinal properties of local plants and animals, known as muti. Many people combine Christian and indigenous influences as their basis for religion. Many blacks in South Africa live in rural areas, on meager means. However, this is where most of the traditional, cultural practices still survive most strongly. Other blacks have become members of the middle class along with whites, and have a lifestyle similar to those of North America, Western Europe, and Australia.
Apartheid and The Rainbow Nation:

Apartheid is an Afrikaans word, which literal translation means “apart-hood”, or a state of being apart. Apartheid in S. Africa is very similar to the Civil Rights movement in the United States. However, Apartheid was longer and may have a more bloody reputation. The National Party enforced the segregation legislation, which lasted from post WW2 until 1994, and limited the rights of the black majority. Schools, beaches, hospitals, and other public service organizations were segregated, and often supplied poor care. Even though segregation had been practiced since Dutch colonial times, apartheid was legal under the current government. Similar to the 1960’s in the Southeastern U.S., apartheid consisted of forced removals, assassinations, protests, prison sentences, anti-apartheid uprisings, etc. However, because of the long term nature, unrest and militarization led to more violent scenarios. In 1970, non-white representation was banned, and the denial of black citizenship began. Black citizens then became part of 10 tribal based, self-governing homelands, referred to as bantustans. Negotiations to end apartheid began in 1990 by the current president Frederik Willem de Klerk. In 1994, multi-racial democratic elections were held, and the African National Congress under Nelson Mandela won.

Nelson Mandela is well known as an anti-apartheid revolutionary, but he was also a politician, attorney, and philanthropist. In 1990, Mandela was released after serving 27 years in prison for conspiracy to overthrow the state, a sentence associated with his anti-apartheid mission. Mandela became president of S. Africa until 1999. Mandela is fondly referred to as ‘Madiba.’ Madiba is an African clan name, and an affectionate term for older males. Nelson was a name given to him by a teacher. It was customary to give English names to African children, by whites or Africans.
There are multiple ethic groups in S. Africa. Post-apartheid, the term Rainbow Nation was coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu from a phrase used by Nelson Mandela. This was just after their first democratic election in 1994. Mandela proclaimed: "Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."
Archeological Sites

There is an area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, termed the ‘Cradle of Humankind.’ Modern humans have inhabited Southern Africa for at least 170,000 years. Extensive fossil remains have been recovered from a series of caves in Gauteng Province, including Sterkfontein, which is one of the prominent hominin fossil sites in the world.

Many ancient populations migrated around S. Africa, and as they moved, larger Iron Age populations displaced or assimilated. At the time of European discovery, the dominant ethnic groups were Bantu-speaking tribes which migrated from other parts of Africa roughly one thousand years prior. The two major historic groups were the Xhosa and Zulu peoples.
Arts & Literature

Modern art in S. Africa is an eclectic mix of ancient, Dutch, folk, European, and current influence. South Africa has some of the oldest cave art in the world, dating from 75,000 years ago.

In 1930, one of the first well known novels by a black author in an African language was published; Solomon Thekiso Plaatje's Mhudi.

In the 1950s, Drum magazine became a voice for urban black culture.

White South African authors include Alan Paton, who published the novel ‘Cry, the Beloved Country’ in 1948. (Film in 1995).

In 1991, Nadine Gordimer became the first South African Nobel Prize winner for Literature.

In 2003, J.M. Coetzee won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Olive Schreiner's ‘The Story of an African Farm’, published in 1883, was a popular read for Victorians, as it is introduced feminism in a novel format.

Andre Brink was an Afrikaner writer banned by the government during apartheid, after releasing the novel ‘A Dry White Season.’ (Film in 1989.)
Popular culture

South Africa is a major media center for the African continent. English is the most commonly used language, but the other 10 are also represented.

Like everything else, there is a lot of diversity in S. African music. Black musicians developed a unique style called Kwaito, which has taken over all media outlets. Brenda Fassie, is a popular Kwaito musician, who is known for her song "Weekend Special", sung in English. Famous traditional musicians include Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Soweto String Quartet performs classic music with an African flavor. South Africa is home to many world renowned jazz musicians, including Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Abdullah Ibrahim, Miriam Makeba, Jonathan Butler, Chris McGregor, and Sathima Bea Benjamin. Afrikaans music covers multiple music genres, including contemporary and punk rock styles of Steve Hofmeyr and Fokofpolisiekar, respectively. .
The most well-known movies about South Africa include District 9 and Invictus. ‘Tsotsi’ is another S. African movie which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at in 2006.
Food

Diversity is everywhere in South Africa, including the food. Cuisine from many cultures may be presented to tourists wanting to sample the varied flavor. Like a Hawaiian Luau, music and dancing are often included in dining. Meals in S. Africa are very meat-based, tying into the social gathering known as a braai (barbeque). The country has also become a major wine producing nation, with some of the best vineyards in the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Barrydale valleys.

Sports

The most popular sports in S. Africa are soccer, rugby and cricket. However, swimming, athletics, golf, boxing, tennis, and netball are also popular. Soccer is most popular with youth, but basketball, surfing, and skateboarding are gaining in popularity. South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is also home to numerous famous rugby players and also hosted and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup (detailed in the movie Invictus). In 2007, S. Africa won the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. South Africa holds many Olympic medals, the most notable in swimming, sprinting, and golfing.

Random Trivia

World’s first successful, adult human heart transplant was performed by S. African Doctor Christiaan Barnard.

Famous South Africans: Charlize Theron-Actress, Sydney Brenner-Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine, J.R.R Tolkien-Writer-Lord of the Rings, Manfred Mann-Musician-‘Blinded by the Light’, Shaun Morgan-Lead singer for Seether, Dave Matthews-Dave Matthews Band, Trevor Rabin-Yes, Thomas Baines-Painter/Explorer, Harry Oppenheimer-Businessman, Marmaduke Pattle-Allied Ace WW2, Desmond Tutu-cleric/Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ezra Butler-linebacker for NY Jets, Jerome Pathon-WR for Indianapolis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Steve Nash-LA Lakers, Thabo Sefolosha-OKC Thunder


Sources:

CBS Sunday Morning—Nelson Mandela Tribute

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2013/12/06/nelson-mandela-madiba-meaning/3889469/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa

http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/12/10/nelson_mandela_and_apartheid_rise_and_fall_of_apartheid_examines_the_fight.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid_in_South_Africa

Appropriate Speaker gifts, tipping, & ordering food

Jamie Cummings
Traveling to a new place can be intimidating, but with proper research and preparation the dining, tipping and professional gift giving can be a fun adventure. South Africa is the Rainbow Nation, a title that captures the country's cultural and ethnic diversity. The population of South Africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world (South Africa Explored http://www.sa-venues.com). Most of the customs take on a western tradition but many of the experiences can have a traditional touch.
Restaurants and dining are always a concern when traveling to a new place. Urban South Africans will dine the Western way: rural South Africans will often dine in the more conservative African way, with a wooden spoon, communal bowl. Or no utensils (using the right hand) Breakfast is served from about 6 to 9 A.M., lunch from 12 to 2 P.M., and dinner from 8 to 10 P.M. the main meal of the day for most all groups is dinner.

The typical diet is a combination of local ethnic group cuisine, Western foods, and Asian foods: much is available in South Africa. All groups enjoy barbecues, for example. Local food is rich in rice, yams and cassava (a root vegetable), plus breads, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Meats are enjoyed when available, and fish along the coast and rivers. Each ethnic group has its own specialties and preferences, and remember. Muslims will not eat pork or drink alcohol (although it is available). A typical dish is mealie meal (the South African version of the ubiquitous African porridge), served in any number of different ways. Braai is a traditional word for Bar-B-Que

Restaurant selections can be from fine dining restaurants, trendy restaurants, family eateries and wine estates. Restaurants in South Africa offer the diner an extraordinarily wide range of food types to choose from including traditional South African fare, German, Greek, Italian, Thai, Cajun, French and Vegetarian to satisfy your culinary desires. 

Tea, coffee, beer, water, and soft drinks are all available in most places. Some of the world's best wines are now coming from South Africa. When you come to a South African home, even for just a brief visit, you will most likely be offered tea, sometimes served English style-with milk and sugar-if available. Many South Africans really do take the time to have afternoon tea. When offered, always accept the cup of tea and/or coffee, even if you only put it to your lips or just take a few sips. Your cup will always be refilled if it is less than half full. Typically, beer and other alcoholic drinks may also be served: fruit juices and lemonades, along with tea, may accompany meals.

The food in South Africa is very different from the USA, the portions are much smaller and generally everything has more of a European influence than American.  The menus will always be in English and you can always order in English so that won't be difficult but you may seems some cuts of meat that are different and some fish that you have never heard of here in the US (Kerry Eales).

Tipping is a standard practice that is not too different than we do here in the United States. US Currency is widely accepted as a common tipping currency (tripadvisor.com). Rands are also accepted. The Rand is just shy of the value of a US Dollar and so the follow guidelines can be considered for either currency (moneyconverter.com).

Frommer’s recommends that you convert enough funds before you leave home just to take care of airport incidentals and transportation to the hotel and then use the ATM at the airport for your time in South Africa. Using ATM’s and banks will be a better rate than exchanging at a hotel (Frommer’s South Africa).

A normal tip is 10 - 15% for good service at restaurants and in bars. Most waiters earn a basic living wage so tips are a welcome supplement and reward for good service. If you're just buying a beer or coke, it's fine to just leave the small change, but according to The  Lonely Planet's "Cape Town City Guide." Bartender tips run a couple of rand (R2) for every drink. If your party is 6 or more at a restaurant, the tip/service charge is frequently included in the check (http://goafrica.about.com).

At hotels it is customary to leave R50 per person per day for housekeeping. If a porter assists with your bags, it's normal to tip the porter R15 per movement, assuming about two normal-size bags per person. Outside of larger cities, you may be asked to pay your tips to the hotel front desk. You may want to consider tipping the person directly, however, because the hotel may lay claim to this money and the intended recipient may never see it, which is unfortunate because these people are not well paid and depend on these tips.

This information is consistent with what Kerry has advised me also she said “Tips are generally given at between 10 and 20% of the total bill, I would suggest never tip lower than 10% and anything from 15% upwards would be considered extremely generous.  Most of the waiters and waitresses in restaurants and busboys, maids etc. in hotels are earning minimum wage and/or loving on their tips so anything you give them would be great.” She also said that one thing to note, however, is in the larger cities, like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria it would probably be more customary to tip around 15% as the cost of living is more expensive and the general public will tip slightly more. 

Gift giving while abroad can sometimes create unintended consequences that we may not be used to thinking about while expressing a token of appreciation or trying to send a message of goodwill. Misguided contributions can perpetuate cycles of dependency, cause corruption, burden communities with unwanted or inappropriate donations, and require recipients to spend time and resources to handle ‘gifts’ they didn’t request or cannot use. CRESTTravelersPhilothrapy.com)

Keeping traditional promotional items for professional situations, making sure that any tips or gifts go directly to the person you want to receive them, not to business management or staff, and making sure of the needs of a facility if you are going to donate are all good practices when giving in Africa. A native of the South Africa, Kerry Eales, says that a lot of the time a speaker really does not expect a gift when addressing a group, however to give them a small token of thanks or appreciation is a wonderful gesture and would be greatly appreciated.  She suggested giving them something small that is unique to USA or even OK as this is not something that they will be able to purchase for themselves and will make it all the more special.  South African's are generally very hospitable and friendly and just given the opportunity to show off our country will probably be gift enough.  (Personal interview- Kerry Eales, South African Citizen)

According to USA Today, The professional environment in South Africa is culturally diverse and you can you can never go wrong by using last names and titles when you first meet. Academic titles add a great deal of luster. Business attire is considered conservative for men and women, but do not be surprised if the hosts show up in dressy traditional attire.

Even in business culture, you may receive an invitation to a South African home. If you do, you should bring a small gift for the hostess. A bottle of South African wine, flowers or chocolates works well as a hostess gift.

Africans are justly famous for the pleasure they take in eating and entertaining and for their generosity. If you are invited to someone's home almost anywhere in Africa, be prepared - your host will go all out to impress you. In many countries, you will find no utensils of any kind and will be expected to eat with your hands. (traveltips.usatoday.com)

Travel in South Africa can be intimidating at first but if you research properly you will find that the culture is contributed by many other cultures that lean toward many western culture traditions. Dining, meeting the locals and conducting business should be safe and enjoyable.

Sources:

Frommer's South Africa