Heeding the Do’s and Don’ts of International Gift-Giving
For people who do business on an international level, gift-giving can be a challenge. Many of the presents that will be bestowed with heartfelt good will over the next few days could in all innocence cause cultural consternation. Some of the most commonly exchanged items during the holiday season are acceptable gifts only within a Christian culture.
That four-pack of white cotton handkerchiefs that many American grandfathers receive, for example, wouldn’t be acceptable to a Chinese patriarch. The comparatively innocuous gift has three strikes against it. For the Chinese, the number four and groups of four are representative of death, white is the mourning color, and handkerchiefs are used to dry tears and are therefore associated with funerals. The traditional American and European use for handkerchiefs is considered revolting by most Asians; they prefer a more disposable product.
Other taboos not familiar to many Westerners have to do with gifts of clothing, perfume, and flowers. Wearing apparel is considered much too personal a present in the Far East and Middle East, especially within a business relationship, according to Larry Riddle a consultant for the California Senate Office of Protocol and International Relations. Even though George Bush has given cowboy boots and shearling jackets to visiting dignitaries, it is best to use discretion when giving clothing, Riddle advises.
Flowers and perfume, two all-purpose categories for American gift givers, may have pitfalls. White chrysanthemums are the funerary flower of Japan, red roses are the symbol of grief for Eastern Europe. Not only can the color of the flowers have special meaning, but the use of them in some cultures indicates a particular, special occasion. In China flowers are used to express hopes of a successful business venture. In Western Europe flowers are considered a welcome gift for many occasions. But perfume indicates an intimate relationship and would be considered highly inappropriate coming from a fellow professional.
When the State Department gives gifts, the personnel in the gift division try to find something that is typically American, or a native product. Quilts from Colonial Williamsburg, Steuben crystal, or handcrafted art objects are three of their most common choices. Steuben is a mainstay for power gift givers.
The glass company’s crystal animal sculptures and depictions should be avoided, however, because animal references carry a greater meaning in some countries than they do in the West. A spokesperson from the State Department’s Ceremonial Division cites the Hindus’ special reverence for cows, snakes, monkeys and peacocks and the Muslims’ abhorrence of the pig as examples of where the danger lies in animal-related gifts.
When Ronald Reagan was in the White House, he often gave California wines as a present, but only during official visits. State Department policy is to avoid giving gifts for religious holidays.
Representatives from the State of California have given books to visiting dignitaries, about the national parks, the history of California, or workings of the United States government. The idea is to offer items that represent things about America the country is most proud of.
The most appropriate gifts seem to be those that relate to business, the protocol officer at the Egyptian embassy says. She suggests desk sets or pens as the perfect example of non-controversial offerings. Chocolate candy is another choice that seems to have an almost universal appeal.
While in America, diplomacy has it that gifts to family members of a business partner are not required, bestowing gifts on family members of a professional acquaintance is considered quite appropriate in some other cultures. In the Middle East, where professional business is often conducted at home, children are included in business affairs and social situations. “Gifts to the children of business associates from the Middle East is very appreciated,” Riddle says.
The best advice any of the protocol officers has for gift-giving is this: when in doubt, don’t give anything until you are well-versed in the traditions of the various countries where you do business. Nan Hsiund, a spokesman for the Republic of Taiwan insists that it is not necessary, nor always appropriate, to send gifts. For anyone who feels they must, he suggests sending a card, they are always welcome.
