Business Etiquette in Other Countries

1. What is a Handshake?

Japan:

• Meet
• Bow
• Don't make eye contact
• Back straight and hands by side
• Longer bow = more respect
• Depart
• Bow again when you leave
• Accept a gift
•  Gifts may be presented during a meeting. Not mandatory for you or your host, but it always makes for a nice gesture. 
• When receiving a gift, make sure that you show your appreciation and thank everyone who was involved in its presentation. 
• If the gift is wrapped you should wait until you leave to open it.
• Share business cards
• business cards are a "must have"
• given out at every meeting
• Don't put someone's card in your pocket in front of them after receiving it

Germany: http://businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-germany/meeting-etiquette-in-germany/

• Meet
• Firm but quick handshake
• Say "hello"
• Be polite and hospitable --> Small talk is generally not used
• Depart
• Handshake
• Accept a gift
• Say thank you when gift is received
• Send a thank you note after the meeting
• Share business cards
• Exchange business cards

Poland: http://businessculture.org/eastern-europe/poland/business-etiquette/

• Meet
• Firm handshake
• Direct eye contact
• Polish men sometimes kiss a woman on the hand to show respect
• Punctuality
• Punctuality is expected and taken very seriously.
• People in higher positions might arrive late to a meeting, in order to demonstrate their status and importance within the company hierarchy.
• Accept a Gift
• It's expected that gifts will be given at the initial business meeting and upon the conclusion of any business arrangement, such as when a contract is signed.
• Gifts are usually opened immediately and shouldn't be too expensive.
• Eye Contact
• Always maintain eye contact while speaking, otherwise is disrespectful

Sweden: http://businessculture.org/northern-europe/sweden/meeting-etiquette/

• Meet
• handshakes are the accepted form of greeting and make eye contact
• handshakes are brief and firm between men, but lighter between a man and woman
• Depart
• firm handshake and direct eye contact
• Accept a Gift
• in business dealings, gifts are rarely given at the beginning of a relationship
• however, it is appropriate when you are closing your transaction
• Share Business Cards
• business cards are usually exchanged when meeting for the first time