Background To Business in Singapore

The most heavily Western influenced of all the Asian economies with regard to approach to business.

The legacy of its colonial past, combined with its status as the number one destination for US and European organizations to locate their Asian Head Offices has resulted in many Western attitudes and processes being adopted.

The Singaporean government, which is known for its pragmatic approach to governing, places tremendous importance on the maintenance and promotion of what it views as being solidly Asian virtues.

Singaporean Management Style

As befits a hierarchical structure, managers tend to be older which in itself lends them an air of authority.

Managers delegate decisions to their teams and expect the decisions to be overtly respected.

As in all basically Confucian business cultures, the manager expects to be respected and obeyed and in return for loyalty and dedication to the cause will show a much more holistic interest in the well being of his team.

Outside family ties, promotion will be based on merit and performance criteria rather than connections.

Singaporean Meetings

It is important that meetings should remain as harmonious and non-confrontational as possible.

The focus of any meeting should be on co-operation and the preservation of harmony.

Respect should be given to the hierarchy during the meeting, which includes thoughtful pauses prior to answering questions posed by senior managers.

Punctuality is crucial, as lateness implies a lack of respect.

The use of coded and diplomatic language can make meetings seem inconclusive and confusing, with many items seemingly left hanging in the air.

Gift Giving

The government has introduced very tight legislation governing the issues around gift giving - wishing to avoid the corruption scandals which have tainted other Asian societies in the past.

It is possibly better to give one gift to the group as a whole, but if individual gifts are to be given they should be merely tokens.

As with other Asian countries, gifts should be wrapped and are unlikely to be opened in front of the giver.

Singaporean Communication Styles

There are four languages in common usage - Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and English.

English is widely used as the common language because of its apparent neutrality as well as its importance in the international business arena.

good communication and mutual comprehension often require more than a common language and many misunderstandings flow from differing concepts of the appropriate or inappropriate use of language.

Disagreement can affect the harmony of the situation as well as possibly making somebody lose face and needs to be avoided.

Vagueness and substitutions are often used to avoid disagreement.

Humor can often be misunderstood or not understood at all and as such is best avoided.

Conversation about deeply personal issues should be avoided, as should comments about the Singaporean 'system'

Singaporean Dress Code

Singapore is hot and humid all year round. Dress codes in business reflect the climatic conditions and tend to be more informal than in many Western countries or even other Asian countries such as Japan and Korea.

Men will often wear shirt and trousers with no tie. Colors can be lighter than the dark blues and greys of the UK and Japan.

Women tend to wear lightweight business suits. Accessories should be of good quality but not overly ostentatious

Business Etiquette Tips

Be aware that some Singapore taboos are punishable by a fine, jail or even capital punishment. For example, littering, jaywalking and smoking may lead to a fine.

English is the official business language and business conduct follows very much the Western model.

Business cards are exchanged on every social and business occasion and you should make sure to give or receive them with two hands. Never put the business card casually in your back pocket, haphazardly stash it in a folder or write on it. Any of these actions will most likely be misinterpreted as disrespect.

To greet someone you usually use a friendly handshake, however, a slight bow is preferred by older Chinese people and a bow of the head towards Malays, especially with people of the opposite gender.

Avoid showing affection of any kind in public as this is considered impolite and rude.

Don’t point with your index finger or touch a person’s head (as it is considered sacred) and not show the bottoms of your feet or point with them (as they are considered dirty).

Punctuality, Singaporeans are punctual for their appointments and expect the same from others. So, make sure you are arrive in time, but if you should be unexpectedly late, give them a call.

Business dress is fairly formal, and locals as well as expats work long hours.

Make sure when entertaining Malay associates (who are Muslim) to not do business on Fridays or during the Ramadan (the Muslim fasting month), not to serve alcohol or pork.

If you plan on entertaining Indians, make sure to avoid beef or have a choice of vegetarian options, as most of them do not eat beef.

Unless specifically invited, spouses of both sexes do not usually attend business events or functions.

Usually, the bill of a business social event is paid by the inviting party. This can be reciprocated the next time by the other party.

Do not tip, as tipping is frowned down upon by the government. Mostly, a service charge is already included.

Laws that you should be aware of

Flush the toilet or face a public caning

Litter bugs pay big time

Selling chewing gum is forbidden

Don’t walk around your house naked

No hugging in public without permission

No poking adverse comments at religion

Stranger danger

Connecting on unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots means hacking

~THANK~~YOU~