Cultural Considerations in Business
Understanding Sri Lankan business culture and workplace etiquette for successful professional relationships.
Communication Styles
Indirect Communication
Messages often conveyed through context and non-verbal cues
- ✓ Hesitation to say direct 'no'
- ✓ Use of subtle expressions
- ✓ Importance of reading between lines
- ✓ Face-saving communication
Formal Language
Emphasis on respectful and formal communication
- ✓ Use of titles and honorifics
- ✓ Formal email etiquette
- ✓ Respectful addressing of seniors
- ✓ Professional tone in meetings
Non-Verbal Cues
Significant role of body language and gestures
- ✓ Head movements meaning
- ✓ Facial expressions importance
- ✓ Personal space considerations
- ✓ Eye contact customs
Negotiation Practices
Relationship Building
- ✓ Focus on personal connections
- ✓ Trust building essential
- ✓ Long-term relationship emphasis
- ✓ Social interactions valued
Decision Making
- ✓ Consensus-driven approach
- ✓ Hierarchical approval process
- ✓ Group consultation important
- ✓ Patient deliberation
Time Management
- ✓ Flexible time perspective
- ✓ Relationship over deadlines
- ✓ Multiple discussion rounds
- ✓ Gradual progress valued
Understanding Hierarchy
Authority Respect
Deep respect for senior positions
- ✓ Clear reporting lines
- ✓ Formal communication channels
- ✓ Decision approval process
- ✓ Senior guidance valued
Age Consideration
Respect for age and experience
- ✓ Elder opinions valued
- ✓ Experience-based authority
- ✓ Age-appropriate interactions
- ✓ Mentorship importance
Title Recognition
Importance of professional titles
- ✓ Proper title usage
- ✓ Position acknowledgment
- ✓ Status recognition
- ✓ Formal addressing
Business Etiquette
Meeting Protocol
- ✓ Punctuality expected for foreigners
- ✓ Formal introductions important
- ✓ Business card exchange ritual
- ✓ Respectful seating arrangements
Dress Code
- ✓ Conservative business attire
- ✓ Traditional dress respected
- ✓ Climate-appropriate formal wear
- ✓ Modest presentation
Gift Giving
- ✓ Appropriate gift selection
- ✓ Presentation timing
- ✓ Both hands used
- ✓ Modest value preferred
Cultural Festivals and Business Impact
Sinhala & Tamil New Year
Major business slowdown in April
- ✓ Extended holiday period
- ✓ Limited business operations
- ✓ Cultural celebrations
- ✓ Staff availability affected
Vesak
Buddhist religious observance
- ✓ Religious leave requests
- ✓ Limited operations
- ✓ Cultural sensitivity
- ✓ Schedule adjustments
Ramadan
Muslim religious period
- ✓ Flexible working hours
- ✓ Prayer time accommodation
- ✓ Fasting consideration
- ✓ Schedule adaptation
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