Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?

SHAKE HANDS

Indonesian men usually shake hands with other men. Their handshakes tend to be relatively gentle and last for an extended period of time. After the handshake, a Muslim Indonesian may place the right hand over his or her heart. Some observant Muslim men will not shake hands with a woman (or touch her at all). Most Chinese businesspeople will shake hands with men and women, and may bow as well.

Instead of shaking hands, observant Hindus may prefer the namaste greeting, which does not involve touching. (Information on performing a namaste is in the chapter on India.)