Zimbabwe Business Etiquette

Greeting-
Between men:

1. Firm handshake with right hand
2. Hugs and pats on the back are common among close friends and family

Between women:

1. Firm handshake with right hand
2. Hugs and pats on the back are common among close friends and family
3. In rural areas a handshake with the right hand and a simultaneous slight genuflection is normal

Between man and women:

1. Handshake with the right hand is common
2. In rural areas a handshake with the right hand followed by a small step backwards with a simultaneous slight genuflection when each person claps softly with cupped hands - some variations are used depending on the area

Communicating:

1. Direct communication is preferred in urban areas
2. Never use first names unless invited to do so
3. Use Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc
4. Indirect speaking is used in rural areas
5. A woman who has become a mother for the first time is referred to as "the mother of ______" the father is "the father of _______"
6. If a woman is married but does not have children she is Amai followed by her husband's surname
7. Personal questions such as age and income are common

Personal Space and Touching:

1. In cities arm length space is very important during conversations
2. If you are male, it is best never to touch or put your arm on a married woman (this is disrespectful)
3. In rural areas personal space between men and men can be very close and same for women and women but more than arm's length is common between men and women
4. When feeling excited or happy during a conversation shaking hands, holding hands, and light pats on the back are common (more often very close friends of the same sex)
5. There is little to no touching during initial and business meetings

Eye Contact:

1. In cities and towns direct eye contact is normal and seen as an indication of honesty while indirect eye contact is seen as rude
2. In rural areas if a man is speaking to a woman the woman usually looks off in the distance or at the ground (this is a sign of respect)
3. If a father is speaking to a daughter, she would kneel and avoid eye contact to show respect

Views of time:

1. Many people are laid back and do not care if a person is late to an event such as a party
2. Arriving on time is valued but it is not a big deal if you are late
3. Transportation services rarely run on time
4. Time is very important for business
5. People often give their time freely (especially for social events)

Gestures:

1. The thumbs up is a sign that everything is okay
2. Pointing is done with the index finger
3. Whistling is used to call someone, get their attention, and to stop a bus or other moving vehicle
4. Sticking your tongue out at anyone, especially an elderly person, is considered very rude
5. Making a hissing sound or any other sound with the mouth is considered impolite
6. Licking your lips while staing at someome of the opposite sex is considered obscene
7. Speaking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered rude

Business Dress:

1. Business people dress well
2. Men wear formal suits with ties and dark colors are preferred
3. Women dress conservative yet stylishly and avoid expensive accesories and skirts or dresses above the knee and sleeveless attire

Business Cards:

1. Exchange with right hand
2. Sometimes both hands are used

Meetings:

1. Showing up on time gives a good impression
2. It is customary to greet whoever is closest to you or whoever you meet first
3. Allow the host to begin and end the meeting

Negotiations:

1. It is best to be honest about prices
2. Emotions may be necessary in some instances (not always)
3. Be calm
4. Expect people to need time to think things through before making a decision

Gifts:

1. Gifts are not expected but appreciated
2. Gifts can be a positive gesture
3. People would not be offended if a gift was offered
4. Appropiate gifts include items found in one's country but not in Zimbabwe
5. Gifts should be wrapped and are usually opened in private

If you can larn some basic phrases such as "how are you?," "good morning," and "good evening" you could be viewed as having an interest in Zimbabwe and its people rather than just the business side of the country.