A British Culture Overview
Fact File

Official name – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Population – 60, 609, 153*

Official Languages – English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)

Currency – Pound sterling

Capital City – London (Wales: Cardiff, Scotland: Edinburgh, Northern Ireland: Belfast)

GDP – purchasing power parity $1.903 trillion*

GDP Per Capita – purchasing power parity $31,400*

 

 

Indirectness – The British, in particular the English, are renowned for their politeness and courtesy. This is a key element of British culture and is a fundamental aspect of British communication style. When doing business in the UK you generally find that direct questions often receive evasive responses and conversations may be ambiguous and full of subtleties. Consequently, it is important to pay attention to tone of voice and facial expression, as this may be an indication of what is really meant.

 

 

“Stiff upper lip” – This is a term often used to describe the traditionally British portrayal of reserve and restraint when faced with difficult situations. In British culture, open displays of emotion, positive or negative are rare and should be avoided. During meetings, this means your British colleagues will approach business with an air of formality and detachment.

 

 

Humor – A vital element in all aspects of British life and culture is the renowned British sense of humor. The importance of humor in all situations, including business contexts, cannot be overestimated. Humor is frequently used as a defense mechanism, often in the form of self-depreciation or irony. It can be highly implicit and in this sense is related to the British indirect communication style.

 

 

Doing Business in the UK
The United Kingdom is renowned for its colorful history and strong sense of tradition that has been shaped by a colonial empire, both civil and European war and a constitutional monarchy. The fourth largest trading nation, the UK is fast becoming Europe’s leading business center. Supported by a long-established system of government and economic stability, the UK is an attractive base for overseas business, offering skills in areas such as research, development and technology. However, in order to operate successfully in the UK business environment, there are a number of important issues to take into consideration both before and during your time there.

 

 

UK Business Part 1 – Working in the UK (Pre-departure)

Working practices in the UK
• In accordance with British business protocol, punctuality is essential at any business meeting or social event
• When making business appointments it is best practice to do so several days in advance.
• The British are inclined to follow established rules and practices; therefore decision-making is often a slow and systematic process.

 

 

Structure and hierarchy in UK companies
• Today, UK businesses maintain relatively “flat” organizational hierarchies. The
principal divide is between managers and other ranks.
• In general, the board of directors is the principal decision-making unit. Major decisions are made at the very top.
• The British prefer to work in the security of a group-established order with which they can identify.

 

 

Working relationships in the UK
• UK managers generally favor the establishment of good working relationships with their subordinates.
• The boss often takes the role of a coach, creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement.
• Teamwork is very important, however there exists a strong felling of individual accountability for implementation and error.

 

 

Business practices in the UK
• Business meetings in the UK are often structured but not too formal and begin and end with social conversation.
• First names are used almost immediately with all colleagues. Exceptions are very senior managers. However, you should always wait to be invited to use first names before doing so yourself.
• Business cards are an essential prop and are usually exchanged.
• Negotiations and decisions are usually open and flexible. Your British counterparts will favor a win/win approach.

 

 

British Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
√ DO respect personal space. The British value their space and keeping an acceptable distance is advised.
√ DO remember to shake hands on first meetings. It is considered polite to do so.
√ DO make direct eye contact with your British counterpart, however remember to keep it to a minimum or it could be considered impolite or rude.
√ DON’T ask personal questions regarding your British counterpart’s background, occupation or income.
√ DON’T underestimate the importance of humor in all aspect of business in the UK.
√ DON’T forget that instructions are often disguised as polite requests.

 

 

Source: CIA World Factbook 2007.

This is an excerpt, reproduced with permission, from Escape the Wolf: Personal Security Handbook for the Traveling Professional, by Clint Emerson with Lynn Walters. This comes from the book’s country guide, produced in cooperation with Communicaid, the culture and communications consultancy with offices in London and Paris. Please click here to read banker Martin Liska’s review of the book.

 

January 20, 2012

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