Global Business Perspectives

In a recent blog post I read, there were several tips for communicating with Indians that may be of interest to you.   More and more people and companies are doing business in this emerging country and these tips may help you understand the people better and lessen your cultural frustration. If you are interested in any of these subtle communication approaches, please visit Sudesh Oudi’s Blog post.

1.   Never accept the word "yes" by itself for an answer – listen to what the person says next as an indicator of what the Indian person really means.

2.  There are many ways an Indian can say "no."  Are you paying attention?

3.  Indians say they are behind schedule in various ways and almost always it is not "I am running late" on this.

4.  There are numerous approaches Indians use to say something is possible or they are not available. Including not answering.

5.  Indians don’t necessarily ask for help out right.  They might refer to someone else or the past to indicate help is required.

6.  Indians express negative criticism in very different terms than Americans do, including a loud silence.

7.  Ways to encourage more direct communication with Indians may require constant positive feedback when they show more direct behavior. 

Ultimately, Indians perceive our directness as rude and will need some time to get comfortable with being more direct.  A cultural middleman may help you in certain situations. 

Communicating within our culture can be challenging, patience and understanding are essential to creating an open and direct line to ensure your success.