Despite the worldwide recession in 2009, India still achieved an economic growth rate of over 7%, and the World Bank expects India to grow by 8% in 2010. This growth rate, coupled with a population of over 1 billion people, has made it an extremely attractive proposition for foreign investors. For anyone wishing to do business in India, there are huge commercial advantages to developing a cultural awareness of Indian business practices.
When addressing people in India, you are expected to use titles and surnames. Only in time, when a good rapport has been established, will people use your first name. However, Indians will refrain from using first names for people of a higher standing, including elders. When using first names, they will usually add ‘ji’ to the end of the name as a sign of respect. Family friends of the previous generation are often referred to as ‘uncle’ or ‘auntie’, again out of respect. If someone doesn’t know your name, they will address you as ‘sir’ or ‘madam’, as this is considered polite.
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