With today’s competitive market, we as a manufacturer of computer equipment need to expand our business. As of today, we are in the United States and London, England. Our company could do great things in Ireland. We could provide jobs to hundreds of locals and our business could save millions on shipping costs to Europe. With this expansion, we could not only employ many locals, but bring prosperity to the local economy.

Our company could do great things in Ireland, but we first need to know how to do business in this land. In Ireland, much like the US, we always need to arrive on time. Being late is considered inconsiderate and some businessmen see it as an insult. Although, with our business being made up of foreigners, we should give the local Irishman leeway in being late to an appointment due to the fact that the Irish are not very time conscious. They are normally do not arrive any more than fifteen minutes late, if the time exceeds this, you should consider phoning them and rearranging the meeting. The Irish are a very relaxed group of people. This should be considered when conducting business with them.

Unlike some cultures, gift giving in Ireland is not needed. If you consider giving a gift, it should only be when negotiations have ended and both parties have approved of the negotiations. If you receive a dinner invite, you are expected to bring a bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates, box of pastries, or a craft item from your home region. A book of your home region or a preserved food from your home region, these should be sealed in a can or bottle or else Irish customs will confiscate them. If you decide to take flowers, there are certain flowers that are not accepted as gifts. Lilies are only suitable in religious occasions. Red and white flowers are also unsuitable due to the fact that they are said to resemble death. The price of a gift should not be considered at all. It is the thought that counts, literally. The Irish will see the thought behind the gift as more valuable than the gift would ever be worth.

When attending a dinner invite or dinner party, we must remember to use proper dining etiquette during this time. Unlike here in the US, there is a certain way you are to use a knife and a fork together. It is customary to use the fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Typically, the fork is held tines down so that the food is scooped up onto the back of the fork. When you are finished with the knife and fork, they are to be laid parallel on the right side of the plate. You also have to remember that the knife above the plate is to be used for butter. Where bread would usually be served here in the US, the Irish serve potatoes. The proper way to peel your boiled potato is simple, hold potato down with your fork while peeling with your knife. The small plate that is given, where our bread is normally, is to be used for the peels of the potato. Your hands are expected to be in your lap when not using utensils. When passing food, we must remember that it always gets passed to our left. Like here in the US, the most honored position is at the head of the table. From there, the honored guests will start to sit on the left and then to the right. If there is a hosting couple, there will be one person at each end of the table.

When it comes to the dress code, the Irish like to be formal. Formal suits do work best, however, in general traditional style is represented by tweeds, wools, and subdued colors. Flashy colors and trends are typically unacceptable in business in Ireland. Jackets can be taken off typically during summer, but we must remember that we should follow the lead of our local business partners and adjust accordingly. Women should be well dressed in suits or dresses and blazers, remember that women in trousers is still not common in Ireland. We also need to be careful of jewelry. Wearing jewelry that stands out is not a good idea because it makes a statement of wealth. Lastly, do not go anywhere in Ireland without a rain coast or waterproof clothing.

When greeting people in Ireland, we must remember to shake hands with everyone present. The handshake should be firm and include eye contact. It is during this greeting that you will likely exchanged business cards with every present as well. Most handshakes, even in the town, will lead to some sort of conversation. We must remember to be friendly and welcoming to the people. Listen to what they have to say and carry a friendly conversation with each person. The proper salutation, such as during holiday seasons, is also appropriate during this time.

When making a decision, we must honor the ways of the Irish. While most of the higher senior level executives make the decisions, the process calls for a little bit of democracy. The upper level management will always seek out the opinions and input of their subordinates. They want to get a feel for the reaction from the people that it will most likely effect. Honor this and make sure that all decisions are made with the consideration of the subordinates.