Report Case

pluralistic population consists of about 80 percent Hindus , 12 percent Muslims , and 8 percent

members of other ethnic groups. Among the Hindus, the oft -quoted caste system plays only a small

role in business. The business culture can be quite diverse and regional style diff erences may be

signifi cant. While Southern Indian companies, especially those around Bangalore and Hyderabad ,

tend to be progressive in some ways, southern Indians are oft en more sober and conservative than

the more extroverted Northerners. Another factor that infl uences styles is whether people work in

the government or traditional manufacturing sectors, versus the more fl exible and faster-moving

technology and service sectors. Business practices may sometimes diff er from what we describe in

this section.

Outside of the country’s business centers, such as Bangalore, Chennai , Hyderabad, Mumbai , New

Delhi , or Kolkatt a , businesspeople and offi cials in India usually have only limited exposure to other

cultures. When negotiating business here, realize that people may expect things to be done ‘their

way.’

Most Indians are proud of their country’s progress, its achievements, and its dynamism. Your partners

would like to see you acknowledge and respect this.

Relationships and Respect

India’s culture is generally group-oriented. Asserting individual preferences may be seen as less

important than having a sense of belonging to a group, conforming to its norms, and maintaining

harmony among its members. Building lasting and trusting personal relationships is therefore very

important,