Abstract:With the accelerated pace of world economic integration, international business cooperation increasingly strengthened. The economic exchanges become increasingly frequent between China and other members of WTO after China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and foreign trade and technological cooperation has developed rapidly. Therefore, we have to communicate with people from different cultures more frequently. At the same time, more and more business people have become aware of the strong impact from cultural differences in business communication, especially in intercultural communication background. In order to avoid the misunderstanding caused by cultural differences in intercultural communication, more attention has been paid to business etiquette, which is very crucial in conducting intercultural business and can best present cultural differences in a way.

In this thesis, based on the reality in business activities, the writer first did some comprehensive study on communication in business, including cultural effects, the definition of intercultural communication and some communication skills. Since etiquette issues are usually the main reasons of unsuccessful communications in cross-cultural communication. Politeness theory is the base of etiquette; intercultural communication is the base of intercultural etiquette issues study. This thesis gives a clear definition to business etiquette, and explains its features and functions. Business etiquette refers the behavior norms that should be abided by business people in their activities. Its features are normative, qualificative, operable, inheritable and changeable. The thesis analyses the four functions from two perspectives, the businessmen themselves and the social harmony. And it focuses on how business etiquette is applied in business activities.

All in all, this thesis attempts to make a study of communication and etiquette in business activities under the background of international communication. Through in-depth analysis of this topic, we can help people in west or China to understand each other's cultural background better, to strengthen exchanges and communication, to minimize unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, in order to promote the harmonious development of the successful business activities.

Keywords:  business activities  intercultural communication  business etiquette 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Significance of the Paper-1

1.2 Organization of the Paper-1

Chapter Two Communication in Business-2

2.1 Definition of Intercultural Communication-2

2.2 Intercultural Business Communication-2

2.3 Culture Affects Business Communication-2

2.4 Intercultural Communication Skills in Business-2

Chapter Three Etiquette in Business-4

3.1 Definition of Business Etiquette-4

3.2 Features of Business Etiquette-5

3.2.1 Normative-5

3.2.2 Qualificative-5

3.2.3 Operable-5

3.2.4 Inheritable-6

3.2.5 Changeable-6

3.3 Functions of Business Etiquette-6

3.3.1 To Improve People's Self-cultivation.-6

3.3.2 To Help People Beautify Themselves.-7

3.3.3 To Promote Business Communication and Improve People's Interpersonal Relationship.-7

Chapter Four Business Etiquette in Specific Situations-8

4.1 Business Image-8

4.1.1 Dress-8

4.1.2 Manner-8

4.1.2.1 Eye Contact-9

4.1.2.2 Gestures-9

4.1.2.3 Sitting-10

4.1.2.4 Standing and Walking-10

4.2 Introductions-10

4.3 Seating Arrangement-11

4.4 Phone Etiquette-12

Chapter Five Conclusion-14

References-15