Gift Giving by Gavin

Case study-gift giving

These two men offended each other, because they have different custom when they meet each other.

Firstly, Mr. Wagner brought Mr. Al Arabi an expensive bottle of fine red wine and a box of cookies. That is a common etiquette for western people. When they visit someone, they will bring red wine to the host to send a friendly message. However, Mr. Al Arabi didn't like the gift and put them to the side. Secondly, Mr. Al Arabi gave Mr. Wagner a cup of coffee and Mr. Wagner accepted it quickly. Mr. Al Arabi considered it as a rude way. At last, Mr. Wagner praised Mr. Al Arabi's art book, he just wanted to have a nice atmosphere. As a result, Mr. Al Arabi wanted to send the art book to Mr. Wagner as a gift. And then, although Mr. Wagner refused it politely, Mr. Al Arabi was angry immediately.

No matter what happened, these two men should keep in touch with each other, apologize and keep going the business, and everything happened in the visiting is a mistake. Business in business, two business men should have controlled their emotion well, but they didn't. Especially, Mr. Al Arabi.

In this situation, I would play a joke like two old friends. For example, just like the situation one. When I realized Mr. Al Arabi don't like the wine and cookies. I could say, "oh, I can change it for free." Sometimes, details affect success, so we should pay more attentions to the detail. When I accepted the coffee from Mr. Al Arabi, I would say thank you or something else as a respect for Mr. Al Arabi. At last, I would accept the art book as a gift. Because I think the communication is not just talking, exchanging a gift is also a good communication. It can improve the relationship better. To do something differently, if it is possible, I would do research on the person who I will meet, like his hobby, family, custom and so on, in order to know him very well and avoid something unhappy happening.

When you plan a business trip to my country, I...