Negotiation Style

British people tend to be very formal at business meetings. Being very polite and to the point, they will not spend too much time on pleasantries, but rather get straight to the reason for the meeting and move with the agenda.

During the meeting, they will avoid most forms of confrontation. More direct cultures can benefit from remembering that if the British dislike an idea, they will often express this in a very subtle manner as to not cause offence.

Because of the hierarchical nature of most companies, it is worth remembering that many employees may find it difficult to express their opinions if their direct managers are at the same meetings. If you want to know what they think, you could try to arrange alternative meetings between the employees on the same levels.

Punctuality is very important within the business world and it is considered very rude to be late or early for meetings scheduled for a specific time. In fact, one of the only things considered ruder is to turn up at a company unannounced on the off chance of meeting a contact.

Business Negotiations

British people negotiate competitively in a way that is unique to them. There are differences in communication and ways of assessing risks, which is helpful if understood. Because the British like to feel secure and feel no pressure to change, they feel no need to rush in decision making.

It can be difficult to know what a British person is thinking, as they are not overly forthcoming with emotion when they disagree. Although they are direct with their opinions, it is often very subtly done and sometimes goes unnoticed.

Decisions are normally based on facts that can be proven. They are more hesitant to take risks and tend to err on the side of caution. They take more time to consider all possibilities before going ahead.

 Most decisions are made at the highest levels of authority within a company, normally without the subordinates being consulted.