2010 India Trade Mission

Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard and the 14-member delegation have arrived in Hyderabad, India, and have begun meeting with various government and business leaders.  I will be joining the delegation at the end of the second day.

In preparation for this trade mission, I've spent time researching cultures and customs of India, in addition to time spent looking at business opportunities.  I will include more information about specific business customs later in the blog, but in this posting I'm providing a brief overview of a few things I have learned about Indian culture.

As a result of its heritage and traditions, Indian culture places a strong emphasis on hierarchy.  Every relationship – business and social – has a clear hierarchy that is expected to be observed.  In business, the boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility.  When in meetings, the delegation will greet the most senior or eldest person first.  Each person must be bid farewell individually.

Indians often associate themselves more with the groups they belong to than their individual status.  A person may be affiliated with a specific state, region, city, family, career path, religion, etc.  This group orientation derives from the close relationships that many Indians have with their family, including extended family.  This group association creates various interrelationships and customs.

As a result of the group association, many Indians prefer to have long-standing relationships with a person prior to doing business.  This trade mission will enhance the foundation of Indianapolis' relationships with the cities we'll be visiting.  In India, meetings can have a great deal of "getting to know you conversation."  This further illustrates the importance they place on dealing with people they know.

Tomorrow the delegation will meet with the mayor of Hyderabad and the Sister City Ceremony will take place.  I look forward to sharing information about this wonderful event!