Mongolian business culture

Mongolia in ancient times was the largest state in the world. Traditionally, this country is famous for its rich culture, customs and traditions. The culture of the Mongols is inextricably linked with the nomadic way of life of this people and the surrounding nature — the endless steppe and the ever-blue sky. This is a country of contrasts, where centuries-old foundations and the latest trends of civilization coexist harmoniously even today.

Introduction and greeting

Greeting is a significant way for the Mongols to express sincerity and friendly disposition towards a person upon meeting. Due to the fact that sign language is an integral part of Mongolian speech etiquette, much attention is paid to non-verbal communication. The greeting is a bow from the shoulder and a handshake using both hands. They say goodbye in Mongolia, just like they greet each other, just bowing, shaking hands.

Russian is spoken by many Mongols, but mostly by the older generation. During Soviet times, the Russian language was taught in Mongolian schools starting from the first grade, now only two years, in the senior grades. Knowledge of foreign languages, most often English, German, sometimes Japanese, among those involved in international relations, is quite good. The older generation often speaks Chinese.

When meeting, you should pay attention that between the appeal to "you" and "you" very little difference, since the Mongols do not have a surname. Friends refer to each other as "you"; it is common to refer to "you".

Business cards can be made in both Russian and English.

Gifts

In Mongolia, when meeting people, it is customary to give memorable gifts. To please your business partner, you should give him something unusual: the choice of goods in Mongolia is small, so it will not be difficult to surprise a Mongolian with a gift. The best gift — knife, finca or alcohol. You should not forget to congratulate the Mongol you know on your birthday. Bribes are not accepted. In cities, flowers may be suitable as a gift, while in rural areas they are fed to animals.

The Mongols in ancient times strictly distinguished between actions that need to be done with the right and left hand. According to the Mongols, the right hand — "the hand of grace", therefore only this hand can give and receive gifts.

National character traits

The Mongols treat their elders with great respect and reverence, and listen to their advice. You can’t get angry at older relatives, swear, even look askance: this is the same sin as taking the life of a living being.

From a young age, most Mongolians learn to hunt and ride a horse. Popular hobbies are — hunting, fishing, national wrestling and shooting. Mongolians love folk music and dance, ballet, opera and circus.

Hospitality

Mongols — hospitable people. Most often, you can be invited home for tea. Accept a bowl of tea from the mistress of the house with both hands as a sign of respect, and you should not serve anything with your left hand, this way you can greatly offend the hospitable hosts. At home, the Mongols are used to eating with chopsticks, and in public places you can always find a knife and fork.

Business etiquette

You should not go to Mongolia if you only have a couple of days for business negotiations. Any meeting should be agreed in advance and will have to be given enough time. Negotiations last for a long time, the minutes of meetings, although they exist, are rarely observed, and punctuality for the Mongols is a relative concept.

Mongolia has a bureaucratic leadership style. The inhabitants of the country are Asian-style polite and hospitable, so foreigners are welcome, but a little apprehensive. The attitude towards you may largely depend on Mongolia's friendly relations with your country. During business negotiations with the Mongols, you should directly answer the questions posed — "yes" or "no".

A business suit is accepted at official events. The working week in Mongolia lasts 6 days. If necessary, working time is extended at the expense of free time. Mongols consider representative events to be an integral part of business communication. Traditionally, the Mongols, acting as an inviting party to business meetings, pay for the first and last event of the visit. Alcohol — part of Mongolian hospitality.

Popular topics for informal communication — friendship, geopolitical position of the country, family ties, children. The only thing worth paying attention to, do not bombard the host with questions, they do not like the curious in Mongolia.