How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries 9. What will you need to know in 2010 or 2020 to work in Asia? As Hans Koehler pointed out in his Preface, we live in changing times. In this century China and India are changing the economic balance of the world. But many of the cultural tenets presented in Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia took hundreds or thousands of years to develop. These stable precepts help us understand why people behave differently around the world, and they will help you to avoid global marketing faux pas | Indonesia 53 sex in public even if you are husband and wife. On the other hand contact between people of the same sex is permitted. Men may hold hands with men or even walk with their arms around each other this is interpreted as nothing except friendship. Among both Muslims and Hindus the left hand is considered unclean. Eat with your right hand only. Where possible do not touch anything or anyone with your left hand if you can use your right hand instead. Accept gifts and hold cash in the right hand. Obviously when both hands are needed use them both. The foot is also considered unclean. Do not move anything with your feet do not point with your feet and do not touch anything with your feet. Feet should not be rested on tables or desks. Do not show the soles of your feet or shoes. This restriction determines how one sits you can cross your legs at the knee but not with one ankle on your knee. Pounding one fist into the palm of your other hand is an obscene gesture among some Indonesians. The head is considered the seat of the soul by many Indonesians. Never touch someone s head not even to pat the hair of a child. As in much of the world to beckon someone you hold your hand out palm downward and make a scooping motion with the fingers. Beckoning someone with the palm up and wagging one finger can be construed as an insult. It is impolite to point with your forefinger. Point with your right thumb and a closed fist like a hitchhiker . This gesture is also used to mean you go first. Standing tall with your hands on your hips the arms akimbo position is always interpreted as an angry aggressive posture. Indeed this position is used as a ritualized symbol of anger in the Indonesian wayang shadow puppet theater. Gifts Gift giving is a traditional part of Indonesian culture. Although gifts may be small they are often exchanged. Gifts can celebrate virtually any occasion when you return from a trip when you are invited to an Indonesian home when a visitor 54 Kiss Bow or
