Laos🕣
State in Southeast Asia, in the center of the Indochina Peninsula. Official name – the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Population – 7.4 million people (as of 2020). Capital – Vientiane. Official language – Lao. Government type - people's democratic state with a presidential-parliamentary system. Main religion – Buddhism.
Laos
Greeting
In Laos' business practice, various forms of greeting can be observed. In meetings with representatives of foreign companies and organizations, it is customary to greet each other with a handshake. This ritual applies to all participants, regardless of gender.
The traditional Lao greeting is called **nop** or **wai**, and some experts refer to it as **nyok my wai**: palms are pressed together in a prayer-like gesture at the chest or head level, but not higher than the nose. This gesture is often accompanied by a slight bow toward the other person.
In addition to greeting, **nop** often carries additional meaning depending on the position of the hands and the depth of the bow. The higher the hands are raised and the deeper the bow, the greater the respect the person shows to their counterpart. Through **nop**, Laotians express feelings of appreciation and gratitude.
Businesswomen visiting the country should be aware that Lao male partners may not initiate a handshake during greetings, as this is not customary in their culture.
If you are meeting with a small group of Lao partners, start by greeting the person with the highest position. This demonstrates both respect and knowledge of local customs.
Status, which is primarily reflected in a person's position, rank, or age, is a very important aspect of Laos' business culture. For example, status determines the order of greetings in a group or establishes who should enter the meeting room first for negotiations.
Introduction
Lao naming traditions are similar to those in many Western countries, meaning that every citizen of this country has both a first name and a surname. This practice did not develop immediately; historically, Lao people only had first names. Surnames appeared relatively recently, in 1943, when they were introduced by law.
In Laos' business culture, it is customary to use titles, academic ...
Exchange of Business Cards
In Lao business practices, exchanging business cards typically takes place when partners are introduced during the first meeting.
In addition to the surname, first name, position, company name, and contact information, it is customary to include the cardholder's educational degree, academic title, and professional qualifications, if applicable.
It is advisable to prepare busin...
Small Talk: Overview
In Lao business culture, great importance is placed on developing and maintaining relationships. This is especially important when dealing with foreign partners, so pay special attention to casual conversation with your Lao counterparts.
Your Lao partners will definitely appreciate it if you say a few words in their native language. Even if you make mistakes or say something incorrectly...
Preferred Topics
Family, specifically the extended family, which includes relatives and even close friends.
The country or city you are from, in general, your background.
Work and topics related to professional activities.
Current events and daily news....
Taboo Topics
The conversation may touch upon the fact that Laos is a developing country with a significant portion of its population living in poverty. Avoid making harsh or blunt judgments on this topic, as it may hurt the feelings of your conversation partners.
Any negative remarks (even if veiled) about other people will always lead to a "loss of face" for your counterparts, which disrupts the ha...
Personal Space
The distance for comfortable communication in Lao culture may vary slightly depending on the situation and the participants involved. During a conversation, interlocutors (both men and women) typically stand at arm's length from each other.
If the conversation involves a superior and a subordinate, the distance between them increases, exceeding the arm's length. Conversely, friends or c...
Communication Specifics
In Lao culture, the concept of "face" and the related ideas of "losing face" and "saving face" are very important. This concept refers to a person's reputation and image. Losing face occurs when someone is criticized, contradicted, or humiliated in the presence of others.
For Lao people, maintaining their own face and preventing others from losing face is a crucial part of communication...
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