Jamaica

Acceptable Public Behavior

Usually greetings start with a handshake, direct eye contact and a warm smile.
Women may hug and kiss on each cheek, starting with the right once a friendship has been established.
During the greeting process or while conversing men often pat each other’s arm or shoulder.
Until you have a relationship you should address people by using Mr., Mrs., or Ms. followed by their surname.
Don’t use their first name until you are asked to do so.

Business Attire

Third-party introductions can speed up the development of personal relationship.
Jamaicans are reserved until they get to know you.
Do not appear overly familiar at the initial greeting.
Socializing is an important part of developing a relationship.
Status is respected in Jamaica.
Jamaicans are not afraid to say what they think and expect others to do the same.
At the same time, they value tact and sensitivity and dislike overt aggression.
Jamaicans value logic and linear thinking.
It is very important to show respect to those in positions of authority.
Communication can be more informal when dealing with people at the same level.
Jamaicans stand very close when conversing.

Appointments are necessary.
Confirm the meeting, by telephone, a few days in advance.
Jamaicans expect punctuality.
Although meetings are somewhat formal, they can have a friendly tone.
Some small talk occurs before business is discussed. Let your Jamaican colleagues decide when it is time to speak about business.
Presentations should not conceal potential problems and they should be complete.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics.
Relationships are viewed as more important than rules.
Business is hierarchical. The person with the most authority makes decisions.
Bargaining is customary and expected.
Don’t put all your cards on the table at once because they won’t.
A great deal of time is spent reviewing details before a contract is drawn up.

Table manners are relatively informal.
The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behavior.
Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Meals are often served buffet-style.
Do not begin eating until the host invites you to start.
When not eating, it is acceptable to keep your hands in your lap.
Try everything since it demonstrates graciousness.
Always use utensils to eat.
It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

Family is very important in Jamaica they are very close with their aunts, uncles, cousins and every one in between.
Jamaicans prefer to put their trust in people they know well such as family and friends.
To become a member of the elite group you must be recommended by a friend or family member.

Sources

A summary of this information can be found at Kwintessential.
For more information go to:
www.kwintessential.co.uk