International Meeting Etiquette

Time is not universal. While a clock in Berlin ticks at the same speed as one in Rio de Janeiro, the perception of time varies wildly. In some cultures, being late is an insult; in others, being early is suspicious. Here is how to navigate the minefield of global meeting etiquette.

The Two Types of Time

Anthropologists divide the world into two camps: Monochronic (Clock Time) and Polychronic (Event Time). Knowing which one you're dealing with is 90% of the battle.

Clock Time Cultures

Germany, USA, Japan, Switzerland, Scandinavia

Philosophy: Time is money. It is a scarce resource to be managed, saved, and spent efficiently.
The Rule: The meeting starts at 9:00 AM sharp. If you arrive at 9:05 AM, you have already apologized twice.
Meeting Style: Stick to the agenda. Small talk is inefficient. Decisions are made quickly. Interruptions are rude.

Event Time Cultures

Latin America, Mediterranean, Middle East, India

Philosophy: Time is fluid. Relationships are more important than schedules. A meeting ends when the conversation is done, not when the clock strikes the hour.
The Rule: The meeting starts when everyone is ready. Arriving 15 minutes "late" is often just "on time."
Meeting Style: The agenda is a suggestion. Interruptions are normal and show engagement. Trust must be established before business is discussed.

The Global Punctuality Cheat Sheet

Region	"On Time" Means...	The Vibe
Japan	10 minutes early	Formal, hierarchical, silence is okay.
Germany	Exact time	Direct, factual, no humor in business.
USA / UK	Exact to 5 mins late	Friendly but focused on "action items."
France	10-15 mins late	Debate is sport. Disagreement is expected.
Brazil	15-30 mins late	Warm, physical contact, lots of small talk.
Saudi Arabia	Flexible	Prayer times take precedence. Tea is mandatory.

Tips for the Global Meeting Host

If you are organizing a meeting with a diverse group, you are the bridge.

Set Expectations: If you need a hard start, say "We have a tight schedule today." If you want to be flexible, schedule a buffer.
Watch the Silence: In Western cultures, silence is awkward. In Asian cultures, silence is thought. Don't rush to fill the gap; you might interrupt someone's thinking process.
Confirm Understanding: "Yes" doesn't always mean "I agree." In some high-context cultures (like Japan or China), "Yes" just means "I hear you." Ask open-ended questions to verify agreement.

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