Human Resource questions

Please research and answer these topics below for the country Singapore. This is for an Expat Package that will be given to an American employee who assigned a job position to work in Singapore for 2 years. So these info will be given to him so he knows some information on how to conduct business in Singapore before he arrives to the country. Please list references in APA format. Conducting Business in Singapore

General Policy Framework
Structural Policies
Workers Rights
General Information on Conducting Business
Business Dress
Addressing Others
Negotiation
General Gift Guidelines
Appreciated Gifts
Gifts to Avoid
Public Behavior
Welcome Topics of Conversation
Topics to avoid

Example based on the country Italy: Conducting Business in Italy General Policy Framework

Italy is the world’s sixth largest economy and is one of the 11 founding members of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). According to public opinion polls, Italy is considered one of the most “pro-euro” European countries.

Italy’s private sector is distinguished by a large number of small and medium-sized firms and a few multinational companies with renowned names such as Fiat, Benetton, and Pirelli. Economic vitality is based in northern Italy, resulting in an economic and social divergence of income between the North and the South that continues to be one of Italy’s most difficult and long-term problems.

The Italian government, prior to 1994, played a dominant role in the economy through regulation and ownership of large industrial and financial companies. The State still has a significant presence and potential blocking power in industrial companies privatized thus far.

Business surveys still refer to an overly bureaucratic system as one of the main stumbling blocks to investing or doing business in Italy.

Due to generous social welfare programs, inefficiency, and projects designed to achieve political objectives, government spending has been high in comparison to EU standards. Sizeable public sector deficits have resulted; all financed by debt.

Structural Policies
Characteristics, such as rigid labor markets, underdeveloped financial markets, and a continued, heavy state role in the production sector, have stunted growth and lessened import demand.
Privatization is reducing the government’s role in the economy. U.S. financial service firms are no longer subject to an incorporation requirement to operate in the Italian market.
Workers Rights
The Right of Association law provides for the right to establish trade unions, join unions, and carry out union activities in the workplace. The unions profess between 35-40 percent of the work force. Trade unions are free of government controls and have no formal tie with political parties. As mentioned in the public transportation section above, the right to strike is part of the constitution and is frequently exercised. A new law in April 2000 changed provisions of a 1990 measure governing strikes affecting essential public services (e.g., transport, sanitation and health). The new law defined minimum service to be maintained during a strike as 50 percent of normal, with staffing by at least one-third the normal work force. The law created mandatory cooling off periods and more severe punishments for violations. Besides transportation unions, the law also protects lawyers and self-employed taxi drivers. These changes received the backing of the three major national trade union confederations, which wanted to avoid inconvenience to both tourists and travelers during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year.
The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively provides workers the right to organize and bargain collectively, and these rights are respected in practice. By custom-- not by law-- national collective bargaining agreements apply to all workers, regardless of union affiliation. Dismissal of workers must be justified in writing. If a judge feels a dismissal was not warranted, he can order that a dismissed worker be reinstated or compensated. In companies employing more than 15 workers, the option to choose between reinstatement and compensation is the worker’s. In companies with fewer than 15 workers, this decision is the employer’s.
The employment of children under age 15 is expressly forbidden, with some limited exceptions, and demands that those between the ages of 15 and 18 receive their education either in a school for academic instruction or at a job site for vocational training.
Unlike in the U.S., minimum wages are not set by law, but rather by a collective bargaining agreement on a sector by sector basis. Overtime is limited to 2 hours per day or an average of 12 hours per week.
Courts enforce fines and sometimes prison time for violations of health and safety laws. As in the U.S., workers have the right to leave dangerous work situations without endangering their continued employment.
General Information on Conducting Business

Italians would rather do business with a superficial acquaintance rather than a complete stranger. You should look for a well-connected contact who can establish the right introductions on your behalf.
Although punctuality is not as much of a priority, it is usually a good policy to arrive on time. Be prepared to wait 15 to 45 minutes before your Italian counterpart appears or lets you into his or her office. Bring work, a book or another diversion to fill the time while you wait.
Northern business hours for small businesses, shops and public offices are usually 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, many businesses are open Saturday mornings. Larger companies usually work from 8:30 to 9:00 until 6:00 to 6:30 with an hour or so for lunch.
In many cities, such as Rome, there is a long break lasting up to two hours, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Business is often discussed during this break, over lunch.
Usually, the best times to plan appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and after 3:00 p.m.
Be aware of summer vacation times. Most companies are closed in August.

Business Dress

Dressing well is a priority here. Your social standing, relative success, and business competence are all reflected in your clothing.

Clothing is generally on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. Try to make clothing decisions that are tasteful and stylish.
Italians never wear scuffed, shineless or unfashionable shoes. If in doubt, wear the best pair of shoes you own.
While you should make every effort to look your best, you'll probably find it difficult to “out style” the Italians.
Men should wear expensive, sophisticated ties and well-cut dark suits.
Men often wear accessories such as cuff links, tie clips, and stylish watches.
Choose only quality fabrics, such as light-weight wools and silks.
Women should wear feminine clothing and dress simply and with elegance. Accessorizing is a common practice. Dresses or suits are acceptable.
The most commonly worn colors are darker, subdued shades. Brighter colors should be reserved for accessories.
Italian businesswomen usually wear more makeup and jewelry than American women.
It is normal for women not to wear stockings in the summer.
Both men and women use perfumes and colognes frequently.
When you receive an invitation for a social gathering stating “informal” dress, you should wear tastefully coordinated clothes and for men, sometimes you should include a jacket and tie.
An invitation stating “formal” dress usually means formal evening wear.
Shorts are unacceptable in public. They are reserved only for foreign tourists. You may not be admitted into a church wearing shorts, a sundress or even a sleeveless top. If it is very warm and you are wearing a sleeveless top or sundress, it would be wise to carry a shawl or scarf to cover up when it is time to enter the church.
On the street, jeans and sneakers can be acceptable casual wear, especially for young people, but this kind of clothing is often reserved for the gym or the beach. This type of dress is NOT considered suitable in any business context.

Addressing Others

Wait until you are invited before using first names. People continue to use titles and surnames even when they have worked together for years. It is usually a sign of respect, though it can also mean that they feel that they do not know each other well enough to be on a first name basis.
In most Italian companies, executives and subordinates continue to use titles and surnames only. The corporate culture of using first names has become common, though, in many large Italian multinationals.
You are expected to use “Signore” [Mr.] and “Signora” [Mrs.], plus the family name, when introduced to strangers.
“Signorina” [Miss] is rarely used in Italy today, and is best avoided. It is most commonly used when a woman is relatively young, i.e., late teens or early twenties, and is not married.
Where a title is known, it is best to use it, since a title relating to a university degree has higher status than "Signore" or "Signora."
A male university graduate is given the title of “Dottore”, while the female equivalent is “Dottoressa.” If in doubt whether someone has a degree or not it is best to err on the side of caution. Paying a compliment even if it is incorrect is forgivable.
Italian business etiquette calls for constant use of personal and professional titles, whether in casual conversation or formal writing. Therefore, ensure that you learn and use the titles of everyone you encounter.
If you have to call over a server or clerk, you may use the phrase “senta”, which basically means, “please come here.”

Negotiation

Most Italians in Italy do not speak English well, so you will probably need a translator in business situations. Health Aid has a large array of employees who speak Italian, some of whom, are specifically hired to translate at business meetings.
If your Italian counterpart does speak reasonable English, present discussions in a clear and simple manner. It is highly unlikely that he or she would admit to not understanding any of the conversation.
Italians generally prefer to do business with only the most important people in any organization.
The use of business cards is common and you should have your card translated into Italian on one side. Ensure that any advanced educational degrees and your full title or position are featured on both sides of your business card. Very senior Italian businesspeople usually have less information on their business cards.
In Italy, people are expected to behave with a sense of decorum and formality at all times. This concept is known as "bella figura" ["beautiful figure"] and is often used in reference to the ability to put on a good performance or simply to present oneself well. Moreover, there is a belief that behaving appropriately, especially out of loyalty to family members, friends, and neighbors, contributes to the beauty and sense of order in the world.
Initial meetings are usually conducted in the office, where your Italian counterparts will assess you, your proposal and company. Present yourself in a warm, dignified manner during the meeting.
The goal should be to cultivate feelings of respect and trust between yourself and your Italian colleagues. Do everything you can to show how your proposal enhances their "bella figura."
Whether you are worth knowing and doing business with may be more important than the actual details of your proposal. Still, it's important that you bring a carefully planned, logically organized proposal to the meeting.
All presentation materials and packaging should be aesthetically pleasing. In this culture, it is essential that things and people look good: appearance is frequently considered more important than "what's inside."
Italians are generally receptive to new ideas and concepts, although you may not perceive any change in the opinions of the participants.
Hierarchy is key, especially in larger traditional Italian businesses where the importance of the "cordata" (chain of command) cannot be underestimated. A belief in status and hierarchy fills all aspects of Italian society.
There is incredible respect for power and age.

There are not large numbers of women at the highest levels of business and government in Italy. Women may be treated with particular respect by Italian men, but not necessarily to the point of attaining equal recognition or authority in business settings. You may want to speak with Gloria DeSio regarding her experiences in the equality arena. Our impression at HQ is that she has had little problem in this area.
In business settings, the individual with authority rarely has to raise his or her voice. In most cases, however, Italians speak loudly, animatedly, and interruptions are to be expected.
Italian communication tends to be eloquent, wordy, demonstrative, and emotional.
Italians tend to be guided by their feelings. Consequently, ensure that the Italians you do business with decide that they like and trust you.
Italian businesspeople will often base their decisions on what has worked for others in similar situations--even when the two situations may not be directly related to each other. Therefore, if an idea does not correspond with an individual’s subjective experience or opinion, it is often rejected.
Italians will look at the specifics of each situation instead of seek guidance from a law or policy to solve a problem.
The Roman Catholic Church remains a strong influence in all areas of life.
In Italian business culture, most decisions are made in “closed quarters” by various people, not just the highest figure in authority. There are, however, a large proportion of family-owned businesses here; in these organizations, the head of the family usually makes the final decision.
Final decisions are slow and drawn out, usually taking several months to a year.
Be patient, since rushing or putting pressure on the decision-making process will be an affront to Italian business protocol.
Italians will sometimes make sudden, unexpected demands as a way of unsettling the other side. The use of this strategy does not automatically mean the negotiations will collapse.
The relationships between families, friends, and neighbors are of crucial importance, especially in the south of Italy.
Honor and personal pride are critical in this culture. Never insult the honor or personal pride of the Italians, their families, their towns, or their friends.
Employees provide what their bosses expect of them, and the preparation of reports and plans can be time-consuming and even complicated. Compiling the information required in order to do what your boss expects from you, or creating consensus among your colleagues in order to accomplish a particular goal, can take a considerable amount of time. All of this occurs in a formal and sometimes very rigid hierarchical structure. Deadlines and efficiency are usually secondary to considerations such as attention to detail and logic.
Publicly complimenting and rewarding employees are not often done.
The Italians, generally, can be receptive to criticism, as long as it is constructive. Try, however, not to be too blunt.
In Italy, office and washroom doors often remain closed, so ensure that you knock before making an entrance. And when leaving a room, always close the door behind you.

General Gift Guidelines

Give a business gift only after you receive one first.
Gifts are expected for social events, especially to express your thanks after you have been invited to a dinner party at a home.
Gifts are usually opened at the time they are given and received.

Appreciated Gifts

Your gift should be a prestigious brand name that is at the same time small and not obviously expensive.
Gifts of alcohol or crafts from your own country are often good choices.
If you want to give a gift to someone who has been particularly helpful around the office, good choices include fine pens, a framed print/picture, silver key chains, or calculators. Regardless, make sure your gift has a reputable brand name!
Secretaries generally appreciate a gift of flowers or chocolates.

If you are invited to a home, bring gift-wrapped chocolates or flowers. In accordance with the old European tradition, never give an even number of flowers. Do not give chrysanthemums; they are acceptable only for funerals. And, remember, red roses are for romantic occasions only.
If you are invited to a home and decide to give wine, buy a good vintage. Bring one or two (maximum) bottles. A good wine or spirit from home could be an excellent choice as Italians are interested in learning about other countries. If you bring a present from home be ready with a short description of what it is and why you have chosen it.
If you are staying with a family, good gift selections can include coffee table books about your home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country.
Holiday cards can be appropriate, particularly as an expression of thanks to your business associates. Ensure that your cards are mailed in time to be received a week before Christmas. Card sending is not very common in Italy, so your card will be received with interest.

Gifts to Avoid

Gifts showcasing your company's logo
Brooches and handkerchiefs---these items are associated with funerals
Gifts wrapped in black and gold paper--traditionally, these are the colors of mourning
Gifts or wrappings in purple--this color is considered a symbol of bad luck
Knives or any other type of sharp object--such items may be interpreted to suggest the severing of a friendship or other close bond.

Public Behavior

In general, Italians prefer third-party introductions if possible.
You will always be introduced to older people and women first and it is best to follow this protocol when introducing yourself.
Make sure you shake hands with everyone in a group when meeting and departing. It is polite while doing this to say "buon giorno" (in the morning) and "buona sera" (in the late afternoon and evening).
Warm and spirited handshakes can be common for both business and social occasions.
Italians usually greet people they know with an embrace.
Italians are frequently very animated and like to gesture with their hands while talking. Often, they gesture good-naturedly to stress a point or feeling.
Although gestures are common among Italians, they would not expect someone from another culture to do the same. When you know your Italian colleague well, returning a warm embrace would be well appreciated and accepted as friendly.
You will see people, i.e., men with women, men with men, and women with women, walking arm in arm or holding hands in public, especially in the evening, during a traditional stroll known as "passeggiata."
Your Italian colleagues may stand much closer to you than you feel comfortable with. Italian personal space is smaller than that of northern Europeans and significantly smaller than that of Americans.
You may also experience some light pushing and shoving while standing in lines. It is not unusual to see a person walk right up to the front of a line and get served first because of the relationship he or she has with the clerk.
Line jumping is not the crime in Italy that it is in other countries. Italians are very tolerant of cutting in line. There is even admiration for someone who cuts in line and beats the system.
On public transportation, younger people should give up their seats to older people, while men should still give up their seats to women.
Eye contact remains direct and is the way Italians show their interest. Looking away may be thought of as a sign of boredom or rudeness. An implied romantic interest usually occurs when the eyes of two strangers meet and linger.
Do not seat yourself at a gathering; if possible, wait for the host to tell you where to sit.
Placing the hand on the stomach signifies dislike, usually for another person.
Rubbing the chin with the fingertips, and then flinging them forward, is a gesture of contempt.
Contorting the fingers and hand to resemble the devil's horns pointed outward is an obscene gesture. Pointing the fingers inward, however, is a sign to ward off evil.
Pointing with the index and little finger is a gesture used only when wishing someone bad luck.

Two extremely offensive gestures are slapping one's raised arm above the elbow and thumbing the nose.
In public, gum chewing, leaning, and slouching are unacceptable. Likewise, it is rare to see Italian businesspeople eating as they walk along a street. Eating an ice cream is the only acceptable exception to this.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

Italian architecture
Italian art and films
Sports, especially soccer
Italian food and wine
The Italian landscape
Opera
Praising the hospitality you are receiving
Current events
Culture, history and current affairs in your home country

Topics to Avoid

Religion/the Vatican and its policies
Politics
Taxes
The Mafia
World War II
Criticizing Italian culture, even if your Italian counterparts are doing so
Criticizing Italian inefficiencies, especially if your Italian counterparts are doing so
Negative Italian stereotypes
Inquiring about the profession or income of someone you've just met
Questions about private family concerns
Negative comments about the local soccer team
Making “off-color” jokes