Business Etiquette

For many Samoans, business involves fisheries or agriculture as this is the main source of income for people on the islands. However, there is still business etiquette that needs to be followed. In Samoan business culture, it is very important to show up to the meeting either slightly early or right on time but never late. Be aware that meetings may start late because Samoans run on their own time.

At the beginning of the meeting, it is expected that a gift be given to the higher power in the meeting. This gift-giving is done publicly as a show of appreciation. If the gift is inadequate, apologize and state it is a token of appreciation. Samoans care more about the gesture of the gift than the gift itself. When one is accepting a gift, they bow slightly and raise the gift above their head to say thank you. This gift-giving is usually the greeting and start of the meeting.

Always dress modestly when attending a Samoan business meeting. For men, this will mean a t-shirt and trousers, for women, this means a blouse and either a long skirt or trousers. Modest clothing is very important in every aspect of Samoan culture. The shirts and skirts of Samoan men and women usually have a flower print and bright colors. Colors and patterns are considered appropriate for business attire. If the meeting involves a matai, then traditional clothing is worn by the matai, and business attire is worn by the participants.

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In American business culture, it is often customary to discuss difficult and uncomfortable topics. Americans also will speak their mind and opinions regardless of how others feel about it. In Samoan etiquette, they will agree with or say what they think the other party wants to hear to avoid ruining relationships. They are very polite people and they will say things they don’t agree with to keep tensions low. This could be a challenge for an American wanting to do business in Samoa.

Another business challenge would be that the Samoan business meeting will be cut short if the meeting runs into prayer time. In Samoan culture, the meeting will be paused and then resume after prayer time or even postponed until the next morning or meeting. Americans often do not interrupt meetings for prayers or anything else. Also presenting a gift is not necessary for American business culture and if a gift is given it is usually tossed to the recipient or just handed over with one hand. Gifts are usually given after the business deal is made and are extravagant. The bigger and more expensive the gift, the bigger the thank you.

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These challenges can be overcome with a little compromise. Samoans are punctual but accustomed to delays in business meetings, so a compromise is to start the meeting five to ten minutes late to allow for some of the Samoan time but also stick to schedule because for Americans time is money. Another strategy is to sit down and have a conversation with a Samoan employee and say what is expected and ask how things can be made easier for them. The key to doing business with different cultures is that both cultures have to show respect for one another. When respect is shown business can be conducted flawlessly.