This study of the Danish Foreign Ministry and the diplomats within it serves as an excellent analysis of the culture of diplomacy. It begins by outlining some aspects of diplomatic etiquette, or protocol as it is known in diplomatic circles. Small intricacies like a gentlemen never wearing brown shoes and white socks after 6 p.m., or a lady refraining from wearing jewels or pearls in the afternoon are referred to. Less trivial behaviour is also considered, such as an ability to comment on negative situations in a tactful manner, to refrain from speaking negatively about anyone or anything and to draw discreet attention to something that is considered wrong or to highlight it through anecdotes. 

 The personal characteristics of a solid diplomat are listed and include truthfulness, calm, accuracy, patience, good humour, modesty and loyalty. More precise and workable skills like self control, an ability to formulate one’s thoughts, an ability to read a situation, an instinct for discreet flattery and a talent for making contact with people are also listed.

 Attention is drawn to the particularly competitive nature found in diplomatic culture. It begins with attempts to enter the foreign ministry and there an emphasis is placed on how difficult it is to be chosen for one of a few jobs. There is a feeling of elitism within the profession that starts in these early stages and is by no means subdued upon entry into the ministry. The vast majority of diplomats strive for not only positioning within an embassy, but eventual appointment to Ambassador. It then progresses into competition as to who has the ‘ear of the Minister’ (i.e. influence over the Minister of Foreign Affairs) as well posting locations. The difference between being sent to a small African country and NATO, the UN, Washington or Brussels is immense.

 Rank within diplomatic culture is not merely indicated by how the diplomat holds him or herself. There are many subtle signs that a trained eye will pick up upon to determine a diplomat’s rank. It is not just the salary grade and title that are changed when a diplomat is promoted. There is also a change in the number of rooms and bathrooms in the home and the contents of drawers and cupboards, all in line with to the Ministry’s strict rules. According to the Danish Foreign Ministry, the embassy counsellor must have eighteen stainless steel pastry forks of the Erik Rosendahl A/S brand. A commercial counsellor need only have twelve pastry forks, while an attaché is provided with eight. The most distinguished ambassadors have three pepper pots while the others must be content with two.

In short, this paper deals with many aspects of diplomatic culture that are considered superficial outside its ranks. The question that arises pertains to whether or not, and to what degree, a diplomat’s ‘world’, or diplomatic culture in general, hampers successful and productive interaction with other professional cultures. Can a sometimes trivial world of stainless steel pastry forks be expected to successfully interact with, for example, cut-throat corporate culture?

Source: Mette Boritz – The Hidden Culture of Diplomat Practice: A Study of the Danish Foreign Service

This official site of Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) gently warns those wishing to enter the foreign service. Family life can pay a heavy price for the profession depending on where the diplomat is posted. Adapting and adjusting to moves every few years, and restrictions on movement in the receiving state for political and security reasons, are but a few examples. Children move from school to school and spouses often have a difficult time finding employment. These are some of the less glamorous aspects of the diplomatic culture.

This short abstract shows that diplomatic uniforms were employed in Serbia & Montenegro as far back as the 19^th Century. Wearing these uniforms was a responsibility that went hand in hand with the privileges and immunities enjoyed by diplomats. The official clothes were a combination of traditional elements and the immediate environment, mixed with Europe at large. This aspect of diplomatic culture undoubtedly defined the classes of diplomatic representation, establishing a package of both cultural (traditional Serb influences) and professional (diplomatic ranking ranging from ambassador to scribe) identity.

Source: ‘Diplomatic-consular Uniforms of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia’, Mirjana Milenkovic

“What we provide, what the career service provides, is depth of knowledge, continuity of experience with issues, and a certain familiarity with the outside world in which we've worked (by the time you get to a senior position), all our lives. You know the people. In many cases, you're quite well aware of the cultural differences and the historic traditions of different cultures and different nations. All of that, as I say, is part of the bread and butter of diplomacy.”

This 1982 interview with Philip Habib, a career US diplomat, deals in part with bridging cultural barriers through a knowledge of historic traditions and language. It also focuses on the diplomat’s role abroad, at home and as a civil servant. 

In response to a question about American understanding of the world and different peoples, Habib gives an interesting description of the methods the State Department would use to increase its understanding of different regions and cultures (Formulating Foreign Policy). He states, “When I was Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, I had an advisory committee that met three or four times a year, and it consisted of people from those various communities whom we would clear, so they could come in. We would present our problems to them, and say, "This is what we're working on, this is what we're thinking. What do you think?" We would try to produce for these meetings that expertise which would supplement our own expertise. Now if we wanted to be arrogant, we could have said, "Oh, we don't need them, we know all that we need to know." But you never know all that you need to know. So, as a result, I had this committee which for three days would sit in a very quite place, sometimes in Washington, sometimes out of Washington, and review what we were doing. We send our professionals out into the American university system, either as students in an in-service training program, or as diplomats in residence, or just as speech-makers. The fact that we do that indicates that we're trying to tap the larger pool of knowledge of what's going on in the world that exists in the university system, and that has, I think, served very well to increase our understanding.

 Source: The Work of Diplomacy: Conversation with Philip Habib, 14 May 1982 – By Harry Kreisler

 The following has been taken and revised from a paper produced by the Taiwanese government. It makes reference to some of the ways in which diplomats conduct themselves in order to make a good initial impression, and subsequently begin to build bridges.

 Occasions that Warrant Diplomacy: Receptions, exhibitions, sightseeing, dining, entertainment, official visits, courtesy calls, international conferences, academic seminars, commercial negotiations, sport events, business trips, funerals, weddings and entertaining overseas VIPs and visitors (including family members).

 Core Competencies: Linguistic literacy, punctuality, courtesy and elegance, table manners, diplomatic etiquette, attention to social customs, awareness of religious taboos, attractive personal habits, positive body language, dress sense and risk management.

 Preparation: Collect relevant information pertaining to the guest(s) or host(s) including personal background, professional and academic achievements, personal interests, national stereotypes, proper language and useful information on locality.

 The Language Approach: Whether to take an instructive or consultative approach, and when to be interrogative, aggressive, conclusive or persuasive. An awareness of when to make the appropriate comment is vital, or more to the point when not to make an inappropriate comment; no exaggeration, personal attacks, gossip, cheap jokes, dirty language or slang.

 Interaction: Emphasis is placed on being a good listener, not interrupting, being thoughtful and sympathetic, attentive and objective. Delicate observation is important, as is eye contact with all members of the group at hand.

 Signs in Body Language:  A guest's or host's body language has hidden significance. In addition to the verbal supplement, body language can often be used to replace a spoken statement. A smart interpreter can detect useful information from the natural and artificial, intentional and unintentional behaviour of people by observing their facial expression, hand gestures, limbs and other parts of the body.

Obstacles to Effective Communication: A noisy environment, a language barrier, inattentiveness, periods of silence in conversation, prejudicial or preconceived notions, a ‘yes is no and no is yes’ assumption, extended speech, intended confusion and moodiness.

Paying close attention to these aforementioned points is the first step in gaining trust and acceptance in diplomatic circles. From here more concrete relationships can blossom, eventually turning the diplomat into a bridge between his own and the host country; observing international etiquette and cultural differences serves as the foundation of this bridge.

Source: International Etiquette and Cultural Differences – Government of Taiwan