fb

How to impress over a business lunch…

How to impress over a business lunch…

Picture the scene. You’ve got an important business lunch coming up. You want to make a good impression on the person you are meeting with. What should you eat for lunch?

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology has some interesting findings which indicate that if you have an important business lunch, there are various benefits to ordering the same food as the person you are trying to impress.

Scientists from the University of Chicago studied nearly 500 people to identify whether eating the same food helped them agree in negotiations.

The researcher’s conclusion was that people who are served the same food are more likely to trust each other, smooth out problems and make deals.

As part of the study, participants in the research were told to imagine they were “investors” who had to decide whether to invest in funds operated by their “fund manager” eating partners. The researchers found that those people who were served similar food invested more money.

Another interesting finding in the study was the link between food consumption and the effectiveness of advertising. The authors said that “consumers are more trusting of information about non-food products – e.g. a software product – when the advertiser in the product testimonial eats similar food to them”.

Back to the business lunch though and although the research found that there are benefits to ordering the same food as the person you are trying to impress, I’m not sure that if you’re wearing a nice clean white shirt to the lunch meeting you should necessarily follow the other person in ordering that “tricky to eat tidily spaghetti with the sloppy tomato sauce”…

Share this entry

Related articles

View All Articles

Recent articles

View All Articles
McDonald’s and Ansoff
Dec 07, 2023
Title
McDonald’s and Ansoff
Excerpt

McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, is once again making headlines with its innovative venture into the coffee market. […]

Age and Leadership: The EY Succession Debate
Nov 14, 2023
Title
Age and Leadership: The EY Succession Debate
Excerpt

As business students, we often study leadership transitions in major corporations to understand the dynamics at play and […]

Which professional qualification is for you?
Nov 06, 2023
Title
Which professional qualification is for you?
Excerpt

Navigating the world of professional business qualifications can be a daunting task for business students. It’s crucial to […]

Deloitte’s $1.59 million fine for backdating audit workpapers
Nov 02, 2023
Title
Deloitte’s $1.59 million fine for backdating audit workpapers
Excerpt

In the world of accounting and auditing, maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism is paramount. However, […]

Famous accountants, but not for accounting…
Oct 13, 2023
Title
Famous accountants, but not for accounting…
Excerpt

Accounting, often called the “language of business”, has served as a foundational skillset for many who’ve achieved greatness […]

IPOs explained: a look at Birkenstock’s Debut
Oct 12, 2023
Title
IPOs explained: a look at Birkenstock’s Debut
Excerpt

The world of stock markets, shares, and public offerings can be daunting, but understanding these processes is crucial […]

PwC Australia and the “Rule of Three”
Sep 21, 2023
Title
PwC Australia and the “Rule of Three”
Excerpt

As the future business leaders of tomorrow, it’s crucial for students to stay updated on key developments in […]

CIMA VS ACCA: which is best for you? (and what about CMA?)
Sep 15, 2023
Title
CIMA VS ACCA: which is best for you? (and what about CMA?)
Excerpt

When it comes to a career in accounting or finance, deciding which professional qualification to pursue can be […]