Final answer:
Business customs that are helpful but not mandatory are called elective practices. These differ from restrictive practices which reduce competition without formal agreements on prices or output. Elective practices can benefit business growth and international relations but are not strictly required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Business customs to which adaptation is helpful but not necessary are known as elective practices. These practices can be seen as suggestions or preferred methods that could benefit a company, but not adhering to them doesn't typically result in serious consequences. This contrasts with restrictive practices, which reduce competition but are not formal agreements among firms to control prices or production.
Understanding elective practices can be advantageous for businesses, especially when they're involved in international operations or trying to accommodate diverse customer preferences. However, the necessity to adapt to these customs might not be as critical as following the laws and regulations that govern fair competition and business operations, like avoiding restrictive practices.
Companies should be mindful that these elective business customs can influence success and relationships in various markets and may indirectly contribute to business growth and the potential for business mergers. It's also important for multinational companies to be aware of these customs when entering foreign nations to maximize opportunities and foster good will.