QUIZ. This quiz will teach you a little bit more about how different cultures react and think about certain situations. Take this quiz and see how much you know.

In which continent should one never touch the head of another person, especially children?

Africa

Asia

South America

Europe

In which country is a powerful handshake between men extremely important?

Russia

Pakistan

Brazil

Gambia

Where is it considered extremely offensive to chew gum in public?

Australia

New Zealand

United States

South Africa

In which country is name’s sakes day more important than a birthday, and should never be forgotten?

Germany

Chad

France

Uruguay

Where is it most important to accept a business card with the utmost respect?

China

Zimbabwe

Venezuela

Japan

In which country is it considered lewd behavior to smile at a stranger?

Germany

Russia

Costa Rica

Mexico

Where is tipping considered extremely offensive?

Japan

Malaysia

Saudi Arabia

Italy

In which country is it best to avoid using the left hand?

India

Australia

Paraguay

Sweden

Where is it considered rude to finish all the food on one’s plate?

Senegal

China

Finland

Chile

Where should you always remember to say hello or risk coming across as rude?

France

Panama

Vietnam

Canada

In which country should a vehicle’s horn only be used in an emergency?

Philippines

Cuba

Norway

Nigeria

Where is the act of a woman greeting a man considered immoral?

Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia

Israel

Mongolia

In which country should the “okay” sign never be used?

 

Germany

Benin

Brazil

China

Where should you not eat in public spaces, other than restaurants?

Taiwan

Columbia

Denmark

Iran

In which part of the world should the soles of one’s feet never be shown?

Europe

South America

Middle East

Asia

 

How successful are you after completing the quiz? Do you think you are quite knowledgeable in cultural awareness? Why? Why not?

4. PAIR & SHARE. Here are some “do’s and don’ts” which may help you in dealing with the English. Read them carefully and then make up similar pieces of advice about the Russians.

· Do remember to shake hands on first meetings. Do not, as the Germans do, shake hands on every occasion. People will find you strange.

· Do make direct eye-contact with your British counterpart, however remember to keep it to a minimum or it could be considered impolite or rude. Don’t stare them down.

· Do say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ whenever possible. Even when you get off the bus. Do remember that you will hardly ever hear an outright ‘No’ from your partners. It is more likely that you will get an evasive or ambiguous response. So pay attention to the tone of voice and facial expression.

· Do accept a drink if offered. Remember it is your turn to buy the next round.

· Don’t fold your arms across your chest in a meeting. This indicates boredom.

· Don’t underestimate the importance of humour in all aspects of business in the UK. And keep in mind: the British do not announce their jokes. They just tell them.

· Don’t forget that instructions are often disguised as polite requests. “It is quite warm in here,” means “Could you please open the window? Now”.

· Don’t wear striped ties of you can help it as you might inadvertedly get associated with one of the fancier public schools when in fact it is just your personal taste.

· Don’t ask personal questions regarding your British counterpart’s background, occupation or income.

· Don’t talk in a loud voice or display disruptive behaviour. This is considered impolite and occasionally scares people. That is, unless you are in a pub.

· Don’t brag too much about your achievements, income, language skills, etc. It is ok to be proud of things, but be so in private.

1. COMMUNICATION PRACTICE

Tips for dealing with people who belong to different cultures

 

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Many books about multicultural management suggest that the world can be divided into three geographical groups:

1) North America

2) Europe, Latin America, Middle East

3) Japan, China, East Asia