Cultural know-how

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 1784.

Decide whether the statements are true or false and then check your answers by reading the article.

1. In Singapore, the word `no' is considered impolite.

2. In Greece, you should nod your head upwards to say `yes'.

3. In Italy, it is a bad idea to turn up late for a meeting.

4. In the Netherlands, it is a bad idea to turn up late for a meeting.

5. In Japan, the business card is very important and should be treated with respect.

6. In Russia, you should not argue during business deals.

7. In Turkey, you should not insist on sharing the restaurant bill with your host.

8. In Mexico, you should be careful about proposing dinner arrangements with your client.

Learning about a country's culture can help you secure good working relations on your travels.

1.Do you arrive 10 minutes early for an importantbusiness meeting in Rio or 10 minutes late inAmsterdam? In Moscow, is it a good idea to give ground at an early stage of the negotiations? Andin Istanbul, should you offer to go Dutch with thehost on the restaurant bill?

2.Mastering the local etiquette can be more valuablethan learning the language, because so much ofthe world does business in English. Or a form of English. "Beware that an English word or phrasedoesn't always mean the same thing abroad,"warns Michael Bennett, who sells security systems in South East Asia. "In Japan andSingapore, people feel that `no' is an impoliteword, and will sometimes say `yes' to avoidcausing offence. What they really mean is `Iunderstand what you're saying', not `I agree'. I'mtold that in Indonesia there are 12 words for `yes'that mean precisely the opposite."

3.Even the movement of your head can be open tomisinterpretation. Publisher Robin Touquet has had difficulties in Athens: "The Greeks traditionallyuse an upward nod of the head to say `no', and atilt of the head from side to side to mean `yes'. Iwas ready for that, but didn't realise the younger generation have learnt to do it our way. Confusionall round. If in doubt, keep still."

4. The issue of punctuality is almost as complicated. Oil company executive Malcolm Thorburn deliberately turns up a few minutes late formeetings in Brazil "because Brazilians believelatecomers are more likely to be commerciallysuccessful than people who arrive early. They'reimpressed by people who are relaxed enough not to worry about the clock. The Italians take asimilar attitude. They believe that arriving lateshows who is the boss." However, don't risk thatin the Netherlands. "The Dutch frown upon lateness," warns film finance agent James Hindle: "They believe that people who can't use their timewisely cannot be trusted."

5.Hindle has also experienced the ceremony ofexchanging business cards in Japan. "Thebusiness card is seen as representing theindividual, so the whole affair has to be treatedwith respect. You must accept your client's cardwith both hands, perhaps admiring it, and thenplace it carefully in your cardholder."

6.The social side of Japanese commerce can alsounnerve the western visitor, who might have to go a karaoke bar and sing. "Many Japanesebusinessmen like to conclude business by performing their favourite song in a karaoke bar,"says management trainer Nicole Wehden. "You'reexpected to follow suit."

7.In Russia, the ritual of the business meeting ismore theatrical skill. "I've seen temper tantrums, sudden walkouts, table-thumping and so on, butit's all part of the fun," says Michael Bennett. "Andthey admire you more if you stick to your guns.Seeking a compromise early is seen as a sign ofweakness."

8.In almost every business community around theworld, the host pays for the meal. Malcolm Thorburn was wined and dined in Istanbul, and allwent well until he insisted on paying his share: "It caused real embarrassment, "he recalls."InTurkey, the idea of sharing a bill is quite alien. Thebest policy is to thank your host and return thecompliment at the first opportunity."

9.Insurance underwriter Toni Morrison causedsupper-time embarrassment in Mexico five yearsago. "I was working late with a client, and midwaythrough the evening I felt so hungry I suggestedwe carry on working at a nearby restaurant. Theclient thought this was a sign I had a romanticinterest in him. When I realized he'd got the wrong idea I started to laugh, which made things evenworse. The only way of getting out of it was toenable him to save face, so I accepted all theblame for the misunderstanding."

Adapted from The Independent, 18 June 2007