Same World, Different Cultures (week 14)

In doing business in this world, people need to be very aware of cultural differences as far as international communication goes.
Every culture has different attitudes toward various issues and ways of doing things, and sometimes these lines get crossed and people can get very offended and ruin business relationships if they do not know how to communicate inter-culturally with other countries and people different from them.

There are many cultural attributes that need to be addressed in raising awareness about interacting with those different from you in business:

ATTITUDES ABOUT TIME
The pace of life is different in every culture. Whether it's the time they eat dinner, how long they take lunch breaks, how they view being punctual/not punctual, when to have meetings, how long to hold meetings, are all things to consider in dealing with cultural time differences.

ATTITUDES ABOUT FORMALITY
Issues like how to address people (Mr./Mrs, shake hands, bow, greet with a kiss, hug). It is important to know how to greet those from different cultures, because this is ususally the first impression you make, and you don't have room to make a big blunder.

ATTITUDES ABOUT INDIVIDUALISM
USA has many entrepreneuers, but some other cultures dont' believe in individual business workings. They work as a team at all times. This is imprtant to know when working interculturally. How do they view the individual vs. group.

ATTITUDES ABOUT RANK AND HIERARCHY
Always know the social status of the business individual you are meeting with. And address him acordingly. Be aware of how to honor other people of different cultures. It is flattering and respectful and makes a good impression on them.

ATTITUDES ABOUT RELIGION
This is ususally a serious and touchy subject accross cultures. Make sure to be aware of different religious traditions, holidays and honor those. This is a huge way to gain respect and show respect.

ATTITUDES ABOUT TASTE AND DIET
Religion an dother cultural influences often affect the way some cultures consume certain meals and foods. be aware of those rules and regulations, and plan meals accordingly.

ATTITUDES ABOUT COLORS, NUMBERS, AND SYMBOLS
Traditions and superstitions vary in different cultures. Hand signs, numbers, shapes, logos all differ. One hand sign may be accepted in one culture, but very disrespectful and vulgar in another.

ATTITUDES ABOUT ASSIMILATION AND ACCULTURATION
Some cultures are more stubborn and will not adjust to other cultures, no matter what. Be flexible in demanding things like this to others, and be as accommodating and respectful of their traditions as you can.