Don’t make a cultural faux pas:
- Germans generally keep their office doors closed. When you knock on a closed door, wait to be invited in.
- Don’t give a Japanese colleague a pat on the back; the Japanese are leery of public touching.
- If you are introduced to a group of people in China, they may applaud. The appropriate
response is to return the applause.
- In France, where cooking is an art, it is rude to salt food before tasting it.
- In South Korea, if a local asks to hear a few bars of your favorite song, hop up and belt it out - singing is a Korean passion.
- For men: Don’t shake hands with one hand in your pocket and don’t talk with your hands in your pockets. In many countries, this is considered impolite.
- In the Middle East, sitting posture is very important. Slouching or sitting carelessly when talking with someone communicates a lack of respect for that person.
Tips for Cross-Cultural Success
Making cultural differences an asset