3. A. Cross Cultural Etiquette Awareness
• Cross cultural knowledge is critical in
international ventures.
• Travelers to foreign countries must also ensure
that they appreciate the differences in etiquette.
4. Example:
The incident in Thai
(A poster was distributed for a US film showing a man
sitting on the head of a statue of Buddha)
6. What happened if you have poor
etiquette?
It can and does lead to offense
It reflects poorly on foreigners and marks their visit.
7. As compared to decade ago, the field of cross cultural
communication is gaining more respect within the
business community.
Impacts:
• It can bring to fostering better understanding between
people of differing cultures, faiths and nationalities.
• It can have on the success or failure of negotiations
abroad.
8. Example
• (CNN)– saying hello is easy, but understanding cultural
nuances for international business is far more
challenging. It may be konnichiwa in Japan, Guten Tag in
Germany and Merhaba in Turkey.
• In the West :
There is a little time for establishing relationships; getting
straight down to business is not considered rude.
Other parts of the world :
Achieving mutual success with an overseas partner
involves a lot more than a few quick meetings and a
signature on the dotted line.
9. In North Asia : Handing out business cards with both
hands in a respectful manner will also be noticed.
In the West : just bits of card, handed over as an
afterthought.
In Asia : they are tokens of value and esteem.
10. One common trait in Middle Eastern,
Mediterranean, Asian and South American
cultures is that many executives like to do
business with people they know, trust and feel
comfortable with.
11. Tips
• A few words in the language of the country you are
visiting as a sign of respect is always appreciated.
• Before you travel, contact your embassy to request
briefing on business etiquette and cultural background.
“If you are going to give one specific pointer to everyone,
which is applicable across the world, that would be - -
always maintain a sense of professionalism” - Payne
12. B. Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette
Seating Eating Conversation
Body Language
Food Home/Restaurant
13. 1. Dining Etiquette in Germany
• It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where
to sit
• Table manners are continental – fork in the left hand and
knife in right
• Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so
• It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table
• Try and cut food with the fork as it complements the cook
by showing it is sender
• Everything should be eaten on the plate
• Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife
parallel across the right hand side of the plate
14. 2. Dining Etiquette in Japan
• An honored guest sits at the center of the table furthest
from the door and begins eating first
• Learn to use chopsticks – never point them, never pierce
food with them, rest them on the chopstick rest when
breaking for drink or chat
• It is good etiquette to try a bit of everything
• Conversation is subdued
15. 3. Dining Etiquette in Turkey
• Meals are a social affair. Conversations are animate and
loud
• The head of the family or honored guest is served first
• It is good etiquette to insist the most senior is served first
instead of you
• Asking for more food is a compliment
• If taken to a restaurant, Turkish dinig etiquette has strict
rules that the one who extended the invitation must pay
16. 4. Dining Etiquette in the USA
• The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating
• To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To
continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand
• If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental
manner it will not offend anyone
• Foods or drinks can be refused without causing offense
• Many foods are eaten by hand
17. 5. Dining Etiquette in the Middle East
• Guests are honored with prime choice of meats – head,
eyes, etc.
• Eaten with right hand only
• Meat is torn by holding down the piece against the dish
and ripping off a desired amount with forefinger and
thumb pressed together
• Rice is scooped up
• Do not be afraid of making a mess
• If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it
will be filled immediately
• It is proper etiquette to compliment the host on the food
and his hospitality.
18. C. Cross Cultural Gift Giving Etiquette
Cross cultural gift giving etiquette involves considering the
following pints:
• Who is receiving the gift? Is it a person or a group? What
is the status of the receiver(s)?
• What types of gifts are acceptable or unacceptable?
• What is the protocol associated with gift giving and
receiving?
• Should gifts be reciprocated?
19. 1. Gift Giving Etiquette in China
• It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged for celebrations, as
thanks for assistance and even as a sweetener for future favors.
• It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good
reason or a witness
• When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to
ask what you would like
• It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture
by asking for items such as ink paintings or tea
• Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.
• When giving gifts do not give cash
• Do not be too frugal with your choice of gift otherwise you will be
seen as an ‘iron rooster’, i.e. getting a good gift out of you is like
getting a feather out of an iron rooster
• Depending on the item, avoid giving one of something. Chinese
philosophy stresses harmony and balance, so give in pairs.
20. 2. Gift Giving Etiquette in Japan
• Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette
• Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift
you will be able to reciprocate
• The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving
not the gift itself
• Expensive gifts are common
• The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit
• A gift for an individual should be given in private
• If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present
• The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands
• Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before
accepting
• Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if
possible.
21. 3. Gift Giving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
• Gifts should only be given to the most intimate of friends
• Gifts should be of the highest quality
• Never buy gold or silk as a present for men
• Silver is acceptable
• Always give/receive gifts with the right hand
• Saudis enjoy wearing scent – itr. The most popular is oud
which can cost as much as £1000 an ounce.
• It is not bad etiquette to open gifts when received.
22. D. Cross Cultural Negotiation
Cross cultural negoitation is one of many specilized areas
within the wider field of cross cultural communication.
Two negotiators dealing with the same potential client in
the Midle East :
• It is likely the would have endeared themselves more to
the house negotiationteam
• They would be able to tailor their approach to the
negotiation in a way that maximisez the potential of a
positive outcome
23. Examples of topics covered in cross cultural negotiation
training shall be offered
1. Eye contact
2. Personal space and touch
3. Time
4. Meeting and greeting
5. Gift-giving
24. Three interconnected aspect before entering into cross
cultural negotition :
1. The basis of the reletionship
2. Information at negotiations
3. Negotiation style
