A discussion on differences in cultures throughout the world.

1. Hot and Cold Climate Cultures

2. This book is the backbone of the
discussion:
• Foreign to Familiar
by Sarah Lanier

3. Relationship vs Task Orientation
• Relationship Based • Task Oriented
• Communication must • Communication must
create a “feel-good”
atmosphere provide accurate
• Society is feeling oriented information
• Efficiency and time do not • Society is logic oriented
take priority over the • Efficiency and time are
person
high priorities and taking
• “Business-talk” is them seriously is a
inappropriate upon first
arriving even if it is a statement of respect for
business meeting or a the other person
business phone call

4. Countries considered hot/cold
• Canada • Southern US States
• Northern US States • Asia
• Northern Europe • The Pacific Islands
(Switzerland and above) • South America (except
• Israel urban Argentina)
• New Zealand (white • Africa
population) • The Mediterranean
• Australia countries
• Southern Brazil • The Middle East(except
• South Africa (white Israel’s Jewish population)
population) • Other parts of the world
• Argentina

5. Direct vs Indirect Communication
• Short, direct questions show • It’s all about being friendly
respect for the person’s • Questions must be phrased in
time, as well as such a way as to not offend by its
professionalism directness
• A ‘yes’ is a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ is a • Use a third party for accurate
‘no.’ There are no hidden information if you sense that a
meanings direct question will be too
harsh, or not get the results you
• An honest direct answer is are seeking.
information only. It does not • A ‘yes’ may not be an answer to
reflect on how the person your question. It may be the first
feels about you. step in beginning a friendly
• You can say what you think interchange. Or verbal
(nicely) and it will usually not compliance may be required by
be taken personally the culture.
• Avoid embarassing people.

6. This and similar pictures from “East-West by Liu Young.

7. Individualism vs Group Identity
• I am self-standing • I belong therefore I am
person, with my own • My identity is tied to the group
(family, tribe, etc.)
identity. • The group protects and provides
for me.
• Every individual should • Taking initiative within a group
have an opinion and can can be greatly determined by my
speak for themselves role.
• My behavior reflects on the
• One must know how to whole group.
make one’s own • The Southern United States
would be a hot climate culture
decisions that does not necessarily fit the
group orientation.
• My behavior reflects on • Team members expect direction
me, not on the group. from the leader.

8. A tip for individualists travelling to
places where food is highly valued
“Eating food in some group-oriented cultures is
an acceptance of their hospitality and this has
a higher value than the taste of food.”

10. Inclusion vs Privacy
• Group Oriented • People enjoy having time and space
to themselves
• Individuals know they are • People are expected to ask
automatically included in permission to borrow something or
conversation, meals, and the to interrupt a conversation
other activities of the group. • Each person is considered to be the
• Possessions are to be used steward of his or her possessions
and has the responsibility to
freely by all: food, tools, etc. maintain and protect them
• It is not desirable to be left to • In a community setting, it might be
oneself. common to label one’s
food, tools, etc. to set them apart
• It is rude to hold a private from the group’s common
conversation or make plans possesions
that exclude others present. • It is acceptable to hold private
conversations or make exclusive
plans with a few people, not
including everyone.

11. Different Concepts of Hospitality
• Hospitality is • Hospitality is taken very seriously and
spontaneous, often without an is planned for.
advance invitation • It is usually not as spontaneous. The
• It is the context for host usually needs advance notice of
relationship (even a business a visit.
relationship)
• Travelers are expected to make their
• Hospitality usually takes place own arrangements other than what is
in the home.
specifically communicated to the host
• The host fully takes care of the ahead of time.
needs of the guest. The guest
pays for nothing. • Guests need to expect to pay for their
transportation and restaurants if
• A gift is usually expected.
visiting in the US. If the host plans to
• Food and drink are involved. pay, he usually will say so.
• Travelers are taken in and • Hospitality is a special
provided for.
occasion, taking the full attention of
the host.

12. Time and Planning
• Are not as oriented toward the • Are time oriented.
clock as cold-climate cultures
• Are structured in their
• Are event oriented approach to life.
• Are spontaneous and flexible
in their approach to life • Enjoy using time
• Respond to what life brings.
efficiently.
• Saving time is not as important • Saving time is valuable.
as experiencing the moment • Expect the event
• Recognize that structure is (dinner, arrival of a
required in some areas of life guest, meeting) to begin at
(the military for example) the time announced.
• Have informal visiting as part Visiting or informally
of the event chatting happens before or
after the event.

14. Takeaway:
• We may not know all the
differences but knowing that
differences exist will be of help
to anyone when dealing with
people from other cultures.