Tag: culture

Politics

Ethnic or Religious topics

Controversial topics like abortion, racism, sexism

All of the above

Compliment (to start off)

Sports(baseball, football (not soccer) basketball and golf are top of the list)

Small talk and preliminaries are considered a waste of time during business discussions

All of the above

For the first time, use a title and their last name till you are told otherwise.

Expect to address most counterparts by given name rather than surname and title shortly after meeting them

The order of names is first name followed by middle name and then surname

All of the above

If you are not sure of a lady’s marital status, use Ms. (pronounced Miz).

Names may reflect cultural diversity. Do not be afraid to ask how to pronounce

Ensure that your counterpart knows how you prefer to be called. Do not say “You can call me anything”.

All the above

Shake hands firmly (men to men). Not limply when introduced or departing.

Wait till a woman gives you a hand before you extend yours to her

After shaking hands, let go of the other person’s hand

All of the above

Greet, wish the time of day and identify yourself

Leave a message if the person is unavailable

If the person required is on another line, then ask if the speaker can hold

All of the above

Ask permission of the person you are talking to, to turn on the speaker phone

Identify the people in the room

As per American culture while turning on the speaker phone,there is no need to seek permission.

Both 1 and 2

Salutations are very important. Begin your email with “Hi” and end with a “Thank you ”.

The first three lines count the most.

Ensure that there are no errors esp. in spellings

Email is considered the property of the Company however dont have to think twice about the info you send and to whom

Meetings are set after consulting people involved.

An agenda is important. Linear not spiral

Meetings are seldom interrupted. Discussions proceed to conclusion without interruption

Business is conducted at a slow pace.

YAWN - cover your mouth if you must

SLOUCH - or use your arm as a face-stand

BITE nails

All of the above