Working with different cultures requires sensitivity to cultural differences. Test your knowledge of cultural differences before leaving on international business travel.

If your job requires international business travel , it is important to understand cultural differences. Many misunderstandings can happen due to the superimposition of North American cultural norms to other cultures. Stereotypes aside, there are some cultural differences that require awareness before an international business meeting or business social event.

Test your intercultural competence by answering true or false to each of the following statements:

1. A "thumbs up" in some Islamic countries is a rude sexual sign – true or false?
2. Forming an “O” with the thumb and the forefinger in Japan means that we can now discuss money – true or false?
3. Scandinavians are more tolerant to silent breaks in conversations – true or false?
4. Laughter in Japan can be a sign of confusion, insecurity or embarrassment – true or false?
5. In the UK, to compromise is seen as a positive sign of both parties wining – true or false?
6. Wearing gloves in Russia when shaking hands is considered polite – true or false?
7. Leaving right after dinner in Central America is considered well-mannered as it means you’ve been well fed – true or false?
8. In Sub-Saharan Africa it is normal to arrive half an hour late for dinner – true or false?
9. If you tell your female friend from Africa that she’s put on weight during her holiday, it means she’s had a good holiday and is physically healthier than when she left – true or false?
10. In Brazil, flicking your fingers under your chin is a sign of disgust – true or false?
11. If you want to show your respect for an elder in Africa, do not look them directly in the eye – true or false?
12. Keeping your hands in your pockets while negotiating in Russia is rude – true or false?
13. It is seen as polite to not accept an offer of food or drink in Persia immediately on being offered it, instead you should refuse a few times before accepting the gift – true or false?
14. In France, dinner is commonly served at 5 pm – true or false?
15. In Brazil, purple flowers are a symbol of friendship – true or false?
16. In Mediterranean cultures, being boisterous in the streets and public places is widely accepted – true or false?
17. In Australia, a single male passenger should sit in the back seat – true or false?

ANSWERS:

1-5: True

6: False – you need to remove your gloves when shaking hands in Russia

7-9: True

10: False – this means you don’t know the answer to a question in Brazil

11-13: True

14: False – in France, it is common to eat dinner at 7 pm or later and it tends to be a light dinner.

15: False – Purple flowers in Brazil are often seen at funerals. Avoid giving a host purple flowers.

16: True

17: False - A single male passenger should sit in the front seat in Australia.

Sources:

International Business Etiquette and Manners

Intercultural Competence

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