INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PG1
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS: IDENTIFY SOME CULTURAL MISTAKES
TOURO UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
GEORGE L. HALL
MODULE IV CASE ASSIGNMENT
INTERNATIONAL BUSINEE 401
DR. DAVID HUNT
DR. FADIA AKHALIL
14 MARCH 2008
IDENTIFY SOME CULTURAL MISTAKES
Some of the cultural mistakes in the first article (The pitfalls of cross-cultural business) were made when people mistook there own cultural beliefs or definitions of certain to mean the same while visiting another country. In 1950 former President Nixon while visiting Brazil waved the “A-Okay” sign to show the Brazilian people his good intentions. But the “A-Okay” sign in America is actually the equivalent to giving someone the middle finger in Brazil. Another occasion is when in the Middle East the bottom of the foot should not be shown because it is considered to be dirty. But for us Americans we have a habit of crossing our legs when we sit down. Other instances include things like alcohol during business meetings is seen as proper in places like Asia or Hungry. To refuse a drink can be seen as being rude or untrustworthy. In these places it is also customary to refill each other glasses so if you do not wish to have your drink refilled then be careful not to allow your glass to become to Timing is also very important depending on where you are at. If you are visiting Germany or Sweden people are almost always on time, but in Costa Rica, Spain, and especially Italy people tend to be tardy or late so be careful to not jam your schedule with appointments. In Japan gift giving is mandatory. The gift should always be wrapped in red or gold wrapping and should be presented with both hands. One should never open the gift in front ...