UNIT 15. CULTURE

 

STARTING POINT

Task 1▐ Discuss the questions.

·     A common piece of advice for people living or working in another country is “When in Rome, do as Romans do”. What do you think this expression means?

·     How much do you change your behavior if you visit another country for work or as a tourist? Why?

 

READING

Task 2▐ Read the abstracts about international business etiquette by Sean Peek, Senior Analyst & Expert on Business Ownership for business.com and guess which country these guidelines belong to?

 

1.__________________

·   Bowing is a typical way of greeting each other. Handshakes sometimes occur, but you should let the person initiate it.

·   The senior member of the group often leads the business meeting while younger members, out of respect, speak less. People of similar positions in different groups should sit across from each other; junior employees should never sit across from senior employees.

·   Giving gifts is common, but you should pay special attention to how you present your gift. Never hand out a gift that isn’t wrapped and make sure you give it to the person with both hands.

·   When handing out business cards, make sure you’re using both hands. Bowing during this exchange is viewed as a form of respect.  

 

2.__________________

·   It is vital to make appointments for both business and social occasions. It is not acceptable in this country to drop in on someone unannounced.

·   Punctuality is valued but sometimes treated casually here, so do not be surprised if your foreign colleague arrives late. Staying late at the office is common too, especially for individuals in senior positions.

·   As you would expect, the nation that created haute couture puts a premium on style. Fashion and appearance are more important here than in many other countries in the world. Even low-paid, entry-level executives buy the best clothes they can afford. Dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations.

·   Giving presents is fine here but use discretion. Business gifts are usually not exchanged at the first meeting.

 

3.__________________

·   Punctuality and preparation are valuable, so arrive on time. If you’re running late, call or message someone to inform them. 

·   When conversing with this nationality, try saying “please,” “thank you” and “sorry” frequently, as this is considered polite.

·   A polite greeting typically involves maintaining eye contact and offering a handshake. 

·   Brits like to have personal space, so don’t stand too close.

 

4.__________________

·   While you can show up to meetings on time, don’t be surprised if business partners from this country are late.

·   Like in China, the word “no” can be considered rude here. Try to use words and phrases like “we will see” or “possibly” instead of “no.”

·   If your business partner offers you a meal, it is proper etiquette to accept the invitation. Declining the meal could jeopardize the possible business connection. 

·   Avoid eating meat at business meetings if everyone else is ordering vegetarian meals. Many people here do not eat pork or beef for religious reasons. 

·   When conducting business in this country, English is the typical language to use.

 

Task 3▐ Choose the correct answers to the questions.

Business Etiquette: Japan

1.       How should you greet someone in Japan?

A. By shaking hands

B. By bowing

C. By giving a high-five

D. By waving

2.       Who typically leads a business meeting in Japan?

A. The junior member

B. The person who speaks the most

C. The senior member

D. The newest employee

3.       How should you present a gift in Japan?

A. Hand it out unwrapped

B. Give it with one hand

C. Hand it out wrapped and with both hands

D. Leave it on the table

4.       How should you exchange business cards in Japan?

A. Using one hand

B. Without bowing

C. Using both hands and bowing

D. After the meeting

 

Business Etiquette: India

5.       How is punctuality viewed in Indian business meetings?

A. Everyone always arrives on time

B. It's acceptable to be late

C. It's considered rude to be late

D. Meetings always start on time

6.       Which word is considered rude in Indian business culture?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Possibly

D. Maybe

7.       What should you do if offered a meal by an Indian business partner?

A. Decline politely

B. Accept the invitation

C. Ask for a different meal

D. Ignore the invitation

8.       What type of meal is advisable to avoid at business meetings in India?

A. Vegetarian meals

B. Seafood

C. Meat

D. Desserts

 

Business Etiquette: France

9.       How important is punctuality in France?

A. Not important at all

B. Valued but sometimes treated casually

C. Strictly enforced

D. Not necessary for social occasions

10.   What is a notable aspect of fashion in French business culture?

A. Casual attire is acceptable

B. Fashion and appearance are highly important

C. Dress code is very relaxed

D. Formal attire is only for high-level executives

11.   When is it appropriate to exchange business gifts in France?

A. At the first meeting

B. After several meetings

C. Anytime

D. Never

Business Etiquette: The United Kingdom

12.   What should you do if you are running late to a meeting in the UK?

A. Ignore it

B. Arrive whenever you can

C. Call or message to inform someone

D. Send an email after you arrive

13.   What are common polite phrases to use in conversation with the British?

A. Please, thank you, and sorry

B. Hey, what’s up, and no problem

C. Absolutely, definitely, and sure

D. Yo, dude, and cool

14.   How do Brits typically prefer their personal space during a conversation?

A. They like close contact

B. They prefer to stand far apart

C. They like to stand close but not too close

D. They are indifferent to personal space

 

VOCABULARY

Task 4▐ Match the idioms to their definitions:

1.        Break the ice

2.        Cross-cultural communication

3.        In the same boat

4.        Know the ropes

5.        Cultural fit

6.        Learn the lay of the land

7.        Speak the same language

8.        Walk a mile in someone’s shoes

9.        A fish out of water

10.   When in Rome, do as the Romans do

 

a) To adapt to the customs of the places you visit or live in.

b) To understand another person's perspective or experience.

c) To feel uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.

d) To initiate conversation in a social setting.

e) Interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds.

f) To understand how things are done in a particular place or situation.

g) The likelihood that someone will conform to and be comfortable with the core values and norms of an organization.

h) To share similar views or opinions.

i) To be in the same situation or facing the same challenges.

j) To understand the basic details or aspects of a situation.

 

GRAMMAR USE ▐  Dates

In business English, clear and accurate communication of dates is crucial for scheduling meetings, setting deadlines, and organizing events. Understanding how to format and express dates correctly ensures effective communication in various business contexts.

Date Format: Use the following format for expressing dates in business English: Day of the week, Date (Day-Month-Year).

Example: Monday, 5th June 2024

Punctuation: Use commas to separate the day of the week, date, and year.

Example: Tuesday, 15th September, 2023

Ordinal Numbers: Use ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) for expressing dates.

Example: The deadline for submissions is Friday, 21st July, 2023.

 

Task 5▐ Fill in the blanks with the correct dates in the standard format used in business English. Use the given context to determine the appropriate dates.

1.     The board meeting is scheduled for __________.

2.     The deadline for project submissions is __________.

3.     Our quarterly earnings report will be released on __________.

4.     The annual conference will take place on __________.

5.     The training session for new employees is set for __________.

6.     The product launch is planned for __________.

7.     Please submit your expense reports by __________.

8.     Our next webinar will be held on __________.

9.     The CEO's presentation is scheduled for __________.

10. The deadline for contract negotiations is __________.

 

VIDEO

Task 6▐ Watch the video about nonverbal communication differences around the world [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aWJfnnAt02ddyeT5oK67A9l5vcAkrPtT/view?usp=sharing] and discuss the role of nonverbal communication in building rapport and understanding in intercultural interactions.

 

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1. How can body language impact communication across cultures?

2. What are some examples of cultural differences in interpreting eye contact?

3. How do different cultures view physical touch in social interactions?

4. Why is it important to be aware of cultural differences in body language?

5. How can misunderstandings arise from cultural differences in nodding or smiling?

6. In what contexts can body language vary significantly?

7. What strategies can help overcome communication barriers related to body language?

 

SCENARIO ANALYSIS

Task 7▐ Read the scenarios below carefully and answer the questions that follow. Each scenario presents a situation related to business culture and nonverbal communication in a professional setting. Analyze the scenarios and provide thoughtful responses based on your understanding of effective communication practices in business.

 

Scenario 1: The Job Interview

You are conducting job interviews for a position at your company. One of the candidates, who is from a different cultural background, avoids making direct eye contact and speaks softly during the interview. Despite their qualifications, you are unsure about their level of confidence and communication skills.

Questions:

1.        How might cultural norms regarding nonverbal communication impact the interviewer’s perception of the candidate?

2.        What steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of cultural differences on nonverbal communication during job interviews?

3.        How can an interviewer ensure fairness and objectivity in evaluating candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Scenario 2: The Negotiation

You are negotiating a business deal with a client from a foreign country. During the negotiation, you notice that the client frequently leans back in their chair and crosses their arms, which you interpret as a sign of disinterest. However, after consulting with a cultural expert, you learn that these behaviors may have different meanings in the client’s culture.

Questions:

1.        How can misinterpretation of nonverbal cues impact the outcome of business negotiations?

2.        What strategies can be employed to clarify and better understand nonverbal communication cues during negotiations?

3.        In what ways can cultural sensitivity enhance the success of international business negotiations?

Scenario 3: The Team Meeting

You are leading a team meeting with members from diverse cultural backgrounds. During the meeting, you notice that some team members speak up confidently and use expressive hand gestures, while others appear more reserved and avoid interrupting others. Despite these differences, you aim to foster open communication and collaboration within the team.

Questions:

1.        How might cultural differences in nonverbal communication styles affect team dynamics and participation in meetings?

2.        What approaches can be implemented to create an inclusive meeting environment that respects diverse communication styles?

3.        How can team leaders leverage cultural diversity to enhance creativity and problem-solving in team meetings?

 

WRITING

Task 8▐Write ten tips to help business people from another county and culture who are visiting your country for the first time. Present your tips.