Daniela Martinez Period 2 Cultural etiquette What is cultural etiquette?

Cultural Etiquette is the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Conventional requirements as to social behavior;

proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.

Country Name Flag

Mexico

Greece

Japan

The People

Mexico is a very class-conscious society where social stratifications are well defined. Upper class Mexicans will not dirty their hands with tasks they find beneath them. Shake hands or give a slight bow when introduced. Bow when greeting a Mexican woman. Shake hands only if she extends her hand first.

Families are very important in Greece. Elders are highly respected, and children care for their elderly parents.

Meeting and Greeting

Shake hands with everyone present--men, women and children--at a business or social meeting. Shake hands again when leaving. Good friends are most likely to embrace and kiss.

Japan is a highly structured and traditional society. Great importance is placed on loyalty, politeness, and personal responsibility and on everyone working together for the good of the larger group. Some Japanese bow and shake hands. The bow is a highly regarded greeting to show respect and is appreciated by the Japanese. A slight bow to show courtesy is acceptable.

Body Language

Mexicans generally stand close together when conversing. Don't show signs of discomfort, which would be considered rude by your Mexican counterpart.

Corporate Culture

Helpful Hints

Punctuality is expected of foreign businesspeople. Your Mexican counterpart may be late or keep you waiting. Thirty minutes past the scheduled meeting Mexicans consider time punctual. Men should always wear a shirt and tie, except at casual affairs. Both men and women should dress conservatively. Recommended colors are navy and dark gray.

Greeks are very demonstrative and affectionate. Nodding your head "yes" is not polite; say, "yes" instead. "Yes" is signified by a slight downward nod of the head; no" is a slight upward nod of the head. The O.K. sign is a rude gesture; "thumbs up" means O.K. Punctuality is not particularly important in Greece, but foreigners are expected to be on time for business meetings, even though his/her Greek counterpart may be late.

Nodding is very important. When listening to Japanese speak, especially in English, you should nod to show you are listening and understanding the speaker.

Japanese may exchange business cards even before they shake hands or bow. Be certain your business card clearly states your rank. This will determine who your negotiating counterpart should be. Avoid using the number "four" if possible. It has connotations of death to the Japanese. The Japanese may ask personal questions. This is not intended to be rude, but rather a polite way to show interest. You may give vague or general answers if you feel a question is too personal.

Expect Greeks to ask personal questions, such as "Are you married?" or "Do you have children?" This is not considered rude, but an attempt to get to know you personally.