Etiquette across

activities
1. Cross Cultural Etiquette Awareness
2. Cracking Cross Cultural Etiquette
3. Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette
4. Cross Cultural Gift Giving Etiquette
5. Cross Cultural Negotiation
A. Cross Cultural Etiquette Awareness

• What is Cross Culture Awareness?

• Cultural Awareness is the foundation of communication and it involves the ability of standing
back from ourselves and becoming aware of our cultural values, beliefs and perceptions.
• Why Cross Culture Communication is important ? Globalization: Cross border movement of
people, goods and data brings more and more cultures into contact with one another and
increases the potential of cross culture communication. ◦ Business Opportunities ◦ Job
Opportunities ◦ Improves the contribution of employees in a diverse workforce ◦ Sharing of
views and ideas ◦ Talent improvisation ◦ An understanding of diverse market
• Travelers to foreign countries must also ensure that they appreciate the differences in
etiquette.
• Example: The incident in Thai (A poster was distributed for a US film showing a man sitting on
the head of a statue of Buddha)
Different areas of cross culture

• CORPORATE CULTURE
A set of congruent behaviors, attitudespractices, and policies that are formed within an organization
that enables them to work respectfully, effectively and responsibly in diverse situations.
• CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS
Work related communications with individuals whose racial, ethnic cultural experience, place of
origin and other individual characteristics are different that one's own.
• INTER-PERSONAL CROSS CULTURAL CONFLICT
These are arcumstances sometimes created by lack of understanding of another person or person's
cultural differences, assumptions or at times stereotypes Behavior can be non-intentional or
intentional.
• CULTURAL COMPETENCE
"Competence" is the capacity to function in a particular way, to have skills and to have a level of
mastery in a situation, Cultural Competency is behavioral based. It is a performance expectation.
Degree of cultural awareness
There are several levels of cultural awareness that reflect how people
grow to perceive cultural differences.
• My way is the only way - At the first level, people are aware of their
way of doing things, and their way is the only way. At this stage, they
ignore the impact of cultural differences. (Parochial stage)
• I know their way, but my way is better - At the second level, people
are aware of other ways of doing things, but still consider their way as
the best one. In this stage, cultural differences are perceived as source
of problems and people tend to ignore them or reduce their
significance. (Ethnocentric stage)
• My Way and Their Way - At this level people are aware of their own
way of doing things and others’ ways of doing things, and they chose
the best way according to the situation. At this stage people realize that
cultural differences can lead both to problems and benefits and are
willing to use cultural diversity to create new solutions and alternatives.
(Synergistic stage)
• Our Way - This fourth and final stage brings people from different
cultural background together for the creation of a culture of shared
meanings. People dialogue repeatedly with others, create new
meanings, new rules to meet the needs of a particular situation.
(Participatory Third culture stage)
Uk and usa : o.k.
japan: money
Russia: zero
brazil: insult
High Context culture
• High context implies that a lot of unspoken information is implicitly transferred during communication.  People in a high
context culture such as Saudi Arabia tend to place a larger importance on long-term relationships and loyalty and have
fewer rules and structure implemented.
• High Context
• Less verbally explicit communication, less written/formal information
• More internalized understandings of what is communicated
• Multiple cross-cutting ties and intersections with others
• Long term relationships
• Strong boundaries- who is accepted as belonging vs who is considered an "outsider"
• Knowledge is situational, relational.
• Decisions and activities focus around personal face-to-face relationships, often around a central person who has authority.
• Examples: Small religious congregations, a party with friends, family gatherings, expensive gourmet restaurants and
neighbourhood restaurants with a regular clientele, undergraduate on-campus friendships, regular pick-up games, hosting
a friend in your home overnight. • African • Brazilian • Chinese • French • Indian • Italian • Japanese • Portuguese •
Russian • Southern United States • Spanish
Low Context Culture
• Low context implies that a lot of information is exchanged explicitly through the
message itself and rarely is anything implicit or hidden.  People in low context
cultures such as the UK tend to have short-term relationships, follow rules and
standards closely and are generally very task-oriented.
• Rule oriented, people play by external rules
• More knowledge is codified, public, external, and accessible.
• Sequencing, separation--of time, of space, of activities, of relationships
• More interpersonal connections of shorter duration
• Knowledge is more often transferable
• Task-centered. Decisions and activities focus around what needs to be done,
division of responsibilities.
Stereotypes
• French: logical, cartesian, elitist, authoritarian, proud.
• Germans: rigid, methodical, obsessed with order & privacy,
unemotional, territorial.
• Americans: superficial, ‘Frontier Spirit’, materialistic, over-optimistic
• Italians: loud, macho, impatient, over-emotional, talkative,
unorganized
• British: imperialistic, ‘Island mentality’, principled, class-conscious,
conservative
• Chinese: quiet, hardworking, enigmatic, smiling, cruel
B. Cracking Cross Cultural Etiquette

• These days, when we think about cross-cultural etiquette rules, and which rules work where, our first
thought is probably not about our next trip to Paris, or Rome, but rather our next Zoom meeting with global
partners.

• Etiquette is a great way to set yourself apart from your peers. It gives you a subtle but noticeable career
advantage. So, what does it take to communicate across cultures effectively and politely? How can you
prepare yourself for your next global Zoom meeting and — once the pandemic is over — your next work or
personal trip abroad?
• Do some research. Research the culture, and learn the most relevant customs, beliefs and nuances so you
can have a better understanding of life and work in another place. Making an effort to learn some etiquette
rules that are specific to the region you find yourself in most frequently by taking a class or reading some
books is the essence of cultural awareness and the first step toward competence.
B. Cracking Cross Cultural Etiquette
• For example, looking right into someone’s eyes is considered rude in Japan. This is directly opposite our more
direct American customs. In many parts of Asia it’s also important to save face, meaning you never point out
an elder or superior is wrong — even when they are — in a group setting. Further, silence can be awkward
for some Americans, but for the Japanese it’s an expression of respect to the person speaking. Remember
that during your next global virtual meeting with Japanese peers.
• There are also many hand gestures that Americans commonly use, that we should curtail when traveling or
while on virtual meetings. A simple thumbs up might be okay in France, but it’s offensive in parts of Africa,
Australia and Greece. Making the “okay” sign has very different meanings in other parts of the world, from
sexual to representing the evil eye. Waving your hands while talking might help you get your point across,
but to others in certain places you may seem insincere and even a bit crazy. So, cool the arm waving on your
next trip or global Zoom meeting.
C. Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette
Cross cultural dining etiquette involves considering the following points:
• Seating - is there a protocol as to who sits where? Should one wait to be seated? Is it
acceptable etiquette for men/women to sit next to one another?
• Eating - what utensils, if any, are used? Is it a knife and fork, hands or chopsticks? Is there any
etiquette around using them?
• Body language - how should one sit? Is it bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table? If seated
on the floor what is the correct position?
• Conversation - is the meal the proper place to engage in conversation? If so, is discussing
business appropriate?
• The food - what foods are common to eat? Is it good etiquette to compliment the cook and
how? Does one finish everything on the plate? Is it polite to ask for more.
• Home/restaurant - what differences in etiquette or protocol would there be? Does one take a
gift to the home? Who pays the bill at a restaurant?
Example:
• Dining Etiquette in Germany
• It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where to sit.
• Table manners are continental - fork in left hand and knife in right.
• Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so.
• It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table.
• Try and cut food with the fork as it compliments the cook by showing it is
tender.
• Everything should be eaten on the plate.
• Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife parallel across the right
hand side of the plate.
• Dining Etiquette in Germany
• It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where to sit.
• Table manners are continental - fork in left hand and knife in right.
• Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so.
• It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table.
• Try and cut food with the fork as it compliments the cook by showing it is
tender.
• Everything should be eaten on the plate.
• Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife parallel across the right
hand side of the plate.
• Dining Etiquette in Turkey:
• Meals are a social affair. Conversations are animate and loud.
• The head of the family or honoured guest is served first.
• It is good etiquette to insist the most senior is served first instead of
you.
• Asking for more food is a compliment.
• If taken to a restaurant, Turkish dining etiquette has strict rules that
the one who extended the invitation must pay.
D. Cross Cultural Gift Giving Etiquette
Cross cultural gift giving etiquette involves considering the following
points:
• Who is receiving the gift? A person or a group? What is the status of
the receiver(s)?
• What types of gifts are acceptable or unacceptable?
• What is the protocol associated with gift giving and receiving?
• Should gifts be reciprocated?
Gift Giving Etiquette in China
• It is the proper etiquette for gifts to be exchanged for celebrations, as thanks for assistance and
even as a sweetener for future favors.
• It is however important not to give gifts in the absence of a good reason or a witness.
• When the Chinese want to buy gifts it is not uncommon for them to ask what you would like.
• It would be wise to demonstrate an appreciation of Chinese culture by asking for items such as ink
paintings or tea.
• Business gifts are always reciprocated. Not to do so is bad etiquette.
• When giving gifts do not give cash.
• Do not be too frugal with your choice of gift otherwise you will be seen as an ‘iron rooster’, i.e.
getting a good gift out of you is like getting a feather out of an iron rooster.
• Depending on the item, avoid giving one of something. Chinese philosophy stresses harmony and
balance, so give in pairs.
Gift Giving Etiquette Japan
• Gift-giving is a central part of Japanese business etiquette.
• Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.
• The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the act of gift-giving not the gift itself.
• Expensive gifts are common.
• The best time to present a gift is at the end of your visit.
• A gift for an individual should be given in private.
• If you are presenting a gift to a group of people have them all present.
• The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.
• Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.
• Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky. Give in pairs if possible.
Gift Giving Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
• Gifts should only be given to the most intimate of friends.
• Gifts should be of the highest quality.
• Never buy gold or silk as a present for men.
• Silver is acceptable.
• Always give/receive gifts with the right hand.
• Saudis enjoy wearing scent – ‘itr’. The most popular is ‘oud’ which can
cost as much as £1000 an ounce.
• It is not bad etiquette to open gifts when received.
E. Cross Cultural Negotiation
Cross cultural negoitation is one of many specilized areas within the wider field of
cross cultural communication.
Two negotiators dealing with the same potential client in the Midle East :
• It is likely the would have endeared themselves more to the house negotiationteam
• They would be able to tailor their approach to the negotiation in a way that
maximisez the potential of a positive outcome
• Examples of topics covered in cross cultural negotiation training shall be offered 1.
Eye contact 2. Personal space and touch 3. Time 4. Meeting and greeting 5. Gift-
giving
• Three interconnected aspect before entering into cross cultural negotition : 1. The
basis of the reletionship 2. Information at negotiations 3. Negotiation style