World Cultures Why are we different?

Culture The norms, beliefs, and customs learned from society which lead to common patterns of behavior.

Culture Involves Religion Music Language Philosophy Literature Art Architecture

Culture Involves (continued) Drama Family Diet/Food Dress Occupations Transportation

Culture Impacts/Influences Diet Dress Name Spiritual beliefs Values Language Customs

Culture Impacts/Influences (continued) Music Dance Status Work ethic Education Beauty Hygiene

Culture Impacts/Influences (continued) Family Relationships Medicine Superstitions Authority Social Castes Politics Body Language

Culture Impacts/Influences (continued) Law Logic Body Language Architecture Holidays

Protocol For The Pacific Rim & Mexico

Japan General Protocol: Remove shoes before entering a Japanese home. Greetings: Long low bow, be prepared to exchange business cards, address your host by their last name and the add the word san.

Japan (continued) Punctuality: Punctuality is advisable for both business or social engagements. Gift giving: Japanese enjoy receiving gifts, however, gifts should be wrapped in pastel-colored paper, but no bows. Never surprise Japanese with a gift.

Japan (Gifts continued) Gifts given in twos are supposed to bring good luck. Cuff links and pen and pencil sets are well received. Japanese particularly relish gifts of brandy and steaks. If you are offered a gift, thank the person and wait for one or two more offers before accepting it. Receive the gift with both hands.

Japan (Gifts continued) Never give four of anything, as one Japanese word for four is also the word for death. Hospitality: If you visit a Japanese home, remove your hat and gloves once inside the entrance to the house and then remove your shoes. Flowers are not customary for the hostess, however, a box of candy/chocolates is appropriate.

Japan (Hospitality continued) Visitors should be prepared to be invited by their business colleagues to lavish dinner parties, which may last for hours. Parties are usually held in Japanese restaurants or night clubs. Conversation: Always avoid World War II!

China General Protocol: Refer to their country as the “ People’s Republic of China” or simply “China.” Tipping is an insult to Chinese. Names/Greetings: A slight bow is appropriate when meeting someone. A handshake is also acceptable. The Chinese are quite formal and will use the full title of guests during introductions.

China (continued) Appointments/Punctuality: Prior appointments are necessary. Be prepared to wait a long time for Chinese businessmen to reach a decision. Foreign businessmen usually find that a trip to China is highly organized and punctuality is very important.

China (continued) A visit to a Chinese home is rare - unless the government has given prior approval. Guest should plan to arrive a little early and leave shortly after the meal. During the meal, be prepared to toast your host expressing thanks, pleasure, and friendship.

China (Hospitality continued) It is polite to sample every dish, and when eating rice, it is customary to hold the bowl close to your mouth. Business is generally not discussed during meals. Gifts of any great value can cause embarrassment and usually not accepted by the Chinese.

China (continued) Conversation: Good topics for discussion include differences between China and the West, and the advances the Chinese have made. Avoid mentioning Taiwan and do not criticize the Chinese leadership.

Hong Kong General Protocol:The people of Hong Kong are reserved and formal in almost all situations. Avoid conflicts which would cause the Chinese to lose face. Blue and white are Chinese colors for morning and should be avoided. Have an abundant supply of business cards available.

Hong Kong (continued) Names/Greetings: When greeting and leaving, handshakes are common. After the initial handshake, business cards are presented with both hands. Appointments/Punctuality: When appointments are made, a thirty - minute “courtesy time” is often allotted. However, business situations are usually punctual.

Hong Kong (continued) Hospitality/Gifts: A guest should take a gift of fruit, candy, or cookies when invited to dinner and present it to the hostess with both hands. Never begin to eat or drink before your host does. Gifts are exchanged during the Chinese New Year.

Hong Kong (Gifts continued) Gifts to avoid: Clocks, which symbolize death, and scissors, symbolizing the severing of relationships. Conversation: “DOR-jay” is thank someone for a gift, while “Ng-GOI” is to thank someone for a service rendered.

Hong Kong (Conversation continued) Chinese are delighted with Westerners who speak their language, a phrase in Cantonese is greatly admired - however, be sure of your punctuation. Casual inquiries about health or business are considered polite conversation. Avoid conversation concerning the political situation in China.

South Korea General Protocol: Avoid talking or laughing loudly in any situation. Koreans, especially women cover their mouth when laughing. Women’s liberation has not yet been accepted. Men go through doors first and women help men with coats.

South Korea (Protocol continued) Blowing your nose in front of others is considered bad manners. Shoes are always removed before entering a Korean home or restaurant.

South Korea (continued) Names/Greetings: Men greet each other by bowing slightly and shaking hands with both hands or with the right hand. Women do not shake hands. Family names come first, then the given name. It is difficult to distinguish male from female names among Koreans.

South Korea (continued) Appointments/Punctuality: Prior appointments are necessary and, while punctuality is not of great importance, Westerners are expected to arrive on time.

South Korea (continued) Hospitality/Gifts: Business entertainment is considered very important and is usually limited to restaurants and bars. Wives are rarely included. All courses of a meal are served at once. If you are invited to a Korean home, it would be appropriate to take flowers or a small gift, and offer it with both hands. Gifts are not to be opened in front of the giver.

South Korea (continued) Conversation: Avoid discussions of socialism, communism, internal politics, and criticism of the government.

Taiwan General Protocol: Patience is important. By American standards, Taiwanese businessmen can take a long time to reach a decision. Shoes are not worn in some homes, “slippers” are substituted, observe your host.

Taiwan (continued) Names/Greetings: A handshake is customary when meeting acquaintances and close friends. A nod is appropriate when meeting someone for the first time. A slight bow shows respect, but it should not be overdone.

Taiwan (continued) Appointments/Punctuality: If you arrive at your appointment shortly before or after the scheduled time, it is perfectly acceptable. Hospitality/Gifts: Entertainment is usually offered in restaurants and not in the home. Taiwanese meals are elaborate and exhausting.

Taiwan (Hospitality/Gifts continued) Be prepared to eat sparingly during the early stages of what could be a twenty course meal. Toasts are common; kampai means “bottoms up.” Chopsticks and a ceramic spoon are common eating utensils.

Taiwan (Hospitality/Gifts continued) A small gift such as candy, fruit, or cookies is appropriate when visiting a family at home. Both hands should be used when handing a gift or other object to another person. Thank - you notes are a must and are appreciated.

Taiwan (continued) Conversation: Avoid discussing mainland China and local politics.

Mexico General Protocol: Mexico City’s high altitude, smog, and traffic should be anticipated. Care must be taken in drinking the water. Mexico has a friendly, gracious, and easygoing business atmosphere.

Mexico (continued) Names/Greetings: Handshakes are customary. However, long time friends may engage in a full embrace - the abrazo. Women often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.

Mexico (continued) Appointments/Punctuality: The two or three-hour siesta is a bad time for business appointments. Hospitality/Gifts: Gifts are not customary, but appreciated. Gifts may be wrapped and presented as you would in the U.S.

Mexico (Hospitality/Gifts continued) If you send flowers, remember that for some Mexicans yellow flowers symbolic of death, red flowers cast spells, and white flowers lift spells. Thank - you notes are appreciated.

Mexico (continued) Conversation: Mexican’s appreciate a visitor’s efforts to speak Spanish. Avoid historical and political topics such as the Mexican War and illegal aliens. Safe topics include the weather, fashion, travel, art, and museums and parks.