Cultural Diversity in Business

When doing business in China, for example, one of the ways to build good relationships involves spending time together at the dining table (drinking and eating). The Chinese call this type of relationship ‘guanxi.’

• True

• False

In the United States, people don’t often socialize with potential business partners unless necessary to avoid embarrassing situations.

• True

• False

Select all the countries where a few seconds of silence make the conversation uncomfortable. This happens in countries where the comfort of silence is low.

• France

• Italy

• The United States

• Japan

In many Asian countries, such as Singapore, China, and South Korea, you should NEVER address a person formally by adding Mr. or Ms. before their surname. 

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In many Asian countries, such as Singapore, China, and South Korea, you should ALWAYS address a person formally by adding Mr. or Ms. before their surname. 

How many minutes do you believe is acceptable to arrive late for a business meeting?

• 0 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 30 minutes

• 60 minutes

In Russia, you may expect your counterpart to arrive slightly late. In China, it is acceptable to be at least 10 minutes late, while in Mexico, it is pretty normal for people to be late by 30 minutes for a business meeting.

• True

• False

Spanish speakers view negotiation as the means to have a contract, while in some Asian countries, negotiations help build firmer business relationships. The Japanese regard negotiation as a win-lose process while the Spanish look at it as a win-win process.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Japanese regard negotiation as a win-win process while the Spanish look at it as a win-lose process.

The Japanese are very direct, so you immediately know if the transaction is approved or not. The Israelis and Americans, however, tend to be indirect.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Israelis and Americans are very direct, so you immediately know if the transaction is approved or not. The Japanese, however, tend to be indirect.

Americans like to have every detail included in the contract because they want to anticipate possible eventualities and circumstances.

• True

• False

The Chinese prefer a contract to have the general principles only because, for them, sealing a deal means forming a relationship with the business partner.

• True

• False