How well do you know your global etiquette?

You’re visiting the Mexico office and your host invites you to dinner at her home. The bright bouquet of flowers you brought her has been thrown in the outside bin. What was your mistake?

• 1. In Mexico, flowers should be given as romantic gifts only, so your offering may have been misinterpreted.

• 1. According to Mexican folklore, yellow flowers represent death and red ones cast spells.

• 1. Business gifts are considered a no-no due to their association with corruption and bribery.

Answer explanation

According to Mexican folklore, yellow flowers represent death and red ones cast spells. White flowers would have been a more appropriate gift for your superstitious host as folklore says they lift spells.

Which of the following rules should you comply with in order to avoid an embarrassing situation when meeting a new client in Japan?

• 1. The most senior people in the room should exchange business cards before anybody else.

• 1. Both hands should be used to give and receive business cards.

• 1. When giving a business card, its front should be turned towards the receiver.

• 1. Received business cards should be kept on display for the duration of the meeting — not packed away in wallets or bags.

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the above! Giving and receiving business cards in Japan follows a well-established and particular protocol, so do make sure you brush up before you travel there!

An American woman doing business with a customer in Saudi Arabia dials into a conference call and begins by running through action points from the previous session. Why is this likely to offend those attending?

• 1. It’s customary for meetings in Saudi Arabia to begin by enquiring after each participant’s family.

• 1. The Saudi Arabian participants would have read this as a sign that the American woman doubted their word that they’d deliver against their action points.

• 1. It’s seen as a sign of disrespect for a businesswoman to open the discussion — the most senior male in attendance should always be first to speak in Saudi Arabian business settings.

Answer explanation

The Saudi Arabian participants would have read this as a sign that the American woman doubted their word that they’d deliver against their action points. While it’s customary for meetings in the host’s homeland (US) to begin by discussing minutes from the last session, in Saudi Arabia, such behaviour is perceived as mistrusting.

Your Russian colleagues have organised dinner and drinks for you. Why is it important that you don’t stay too late?

• 1. As the guest of honour, nobody can leave until you do.

• 1. Late nights on working days are generally frowned upon in Russia.

• 1. Your colleagues will want you out of the way so they can discuss other business matters alone — Russians regard privacy highly.

Answer explanation

As the guest of honour, nobody can leave until you do. This doesn’t mean you get to eat or drink first though — that particular honour is bestowed on your host.

In which country is it usual for a person to have three cards: one for social events, one for formal business events, and one for less formal business events?

• 1. India

• 1. Italy

• 1. Ireland

Answer explanation

Italy. Social cards provide only personal contact information. Informal business cards provide professional contact information. Formal business cards provide contact info plus job titles and professional qualifications.

What is considered a mark of respect in the UK, Western Europe, US and Australia that can be a mark of disrespect in China?

• 1. Shaking hands on first meeting.

• 1. Arriving early for a meeting.

• 1. Making eye contacts during conversations.

Answer explanation

Making eye contact during conversations. In the UK, Western Europe, US and Australia, giving regular eye contact to the person you’re speaking with indicates that you’re listening. In China, however, it is considered respectful to avert your gaze from the person to whom you’re speaking.

A Harvard Business Review report sorts nationalities according to how confrontational and emotionally expressive they are. Russia, Israel, France and Spain are classified as both ‘emotionally expressive’ and ‘confrontational’ when doing business. Which group of countries is classified as ‘emotionally unexpressive’ and ‘avoids confrontation’?

• 1. Netherlands, Germany, Denmark.

• 1. UK, Sweden, Korea, Japan.

• 1. Brazil, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Philippines.

Answer explanation

UK, Sweden, Korea, Japan. It’s important to understand where your home or host country sits in the grid, as the Harvard Business Review states: “[The] rule of international negotiations is to recognise what an emotional outpouring (whether yours or theirs) signifies in the culture you are negotiating with, and to adapt your reaction accordingly.”

In Brazil, ‘Abraços’ is a common business email sign-off. What is its English translation?

• 1. Hugs.

• 1. Kisses.

• 1. With my most sincere regards and good wishes to you and your family.

Answer explanation

The English translation of 'Abraços' is 'Hugs.'

You’re flying to Canada’s Quebec region to take part in negotiations. Why should you order a new batch of business cards?

• 1. By law, business cards presented in Canada must feature the Canadian flag.

• 1. It’s expected that business cards shared in Canada should include a good quality headshot of the owner.

• 1. It’s good etiquette to present bilingual business cards in Canada and particularly so in Quebec.

• 1. Business cards in Canada should always be printed in red and white, the national colors.

Answer explanation

Business in Canada is conducted on a bilingual basis, in both French and English. Business cards should contain French translations. It’s not uncommon to use interpreters in meetings so that both languages are represented.

Which of the following are you unlikely to hear during a meeting with Indian business associates?

• 1. “Yes”— Indians are extremely cautious about agreeing to anything until they can be absolutely certain they are able to deliver.

• 1. “No”— it’s considered offensive to disagree or refuse in Indian business culture.

• 1. “Maybe,” “perhaps” or “possibly”— Indians strive to avoid ambiguity.

Answer explanation

“No.” In Indian business culture, it’s considered rude to look at someone you respect in the eye and refuse them something they’ve requested. Instead, an Indian colleague may seek to express “no” through body language or tone or follow up with an email explaining why they are unable to meet the request.