Cultural differences

Which country considers chrysanthemums a symbol of mourning?

Which city is shown as a place where falling asleep on a stranger’s shoulder in public is considered inappropriate?

Which household appliance was shown being used as a blender?

"American ......................, Chinese ........................"

• American Place Chinese Space

• American Space, Chinese Place

In a polychronic culture, which of the following behaviors is most common?

• Strict adherence to schedules and deadlines

• Preference for completing one task at a time

• Emphasis on relationships and multitasking

• Viewing time as a limited resource

Why are cherry blossoms (sakura) deeply cherished in Japanese culture?

• They symbolize eternal life and strength.

• They remind people that beautiful things don’t stay forever.

• They are used to make traditional Japanese medicine.

• They bloom all year round in Japan.

During a Riyadh negotiation, you maintain strong eye contact with a male Saudi counterpart. He averts his gaze. In Toronto, a Canadian colleague does the same. What’s the difference?

• Both are lying.

• The Saudi may find strong eye contact aggressive; the Canadian may just be shy.

• The Canadian is flirting; the Saudi is not.

• Eye contact rules are identical.

A Bangkok vendor nods slightly and stays quiet when you ask for a discount. In Stockholm, a Swede does the same. One means “I’ll consider it”, the other “No”. Who’s which?

• Thai = “I’ll consider”; Swede = “No”

• Swede = “Yes”; Thai = “No”.

• Both mean “Yes, but shyly”.

• Silence = agreement