Share Culture Shock Quiz
Save to Folder
Is the OK sign offensive in Japan?
No
You have arrived at a business meeting in South Korea and you are meeting the company’s president. You should: • Look him in the eye and extend your hand for a handshake? • Nod your head ? • Bow and wait for him to initiate the handshake?
Bow and wait for him to initiate the handshake
In which of these countries is it expected that you always raise your glass lower than your senior manager? • Italy? • Argentina? • South Korea?
South Korea
When conducting business in Germany, is it best to: • Buy local beer and take it to a meeting as a gift? • Not waste anyone’s time; be punctual and direct? • Give out your business cards to everybody?
• Not waste anyone’s time; be punctual and direct
A prospective client, in Japan, gives you her business card. What should you do?
Receive it with both hands and carefully study its details before putting it away
During a business meeting in Thailand, you avoid: • Wearing black? • If you are a man; crossing your left ankle over your right knee? • Pointing to a statue of Buddha? • Having silent pauses during a conversation?
• Wearing black. If you are a man; crossing your left ankle over your right knee. Pointing to a statue of Buddha.
What color is best for business cards in China? • Green? • Black? • Gold?
Gold
When meeting someone in a business context in France, what should you avoid doing? • Using first names, if meeting someone for the first time? • Making eye contact? • Asking about family?
Using first names, if meeting someone for the first time
In Dubai • Coffee is served at the beginning of the meeting? • The exchange of business cards is simultaneous? • Your meeting may be interrupted for prayer?
Your meeting may be interrupted for prayer?
When delegating tasks to an Indian colleague, s/he responds to all your questions with a ‘yes’. This means: • s/he is showing respect? • s/he understands completely? • s/he will do as you ask?
s/he is showing respect
Slurping your soup loudly is NOT considered rude in: • France? • Japan? • The United Kingdom?
Japan
In which country you should never eat all the food on your plate, as it implies that the host did not provide enough food? • Italy? • China? • India?
China
In South Korea, you should never write people’s names in which color? • Red? • Green? • Purple?
Red
Which of these should you avoid in China? • Silence during conversations? • Touching and physical contact? • Speaking about family?
Touching and physical contact
In which country does nodding your head up and down mean ‘no’? • Bulgaria? • Russia? • Thailand?
Bulgaria
You are speaking at a business meeting and the Japanese delegate closes his/her eyes. What does this mean? • S/he is tired, maybe suffering from jet lag? • S/he is disengaged? • s/he is concentrating and listening hard?
s/he is concentrating and listening hard
