Cultural differences
A book review “Professional Social Blunders ” by Andrew McDuff

I travel all around the world and I work with people from all different cultures. I am often confronted with situations that require some sensitive understanding of a culture. Here are a few examples.

In the USA we can address the CEO of a very big company as Jack!
In an Asian home we consider leaving our shoes on as rude.
In a Spanish company being 15 minutes late is acceptable.
In France you shake all of you colleagues hands every day at work.
In America we do not kiss the cheek of a colleague we know very well at work.

These are all examples of cultural differences that we find in countries. In some cases the behavior would be considered absolutely unacceptable.

Imagine arriving 30 minutes late for an important meeting in Germany. Imagine calling the president of a big company in Italy by her first name. Imagine entering an Asian home with dirty shoes.

How do you approach these kinds of situations from a professional point of view? Here are a few suggestions.

Remember to look up cultural characteristics in the society you are visiting.
Do not ignore your native culture. It will seem strange. Just show you understand.
Find a good mix between the two. Present the best aspects of either culture. It is flattering.

If you are looking for more information on business culture differences look up “Professional Social Blunders” on Amazon.