The first part of this section presents some interesting cross-cultural statistics and comparisons. The second part provides useful information for cultural understanding while visiting foreign countries, especially those exotic ones.

Cindy Lee

By Adrian Wallwork

Punctuality:
The importance of punctuality varies widely from nation to nation. In some Mediterranean and Latin American countries, a half-hour delay is acceptable. In Scandinavia, guests are expected to arrive on time.

Answering Phone:
The American say ‘hello’ when answering the phone, the French ‘allo’, some British say their phone number, Germans ofter say their last name, Italians ‘pronto’ (I am ready), Spaniards ‘digame (tell me), Russians slushaiyu (I am listening), Japanese ‘moshi moshi’ (hello), and Chinese ‘wei’ (hello).

Roads:
The longest road network is in the USA, and the most crowded in Hong Kong. The highest car ownership is in Luxembourg, and the highest road accident and death rate is in Malawi.

Dining:
The first calorie-consuming countries are: Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, USA and Spain.

Pastime:
Norway spends more on books and music per head than any other country. Other big spending countries are: Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and Japan.

Britain:
Some of the things that surprise visitors to the UK are: separate taps for hot and cold water, lack of bidets, the weather, the variety of restaurants, children not being welcome in restaurants, eating the evening meal as early as 5:00pm, queuing, and the lack of conversation among people using public transport.

Arab:
When you visit the house of an Arabian, the standing position you take should next to the house to ensure that when the house is open, you won’t see the inside of the house.

Spain:
Traditionally, Spanish offices and stores often close between 1:30pm and 4:40pm for a siesta (a break in the middle of the day).

Russia:
Three general comments will carry you a long way in dealing with Russians. First, be courteous. Simple courtesy goes a long way, and the Russians remember little things. Second, be prepared for a slower pace. Third, respect the Russian’s need for initial formality.

Western Europe:
In western Europe, avoid giving your hostess red roses, as they have romantic implications. And don’t give 13 or and even number of flowers as this brings bad luck.

Source:
Wallwork, A. (2000) Business Options. UK: Oxford University Press.