BUSINESS IN DIFFERENT CULTURES - 2 united

Business In Different Cultures


To understand this first united you will need to know this words:

• Pitfalls
• Etiquette
• gafffe
• Title
• Surname
• Aware
• Eye contact 
• Customary 
• Avoid
• Conscious
• Offend
• Manners
• Blunder

SPEAKING

A: I've been reading up on Japanese etiquette. It's got me worried. 

B: What are you worried about? 

A: It's full of pitfalls! I'm scared I'm going to make some terrible social gaffe. 

B: I'm sure that if you're careful of your manners you'll be fine. 

A: That's not the point. Good manners in Japan are different from manners here. Sometimes they're the complete opposite!

B: Like what? 

A: Well, here you make eye contact when you shake hands. In Japan that's rude. 

B: Really? I wasn't aware of that. 

A: And it's customary to give gifts to your hosts, but there are so many gifts that can be offensive. 

B: Like what? 

A: Let me see. Here it says avoid giving white flowers, and don't give anything linked to the number four because it's unlucky! 

B: So, what gifts are you going to take? 

A: Well, the guide says people normally thank others for their hospitality by giving candies. 

B: Then you should buy something nice from the candy shop on the corner. 

A: Yes. Great idea. 

WRITING 

Etiquette guide for business people When people greet each other in the USA it is customary to address them by their title and surname and ask them how they are. If it is someone you are meeting for the first time then you should shake their hands and say "Pleased to meet you". If you go out for, say, a business lunch then generally you can eat as much as you like. However, if you are invited into someone's home for a meal you should try and leave your plate empty. Gifts are not expected but a small gift, like some flowers, would be appreciated.