Financial times

World business newspaper.

From the Financial

DISCUSSION

1. What is culture? Choose the four factors below which you think are the most important in creating a culture.

Climate institutions ideas and beliefs cuisine

language arts religion geography

social customs and traditions historical events ceremonies and festivals

2. What do you miss most about your country or culture when you go abroad?

3. Why is cultural awareness important for buisiness people? Give examples.

4. Do you think cultures are becoming more alike? Is this a good or bad thing? For example, think about:

improved communications chip foreign travel

Global business Trading groups (EU, ASEAN, etc.)

5. How important are the following things when doing business in your country? Are they: a) important b) not important, or c) best avoided?

· exanging business cards · shaking hands · kissing · socializing with contacts · small talk before meetings · accepting interruption · using first names

· formality (how you dress, how you talk to colleagues, what names you use, etc.) · punctuality · humour · giving presents · being direct (saying exactly what you think)

VISITORS FROM CHINA