10. Actions Speak Louder than Words: a Customs & Manners Quiz

While working with foreign partners you can have some difficulties. A person who wants to be successful in business abroad must know the partner’s social customs. Take your knowledge of social customs around the world. Try to guess the countries in which the following customs are practised. Then turn to page 153 and check your answers.

Greece	Denmark	Hungary	Portugal	Brazil
Venezuela	Italy	Poland	India	Switzerland
Austria	Romania	The Netherlands	Morocco	Philippines
France	Slovenia	Spain	South Africa	Norway
Iran	Germany	Japan	Sweden	Finland
Great Britain	Ireland	Turkey	Saudi Arabia	Belgium

Начало формы

1. Arrive 30 minutes late to dinner; it is not customary to show up on time.

2. The top executive sits behind the driver of a car. The lowest ranking person sits in the front passenger seat.

3. Restaurants that have passed government inspection display a symbol with the letter "G" on it.

4. A small rack or block of glass at your plate is to be used as a knife rest.

5. Local food markets do not provide bags for your purchases; bring your own.

6. Never eat anything with your fingers; always use utensils.

7. Never criticize or argue publicly with a local.

8. Bourse Days (Mondays or Wednesdays) are when business lunches take place.

9. A "badeanstalt" (public bath) is where people go to take a daily shower.

10. Expect to hear the phrase "Thank you" each time a waiter or waitress delivers something to your table.

11. Never pay for merchandise until it has been wrapped by the cashier.

12. Do not take your spouse to business meetings at restaurants.

13. In this country when you shake hands with a child, you are showing respect to his or her parents.

14. Cash is the only acceptable method of payment at most gas stations.

15. Businesswomen generally aren't expected to pay for a meal.

16. Walking on the grass is illegal in most areas.

17. Enjoy the evening promenade (5:00-8:00 pm) up and down the town's main street to visit with friends.

18. Attain respect from your counterparts by avoiding open friendliness with low-status employees.

19. Expect to receive cream cakes in honor of new employees and other business events.

20. Wear shorts only at the beach.

21. Do not cross your arms while facing someone.

22. Ice cream cones are the only acceptable food to be eaten in the street.

23. Always wash your hands before and after eating.

24. Business people are expected to shake each of their colleague's hands upon arrival to work every morning.

25. Do not place your hand on a child's head-it is believed that it will prevent physical development.

26. Mid-week parties are as common as those held on weekends.

27.Maintain good posture at all times.

28. Public displays of affection, even between spouses, are not acceptable.

29. Always offer your business card to the receptionist.

30. Make appointments at least two weeks in advance; showing up without one is unacceptable.