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Part II The How-Tos
Identify the Differences ：Six Fundamental Patterns of Cultural Differences
了解不同：中西文化差异的六种基本模式
1.Different Communication Styles 不同的交流风格
The way people communicate varies widely between, and even within, cultures. One aspect of communication style is language usage. Across cultures, some words and phrases are used in different ways. For example, even in countries that share the English language, the meaning of "yes" varies from "maybe, I'll consider it" to "definitely so," with many shades in between.
Another major aspect of communication style is the degree of importance given to non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication includes not only facial expressions and gestures; it also involves seating arrangements, personal distance, and sense of time. In addition, different norms regarding the appropriate degree of assertiveness in communicating can add to cultural misunderstandings. For instance, some white Americans typically consider raised voices to be a sign that a fight has begun, while some Asian, African, Jewish and Italian Americans often feel that an increase in volume is a sign of an exciting conversation among friends. Thus, some white Americans may react with greater alarm to a loud discussion than would members of some American ethnic or non-white racial groups.
2.Different Attitudes Toward Conflict 对待冲突的不同看法
Some cultures view conflict as a positive thing, while others view it as something to be avoided. In the U.S., conflict is not usually desirable; but people often are encouraged to deal directly with conflicts that do arise. In fact, face-to-face meetings customarily are recommended as the way to work through whatever problems exist. In contrast, in many Eastern countries, open conflict is experienced as embarrassing or demeaning; as a rule, differences are best worked out quietly. A written exchange might be the favored means to address the conflict.
3.Different Approaches to Completing Tasks 对待完成任务的不同方法
From culture to culture, there are different ways that people move toward completing tasks. Some reasons include different access to resources, different judgments of the rewards associated with task completion, different notions of time, and varied ideas about how relationship-building and task-oriented work should go together.
When it comes to working together effectively on a task, cultures differ with respect to the importance placed on establishing relationships early on in the collaboration. A case in point, Asian and Hispanic cultures tend to attach more value to developing relationships at the beginning of a shared project and more emphasis on task completion toward the end as compared with Americans. Americans tend to focus immediately on the task at hand, and let relationships develop as they work on the task. This does not mean that people from any one of these cultural backgrounds are more or less committed to accomplishing the task, or value relationships more or less; it means they may pursue them differently.
4.Different Decision-Making Styles 不同的决定风格
The roles individuals play in decision-making vary widely from culture to culture. For example, in the U.S., decisions are frequently delegated -- that is, an official assigns responsibility for a particular matter to a subordinate. In many Southern European and Latin American countries, there is a strong value placed on holding decision-making responsibilities oneself. When decisions are made by groups of people, majority rule is a common approach in the U.S.; in Asia consensus is the preferred mode. Be aware that individuals' expectations about their own roles in shaping a decision may be influenced by their cultural frame of reference.
5.Different Attitudes Toward Disclosure 对待披露/曝光的不同态度
In some cultures, it is not appropriate to be frank about emotions, about the reasons behind a conflict or a misunderstanding, or about personal information. Keep this in mind when you are in a dialogue or when you are working with others. When you are dealing with a conflict, be mindful that people may differ in what they feel comfortable revealing. Questions that may seem natural to you -- What was the conflict about? What was your role in the conflict? What was the sequence of events? -- may seem intrusive to others. The variation among cultures in attitudes toward disclosure is also something to consider before you conclude that you have an accurate reading of the views, experiences, and goals of the people with whom you are working.
Guidelines for Prosperous Entertaining and Presentation of Gifts in Business
商务社交、接送礼物礼仪
Business breakfasts are common, and can start as early as 7:00 a.m.
On weekends, many people partake in "brunch", a combination of lunch and breakfast beginning anywhere from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moreover, business meetings are sometimes held over "brunch."
Business meetings are frequently held over lunch, which begins at 12:00 noon and sometimes lasts until 2:00 p.m. Lunch is usually a lighter meal, since work continues directly afterward. Additionally, an alcoholic beverage such as wine or beer is sometimes ordered.
If you are invited out for a business meal, the host will usually pay.
If you are invited out, but your host does not offer to pay, you should be prepared to pay for your own meal.
When eating out, the cost is sometimes shared with friends or colleagues, a practice often referred to as "getting separate checks", "going Dutch", or "splitting the bill."
If you invite a U.S. counterpart out socially, you must make it clear whether you wish to pay.
The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating. The knife is used to cut or spread something onto a food item. To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand or is laid down; to continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand. But, if you prefer to use the “continental” style of dining, in which the knife and fork are never switched, that is acceptable, too.
Unlike some other cultures, it's perfectly acceptable to refuse an offer of food or drink; moreover, in most cases, the host probably won't urge you to eat.
Many foods are eaten with the hands, so you may want to follow the example of your companions.
There are a variety of ways to beckon a server. For example, you can make eye contact and raise your eyebrows, briefly wave to get his or her attention, or mouth the word for what you want such as "water" or "coffee." To call for the check, you can make a writing gesture or mouth the word "check, please."
It is not considered rude to eat while walking down the street.
Business gifts are often presented after the deal is closed. In most situations, gifts are usually unwrapped immediately and shown to all assembled. If you receive a Christmas gift, however, you may be asked to wait until Christmas Day to open it.
In many cases, the best gifts are those that come from your country.
You may not receive a gift in return right away.
During the Christmas season, gifts are exchanged. For your business associates, you can give gifts such as useful items for the office, liquor or wine.
When you visit a home, it is not necessary to take a gift, although it is always appreciated. Flowers, a potted plant, or a bottle of wine can be good gift choices.
Taking someone out for a meal or other entertainment is another popular gift.
Gifts for women such as perfume or clothing are usually inappropriate because they are considered far too personal.
Gifts for children are often a thoughtful and appreciated gesture, but take into account the values of the parents. For example, some parents might object to your giving a toy gun or a violent video game to their child. Acceptable public conduct
