Knowing how to kiss, bow and shake hands in different cultures may be useful, but is it what is going to clinch the deal? Would others be so mortally offended if you stretched out a hand when you were meant to bow, or kiss twice instead of three times?
No, culture works in more subtle ways than that. And looking for answers in “what not to do” type check lists is a bit like looking for your lost car keys under the street light instead of in the dark ditch where you dropped them. Easier, but ultimately ineffective.
It is our ability to communicate in a multicultural environment that makes the real difference. To navigate the invisible assumptions we bring to the interaction, around hierarchy, harmony and sense of self. Cultural values are those lost car keys. Shed some light on culture, and you will find them.
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