Comments on: #InfographicIdeas: Intercultural and Global Awareness in the Workplace

By: Khang Lieu

Khang Lieu — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 01:54:09 +0000

After reading the infographic, I can confirm that the business etiquette for Hong Kong is true. In America, we usually say “let’s eat,” but in Hong Kong we usually say “please eat” and wait for the host to begin eating. Business confrontations are pretty relaxed in Hong Kong, so I can see how pre-business chit-chat is customary. Most conversations, business or non-business, tends to revolve around asking about family and home life.

By: Jiayu Li

Jiayu Li — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 08:34:59 +0000

I found out that Isreal is very interesting in two aspects. Isreal’s workweek is from Sunday to Thursday where the workweek is from Monday to Friday for the rest of world. The other one is while people can dressed casually to work, but one has to handle a business card with two hands and respects. Two of the dining etiquette is interesting, too. The first one is the expectation of leftovers in Taiwan. The second one is prepared to sing in Korea.

By: Clement Boateng

Clement Boateng — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 00:03:22 +0000

This is a good and educational post as it demonstrates some significant cultural differences. It is always important to know what is acceptable and unacceptable when one associates with a certain group.
This is an example I would like to share. I am from Ghana, and one major sign of disrespect is to give something to an adult using one’s left hand. If one uses a left hand to give out something due to the fact that the right hand is full or not available, he or she has to say sorry before handing it. I remember how my mum would stare at me angrily if I tired giving out something to her with my left hand (You can probably imagine that).
It is a norm at everywhere, including workplaces. If you hand your boss or any other co-worker an item with the left hand whiles your right hand is available, they would actually consider you disrespectful. I am very sure if you attend an interview and kill it, but then hand your resume to the interviewer with you left hand and not say sorry, that will be enough to deny you the job.

By: Zachary Cohen

Zachary Cohen — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 22:54:10 +0000

This is a really cool infographic. I was amazed to see all the differences from one culture to another. I’ve been to Israel before and actually have some friends that live there so I do have some insights on cultural edicate there. I would definitely agree with the infographic that a firm handshake there is important, because the people in Israel are somewhat assertive and would respect a strong presence. However, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to address people as Mr. or Mrs.; The people there are relatively informal and try to do things as close to we do in America as possible. The dress code is very informal, I think there are very few workplaces in Israel where you will find most of the office in suits. Also, I don’t think the two handed business card thing is accurate for Israel; I’m sure a one handed approach would be fine.

The most important thing to note, which was noted at the bottom of one of the pages in the infographic, is that the work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, not Monday to Friday. This is extremely important to know because Friday evening to Saturday evening is the Jewish holiday of shabbat, during which some very religious individuals will avoid using technology or doing work, and some individuals may actually be offended if you call them during this time.

By: Youngsu Kim

Youngsu Kim — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 21:55:38 +0000

After reading this infographic, I felt it was very accurate regarding the business etiquette in South Korea. The karaoke part somehow cracked me up, but it’s almost true because I heard about and watched people that did so, though it is only when they go to the karaoke bar for drinks. Additionally, talking with full mouth is deemed as not polite. Other than that, I see everything is accurate. Using both hands is a must not only when handing out the cards, but whenever treating people older than you. It was a good information to know how each country has different business etiquette. Overall, I got to know many information from it.

By: Alexander Tsai

Alexander Tsai — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 20:26:14 +0000

This infograph interests me a lot because I actually traveled to Taiwan this past winter break and I definitely saw a huge difference in business etiquette. For example, in Taiwan, the people who run businesses are always outside of their shop trying to advertise their products to customers that walk past them. They always seem so enthusiastic and are not afraid to approach someone to give them their elevator pitch. It almost feels like walking through an auction. Also, when buying products from a business in Taiwan, they always seem so appreciative of the business that they receive as they always bow to their customers and say thank you. They also try to connect with the customers on a more personal level. It is a lot different than here in America where businesses just wait for customers to walk in.

By: Abigail Wasson

Abigail Wasson — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:23:46 +0000

Before reading this infograph, I would have never thought to study if “interruptions” are allowed during a meeting. Every country has a different culture and customs. If you are traveling to a country for a work trip, it is very important to study the people’s way of life. If you come off as disrespectful to the country and the people you are visiting, it could not only create a bad reputation for yourself, but the company you are traveling with. Deals could be broken and relationships could be severed over dining etiquette or something you feel is custom in your own country. I have not had a personal experience on a work trip to another country, however, if I eventually do, I will be sure to study the formalities and cultural aspects.

By: Ashleigh Griffin

Ashleigh Griffin — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:08:26 +0000

I took french for four years so I was surprised that there was a notation on explaining not being fluent in French but there wasn’t a notation on the fact that it is extremely important not to hug someone. The French view hugging as a very intimate and sometimes sexual act as your full body is usually touching someone else’s. It is customary to shake hands and if inclined to touch cheeks while basically kissing the air (you should never actually put your lips on the cheek of the person you are greeting). Also in the same fashion the the U.S. uses Mrs. and Miss to distinguish between married and unmarried women; madame and mademoiselle should be used in the same way as calling a women the wrong title can be taken as a lack of respect.

By: Faizal Zulkifli

Faizal Zulkifli — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 07:40:26 +0000

I live in Malaysia which is a neighbouring country with Singapore so the way we address our names in a business way is the same where we address the first names for Malays and Indians while addressing surnames for the Chinese. However, in terms of dress code we tend to use business casual to look more corporate and we do not give out business cards by reaching out both hands simply because we looked silly doing it like that and it does not really match our culture. In terms of dining etiquette, there are no specific ones but more of just showing that we respect our colleagues such as waiting for all of the members to sit down first before starting to eat.

By: Moqi Zhang

Moqi Zhang — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 03:46:16 +0000

I come from China, in my country. For the name card, we need use both hands to show the respect to others, and we cannot eat before the host. Furthermore, it is important that we have the best seat for the host. We would like to talk something else before we talk the topic, and no interrupt allowed. I think we don’t talk about the topic at first because of Chinese regard politeness as important, and we don’t like people who are self-assertion. It is so surprising that we need sing a song when we eat in Korea.
In general, this article can help me to respect different cultural people in the workplace.