JINNAH UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN:

Business communication
Assignment no 1:
Different Cultures Of The World
Submitted to:
Miss Nazia Hussain
SUBMITTED by:
Aiman Khan

CONCEPT OF CULTURE
Culture is a shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values,
expectations and behavior norms. Culture influences the way you prioritize
what is important in life. We belong to several cultures, each of which
affects the way you communicate.

There are few cultures of the world are listed down:

1. CHINESE CULTURE

Contextual Differences In China:

Chinese culture is the high-context culture. Chinese have a lot of rules and
meaning that are not said or verbally expressed during communication.
Chinese are silent and shy. Chinese conversation contain a lot of extra
meanings, Chinese are noisy and pointless.
Nonverbal Differences In China:
Chinese rely on facial expressions, tone of voice and posture of body to tell
them what someone feels. Frowning while someone is speaking is
interpreted as a sign of disagreement. In Chinese culture it shows disgrace
to stare at someones eyes. Therefore Chinese avoid eye contact to give
themselves privacy.
Gender Differences In China:
The issue of gender roles and equality has been touchy in China.
Traditional beliefs have always placed men ahead of women in the social
hierarchy. Age-old beliefs created pressure on families to produce a boy so
the family name will carry on. However, under Communism, women have
made great steps in other areas, particularly in working and taking on
greater roles in professional and public life. They are able to inherit
property.
Religious Differences In China:
China has been a multi-religion country. Confucianism is an original religion
& soul of Chinese culture. According to a latest survey 85% of Chinese
have religious beliefs while other 15% dont follow any religion. In china 185
million people believe in Buddhism, 33million have faith in Christianity and
12million people are Taoist.
Etiquettes In China:

Gathering Etiquette:
Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first.
Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners. Many
Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone. Address the
person by their surname. If they want to move to a first-name basis, they
will advise you which name to use.
Feasting Etiquette:
The Chinese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their homes,
especially when entertaining foreigners. If you are invited to their house,
consider it a great honor. If you must turn down such an honor, it is
considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that your
actions are not taken as a slight. Arrive on time. Remove your shoes before
entering the house. Bring a small gift to the hostess. Eat well to
demonstrate that you are enjoying the food.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

Appointments are necessary and, if possible, should be made between
one-to-two months in advance, preferably in writing. You should arrive at
meetings on time or slightly early. The Chinese view punctuality as a
asset. Arriving late is an insult and could negatively affect your
relationship. Meetings require patience. It is commanding that you bring
your own interpreter, especially if you plan to discuss legal or extremely
technical concepts as you can brief the interpreter to the meeting.

2. GREECE CULTURE
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Contextual Differences In Greece:

Greece has a very high-context orientated culture, which means that the
Greeks have a habit of convey secret and clear messages which are
adopted. Their interactions do not need explanation because of their
common history, and they just know what is being conveyed to them.
Because of this, you might find that the Greeks often interrupt you as they
quite quickly find out what it is you are trying to say. Although this can seem
rude to many, it is just a common aspect of the Greek way of
communication.
Nonverbal Differences In Greece:
Personal distance between speakers and friends is much smaller in Greece
than many other countries. Moving away from a person standing too close
to you can often be viewed as unfriendly on your part. Another very
important thing to remember is to keep eye contact, as letting your eyes
look away during a conversation is considered very rude. Using the
thumbs up is an obscene sexual gesture in some parts of Greece.

Gender Differences In Greece:

Leading views in both societies saw male and female 'natures' as radically
different, and the male as in most ways superior to the female; these ideas
had many interconnections with fundamental modes of social and political
organization. These ideas also produced many contradictions, varied over
time and place, and were not unchallenged. Equally, it can be argued that
more modern sharp divisions between heterosexual and homosexual
identities in individuals did not exist, or operated in very different ways, in
Greece and in Rome, and also that there were again many variations over
time and place.
Religious Differences In Greece:
In Greece, 98% of the Greek population is Christian Orthodox. A
percentage of 1,3% are Greek citizens of Muslim religion, mostly people
living in Thrace who were not affected by the population exchange of 1922
between the Greeks of Asia Minor and the Turks of Greece. The rest 0,7%
are Catholics, Jewish, Jehovah's Witnesses and others.
Etiquettes In Greece:

Gathering Etiquette:
Greeks are warm and welcoming. When meeting someone for the first
time, they shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact. Good
friends often embrace; they may also kiss each other on each cheek. Male
friends often slap each other's arm at the shoulder.
Feasting Etiquette:
If you are invited to a Greek home Arriving 30 minutes late is considered
punctual. Dress well. This demonstrates respect for your hosts. Offer to
help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
Your offer may not be accepted, but it will be appreciated. Expect to be
treated like royalty. Compliment the house.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance,
although it is often possible to schedule them on short notice. Confirm
meetings one day in advance by telephone.
Many businesspeople eat lunch between 1 and 3 p.m., so this is not the
best time for a meeting. Have printed material available in both English and
Greek. Meetings are often interrupted. Several people may speak at the
same time.

3. Mexican Culture

Contextual Differences In Mexico:

Mexico is a high context culture. In Mexico people highlights on how a message is said
rather than on the words used alone. In Mexican communication, it is necessary to build
a personal relationship in conducting business with Mexicans.

Nonverbal differences In Mexico:

Mexican concepts of personal distance are considerably closer than in the United
States. The average distance is approximately three to four inches closer than in the
United States. Mexico, by contrast, is a much more touching culture. Mexican touching
behavior is considerably wider. Common workplace interactions would likely include
back-patting, greeting hugs between men as well as women, and handshakes using
both hands often reaching to the upper arm.

Gender Differences In Mexico:

In Mexican social settings where men are more likely than in the United States to rule
their households with little open disagreement from wives. While gender distinctions are
more strongly delineated in Mexico than in the United States. Many Mexican women,
particularly in the large urban centers, are involved in professional settings from
university professors to government leaders and entrepreneurs.

Religious Differences In Mexico:

Mexico doesn't have an official religion, most Mexicans are Christians. Around 89% of
the population is Roman Catholic, making it the country with the second largest Catholic
population, after Brazil. Protestants, mostly Pentecostal, make up about 6% of
Mexicans, while the other 5% of the population practice a religion or have no religion at
all

Etiquettes In Mexico:

Gathering Etiquette:
When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or
shoulder, rather than shake hands Men shake hands until they know someone well, at
which time they progress to the more traditional hug and back slapping. Wait until
invited before using a Mexican's first name.

Feasting Etiquette:
If you are invited to a Mexican's home Arrive 30 minutes late in most places (check with
colleagues to see if you should arrive later than that).Arriving on time or early is
considered inappropriate. At a large party you may introduce yourself. At a smaller
gathering the host usually handles the introductions.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

Business appointments are required and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
Reconfirm the appointment one week before the meeting. It is important that you arrive
on time for meetings, although your Mexican business associates may be up to 30
minutes late. Have all written material available in both English and Spanish. Agendas
are not common. If they are given, they are not always followed.

4. [Link] Culture:
 Contextual Differences In Egypt:
Egypt is a high context culture which means that a lot what is communicated is more
indirect with tone of voice, facial expression, body language, eye contact, and
elaborated words or phrases. Relationships are slowly built on trust and the pace of
business is much slower than in low-context western cultures such as the U.S.

Nonverbal Differences In Egypt:

In Egypt showing of the sole of the foot is considered rude because the sole is thought
to be the dirtiest part of the body. Left hand is also considered as unclean.

Gender Differences In Egypt:

Egyptian females who reach high levels of education and accomplishment are treated
with respect. If an Egyptian women wear longer skirts less flesh- not an attempt to adopt
hijab she would be treated respectfully. Being a woman could work to her advantage
simply because there is genuine curiosity along with respect for those who are
accomplished.

Religious Differences In Egypt:

Egypt has always people of diverse religions. Even after the arrival of Islam there
remained, and remains to this day, an important Christian minority. There is now only a
small Jewish population.

Etiquettes In Egypt:

Gathering Etiquette:
Handshakes are somewhat loose and prolonged, although they are always given with a
hearty smile and direct eye contact. Once a relationship has developed, it is common to
kiss on one cheek and then the other while shaking hands, men with men and women
with women. In any greeting between men and women, the woman must extend her
hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting.

Feasting Etiquette:
If you are invited into an Egyptian's house: You would normally remove your shoes
before entering. Dress well and conservatively. Appearances are important to
Egyptians. Compliment the host on the house. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you
where to sit. Eat with the right hand only. Leave a small amount of food on your plate
when you have finished eating. Otherwise they will keep filling it up for you.
 Business Meeting Etiquette:

Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance. Confirm the meeting
one week in advance, either in writing or by telephone. Meetings are generally not
private unless there is a need to discuss matters confidentially. In general, Egyptians
have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means you may
experience frequent interruptions. Others may even walk into the room and start a
different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the
original discussion until the new person leaves. If you send an agenda and
presentation materials in advance of the meeting, send both an English and Egyptian
Arabic translation.

5. Italian Culture:

Contextual Differences In Italy:

Italian culture is more likely to high-context messages, they do not need messages to
be high-context to derive the messages meaning. Italians are more open to a high-
context message because they notice messages as more than just words; a color or a
scenario might change the meaning of the words completely.

Nonverbal Differences In Italy:

Italians tend to be gregarious, expressive and animated. While they speak loudly and
interruptions are to be expected, they tend also to be quite eloquent. Italians are rather
uncomfortable with silence. Personal questions on income are also inappropriate. On
the other hand, Italians are quite keen to speak about their families.
 Gender Differences In Italy:

Women are socially and legally equal to men. That being said, there is still judgment
and older generations tend to see women as the housewife and homemaker. Women
hold a variety of positions of power in several industries, although salaries tend to be
lower.

Religious Differences In Italy:

The main religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism with its headquarters at the Vatican.
However, a very long time ago, the Ancient Romans believed in many gods and
goddesses. According to the Romans, each and every god and goddess had a certain
thing or group of people to watch over.

Etiquettes In Italy:

Gathering Etiquette:
In Italy Greetings are excited yet rather formal. The usual handshake with direct eye
contact and a smile suits between strangers. Once a relationship develops, they usually
do air-kissing on both cheeks.

Feasting Etiquette:

If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather
formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women. Punctuality is not
mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30
minutes late if invited to a party. If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such
as wine or chocolates. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown
to a particular seat. The host gives the first toast.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

Appointments are mandatory and should be made in writing (in Italian) 2 to 3 weeks
in advance. Many companies are closed in August, and if they are open many Italians
take vacations at this time, so it is best not to try to schedule meetings then. The goal
of the initial meeting is to develop a sense of respect and trust with your Italian
business colleagues. Have all your printed material available in both English and
Italian. Hire an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian. Decisions are not reached in
meetings. Meetings are meant for a free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their
say.
 6. Indian Culture:

Contextual Differences In India:

India is a high context culture, there is much reliance on nonverbal gestures. In India,
people greet each other using the word Namaste and they put their palms together in
front of their chest and give a slight bow of the head. Indians clearly believe that
actions speak louder than words because of the universal gesture that unites their
country.

Nonverbal Differences In India:

They use their whole hand or chin to signal to something. An apology can be given by
tapping someones shoulder and then tapping your own forehead. Most Indians make
direct eye contact during conversation; however, a woman from a conservative and/or
traditional/rural background may speak to you from behind the veil of her sari. It is not
acceptable to touch someone during conversation unless you know the person well.
Pointing a finger at someone would be considered rude. If you need to get the attention
of the waiter in a restaurant make eye contact or try to gesture to him with your right
hand/arm stretched out, palm facing down and moving your fingers towards yourself.

Gender Differences In India:

Depending on the area, womens rights are either established or non-existent. More
progressive areas like the state of Kerala have womens roles comparable to men.
Foreign women are given more slack in terms of dress, but travelers should wear
whatever clothing is accepted in that region. Accepted roles are generally a housewife,
mother, homemaker etc. In villages women are usually involved in cottage industries,
farming etc. Traditional Indian women do not drink or smoke.
 Religious Differences In India:
India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism. A huge majority 84% of
the population is Hindu. There are many variations of Hinduism. About 13 percent of
Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians
and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer
Buddhists and Jains.

Etiquettes In India:

Gathering Etiquette:
Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India. This is a hierarchical
culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first. Shaking hands is common,
especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing
with westerners. Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands
with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women
because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.

Feasting Etiquette:

Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues,
depending upon the occasion and circumstances. Although Indians are not always
punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time.
Take off your shoes before entering the house. Dress modestly and conservatively.
Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and
again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

You will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by

letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance. It is a good idea to
confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice. The best time for a
meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Keep your schedule flexible so that it can
be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of meetings. You should arrive at meetings
on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.

7. African culture:
 Contextual Differences In Africa:

Two phrases frequently used in South Africa are I will do it now and I will do it just
now. Although they sound very similar, they are quite different. I will do it now
indicates that the task has a high priority, while I will do it just now means that the task
has a lower priority and will be postponed. South Africa is a high-context communication
culture, which means people use non-verbal body language to enhance their spoken
words. Be aware of this when understanding the messages your colleagues send you.

Nonverbal Differences In Africa:

South African people are very friendly. In small towns and villages, you always greet
everyone that you pass and try to use the proper honorific like Mr., Mrs., or Doctor. If
you do not know a persons name, but do know their occupation, still refer to them by
their occupation. South Africans are very expressive people by nature and the use of
hand gestures during conversation is common.

Gender Differences In Africa:

South Africa is still a male dominated society but this is changing. Women are generally
accepted in business and it is very common for women to work but many are still
expected to run the house and look after the children. It is common, especially in the
small townships to hear men, mostly construction workers being forward by whistling at
women passing by. In tribal and rural areas, foreign women are treated with greater
respect than native women. In many rural villages, women who drink alcohol. They
consider that type of woman to be lacking in virtues.

Religious Differences In Africa:

The main religion in South Africa is Christianity. This religion has over 2 million followers
and it teaches the doctrine of Jesus Christ. However, there are other religions that are
found in South Africa and they include Islamic, Hinduism and African traditional religion.

Etiquettes In Africa:

Gathering Etiquette:
There are several greeting styles in South Africa depending upon the ethnic heritage of
the person you are meeting. When dealing with foreigners, most South Africans shake
hands while maintaining eye contact and smiling. Some women do not shake hands
and merely nod their head, so it is best to wait for a woman to extend her hand. Men
may kiss a woman they know well on the cheek in place of a handshake.

Feasting Etiquette:

If you are invited to a South African's house Arrive on time if invited to dinner. Contact
the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish. Wear casual
clothes. This may include jeans or pressed shorts. It is a good idea to check with the
hosts in advance. In Johannesburg, casual is dressier than in other parts of the country.
Do not wear jeans or shorts unless you have spoken to the hosts.

Business Meeting Etiquette:

Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible. It

may be difficult to arrange meetings with senior level managers on short notice,
although you may be able to do so with lower-level managers. It is often difficult to
schedule meetings from mid-December to mid-January or the two weeks surrounding
Easter, as these are prime vacation times. Personal relationships are important. The
initial meeting is often used to establish a personal rapport and to determine if you are
trustworthy. After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided and the
next steps.