Cultural Pitfalls That You Need to Know

• Waving is a serious insult in Greece and in Nigeria, particularly if the hand is near someone’s face.
• Making a “good-bye wave” in Europe can mean “No,” but it means “Come here” in Peru.
• In China, last names are written first.
• A man named Carlos Lopez-Garcia should be addressed as Mr. Lopez in Latin America, but as Mr. Garcia in Brazil.
• Breakfast meetings are considered uncivilized in most foreign countries.
• Latin Americans are on average 20 minutes late to business appointments.
• Direct eye contact is impolite in Japan.
• Don’t cross your legs in any Arab or many Asian countries – it’s rude to show the sole of your shoe.
• In Brazil, touching your thumb and first finger – an American “Okay” sign – is the equivalent of raising the middle finger.
• Nodding or tossing your head back in southern Italy, Malta, Greece and Tunisia means “No.” In India, this body motion means “Yes.”
• Snapping your fingers is vulgar in France and Belgium.
• Folding your arms across your chest is a sign of annoyance in Finland.
• In China, leave some food on your plate to show that your host was so generous that you couldn’t finish.
• Do not eat with your left hand when dining with clients from Malaysia or India.
• One form of communication works the same worldwide. It’s the smile – so take that along wherever you go.

(source: Strategic Management Concepts, Fred R. David, 12th edition)

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