Title: Avoiding Cross-Cultural Faux Pas - Career Skills From MindTools.com
Headings: Avoiding Cross-Cultural Faux Pas
Avoiding Cross-Cultural Faux Pas
Understanding the Impact of Cross-Cultural Differences
The Importance of Cultural Awareness
Considering Cultural Differences
Tip 1:
Tip 2:
Common Cross-Cultural Mistakes
Note:
Food
Body Language and Gestures
Tip:
Clothing and Color
Personal Space
Additional Tools and Models
Key Points

Content: They consider the left hand unclean, so you should never use it for anything publicly. Several cultures consider crossing your legs to be rude. For example, in the Middle East and South Africa, crossed legs often show the sole of the foot, a sign of an ill wish or a bad omen. In Japan, it's considered rude to cross your legs in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. Certain gestures considered acceptable in one country can be highly offensive in another. For example, a "thumbs up" gesture is seen as a sign of satisfaction in the West, but is highly offensive in some Middle Eastern countries. In the United States, a handshake demonstrates that negotiations are finished, and that everyone is leaving on good terms. In the Middle East, a handshake is a sign that serious negotiations are now beginning. In many cultures, pointing is impolite, so it's usually best to avoid it entirely. If you must gesture toward something, use your entire hand.