English Unlimited HTL 4/5, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM

68 Immigration and diversity 05 LANGUAGE SKILLS EXPLORE EXTRAS What is ‘culture’? What factors play a significant part in creating culture? Would you agree that the pictures below illustrate different aspects of culture? If yes, which ones? What is ‘cultural awareness’ and why is it especially important for businesspeople? Talk together and find at least three reasons. a LiSTEning 25 b Listen to the interview with Dave Allen, managing director of Culture and Business Ltd , a company offering training in intercultural and diversity management. 1 How does Dave Allen explain cultural awareness? 2 Why is it so important for businesspeople? 3 What do people learn in Dave Allen’s courses? 4 How will companies profit from diversity-in-the-workplace training? Work in groups of three. Student A, read the tips below. Student B, read the tips on p. 198. Student C, read the tips on p. 200. Tell the others in your group about your tips. 26 TCD  2/03 REading 27 Cultural awareness Greeting and addressing people Shaking hands is a Western custom that is quite commonwhen doing business inAsia. If someone extends his or her hand, shake it immediately – not too firm, not too long and not with excessive pumping. Remember that Muslim women will not shake hands with men. In Japan, nod your head respectfully when shaking, but do not attempt to bow unless you have been properly coached – you will look ridiculous.  Never assume that you can address people on a first-name basis until you are invited to. Instead, stick with the more formal title of ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’.  Always be on time for your appointments and meetings to show respect. As the pace of business is different in Asia, always plan lots of time for meetings and plenty of leeway between them. In India, and especially the Philippines, try not to overschedule yourself. Expect delays but do not be the cause of them. Present your business card Use two hands when offering your business card to a customer from Asia, and do the same when receiving theirs. Take a moment or two to examine the card, acknowledge it, then place it on the table in front of you or in a business card holder. Don’t put it in your back pocket and never write on a business card – doing so might offend your client. If you’re conducting a lot of business in a particular country, consider having your card printed in both English and their language. These tips on business etiquette in Asia could impact on your level of success when dealing with Eastern cultures Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv