What is culture?

 1. Choose the four factors below which you think are the most important in creating a culture?

• Climate Language Ideas and beliefs
• Cuisine Arts
• Geography Historical events
• Ceremonies and festivals
• Social customs and traditions Religion

2. What do you miss most about country or culture when you go abroad?

3. Do you think cultures are becoming more alike? Is this a good or bad thing?

For example, think about:

• a. improved communications;
• b. cheap foreign travel;
• c. global business;

4. How important are the following things when doing business in your country?

Are they: a. important b. not important c. best avoided?

• - exchanging business card;
• - shaking hands;
• - kissing;
• - socializing with contacts;
• - small talk before meetings;
• - accepting interruption;
• - using first names;
• - formality (how you dress, how you talk to colleagues, what names you use,
• etc);
• - punctuality;
• - humour;
• - giving presents;
• - being direct (saying exactly what you think).