Reading Task:

Extract examples from the text to fill out the following table about business meeting etiquette in
different regions of the world.
Note: Avoid generalizations that are not in the text. For example, if the text cites an example
from Japan, make sure to refer to Japan in particular instead of attributing the example to all
Asian cultures.

Country or Region Examples

The Middle East/ Arab it is usual to be kept waiting, especially by government officials. If you
cultures are in an unfamiliar environment with bad traffic or poor infrastructure,
build in extra time to get to your meeting or between meetings.
Time will be given to relationships rather than schedules. If a visitor
drops in unannounced, they will usually be seen, pushing subsequent
appointments into lateness. Not receiving this visitor would be regarded
as rude.
ime will be dedicated at the beginning of the meeting to small talk.
Phones will be answered and distractions may be caused by unexpected
visitors dropping in. Agendas will not necessarily be followed; if new
ideas are introduced, they will be discussed
many cultures will not enter negotiations until trust has been
established
In the United Arab Emirates, building a rapport comes before getting
down to business.
Latin American cultures Time will be given to relationships rather than schedules. If a visitor
drops in unannounced, they will usually be seen, pushing subsequent
appointments into lateness. Not receiving this visitor would be regarded
as rude.
ime will be dedicated at the beginning of the meeting to small talk.
Phones will be answered and distractions may be caused by unexpected
visitors dropping in. Agendas will not necessarily be followed; if new
ideas are introduced, they will be discussed
in Mexico, Brazil building a rapport comes before getting down to
business.
African cultures it is usual to be kept waiting, especially by government officials. If you
are in an unfamiliar environment with bad traffic or poor infrastructure,
build in extra time to get to your meeting or between meetings.
Time will be given to relationships rather than schedules. If a visitor
drops in unannounced, they will usually be seen, pushing subsequent
appointments into lateness. Not receiving this visitor would be regarded
as rude.
 Time will be dedicated at the beginning of the meeting to small talk.
Phones will be answered and distractions may be caused by unexpected
visitors dropping in. Agendas will not necessarily be followed; if new
ideas are introduced, they will be discussed
many cultures will not enter negotiations until trust has been
established
Asian cultures Asian cultures tend to attend meetings in groups, with a strict protocol
as to who speaks and when. You should attend the meeting in a group of
similar size and rank and observe the formality of the seating plan. In
Japan, the most senior person will sit down first and others will be
directed to their seats. Nobody sits before the leader and nobody speaks
(other than small talk) before they open the meeting.
many cultures will not enter negotiations until trust has been
established
European cultures Italy, building a rapport comes before getting down to business.
British executives are inclined to put priority on speed and ‘getting down
to business’ but many cultures will not enter negotiations until trust has
been established.

USA American and Britishs are inclined to put priority on speed and ‘getting
down to business’ but many cultures will not enter negotiations until
trust has been established.