BOOK: CULTURE MAP
INTRODUTION
Chinese culture vs Western culture
In the meeting, the chairman/ senior person in the room takes charge of the topics
discussed and lead the flow of the conversation. Without being called, the Chinese
participant will listen and nod his head to show respect and show that he is a good listener.
He will never jump in between the line to show his opinions or feelings.
VS
In Western culture, people share opinions more freely and speak on top of each other -> in
Chinese culture, it shows rudeness and considered as poor listener.
French culture vs American culture
Regarding giving feedbacks, in a French setting, positive feedback is given implicitly, while
negative feedback is given directly and quite bold.
VS
In American culture, positive feedbacks are always given first. Negative feedbacks will be
given after two or three positive ones. -> lead to misunderstanding. The negative feedbacks
are not taken into consideration seriously by French employee.
SOLUTION
Set the tone, communicating style/ lay the foundation first for a better understanding when
you work in a multi-cultural environment. Simply explaining what you are doing can help a
lot for a productive work performance.
Unique Indian behavior – half shake half nod
Half-shake half-nod is not a sign of disagreement but a sign of interest, enthusiasm or
something respectful listening.
Eight-scale model
Culture relativity
When comparing different aspects of culture between two different countries, culture
relativity is the key to understand the impact of culture on human interactions
Three facets of culture that determine your cultural lens: perceptions, cognitions, actions
1
INTRODUTION
Chinese culture vs Western culture
In the meeting, the chairman/ senior person in the room takes charge of the topics
discussed and lead the flow of the conversation. Without being called, the Chinese
participant will listen and nod his head to show respect and show that he is a good listener.
He will never jump in between the line to show his opinions or feelings.
VS
In Western culture, people share opinions more freely and speak on top of each other -> in
Chinese culture, it shows rudeness and considered as poor listener.
French culture vs American culture
Regarding giving feedbacks, in a French setting, positive feedback is given implicitly, while
negative feedback is given directly and quite bold.
VS
In American culture, positive feedbacks are always given first. Negative feedbacks will be
given after two or three positive ones. -> lead to misunderstanding. The negative feedbacks
are not taken into consideration seriously by French employee.
SOLUTION
Set the tone, communicating style/ lay the foundation first for a better understanding when
you work in a multi-cultural environment. Simply explaining what you are doing can help a
lot for a productive work performance.
Unique Indian behavior – half shake half nod
Half-shake half-nod is not a sign of disagreement but a sign of interest, enthusiasm or
something respectful listening.
Eight-scale model
Culture relativity
When comparing different aspects of culture between two different countries, culture
relativity is the key to understand the impact of culture on human interactions
Three facets of culture that determine your cultural lens: perceptions, cognitions, actions
1
