Examples from Around the World

China: "Cultural differences are as important as an understanding of Asian or indeed other foreign languages."

Far East: "One needs to know etiquette / hierarchical structure / the manner of conduct in meetings."

Italy: " 'Closeness' and inter-relationships within the business community are hard to penetrate, unless you are accepted as an insider. This can only come from cultural and social understanding."

Japan: "You must understand the culture to do business. There are very significant difficulties."
Middle East: "A totally different culture: time, motivation and responsibility are key issues."

Russia: "They cannot believe that the terms and conditions set out really are what they are stated to be."

South East Asia: "There is a strict etiquette of business. This can be major problem if it is not understood.

Source: Stephen Hagen, InterAct International