Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands explores how people from various cultures perceive information and negotiate business deals. The sections relating to Cognitive Styles, Negotiation Techniques and Value Systems are truly unique.
In a global economy, it is crucial for business people to be sensitive to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may be ethical, it's great for business as well! This is an invaluable book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business. Some interesting excerpts:
Australia: The "thumbs-up" sign, which in the U.S. indicates "O.K." is considered rude.
Brazil: The colors of the Brazilian flag are green and yellow, so avoid wearing this combination in any fashion.
China: Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using dramatic facial expressions. The Chinese do not generally use their hands when speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does.
Indonesia: Since it is impolite to disagree with someone, Indonesians rarely say "no"...a clear way to indicate "no" is to suck in air through the teeth.
The authors are very aware that no generalizations apply to all residents of a nation, and are careful not to stereotype or judge. Highly recommended to any business traveler--or any student of the diversity of human cultures.
(Note: a great companion volume for this book is Gestures, which is devoted entirely to explaining the varieties of hand gestures in 82 countries!)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
great book, not so great service, I think this a great and intersting book. It is a great help for international buisness. Although it took three weeks to get a book from someone located in the same state as me. It shouldn't have taken so long, i needed it for a class.
Very useful Well composed and useful book for those traveling abroad as well for seeking additional knowledge on the cultural experiences of different countries.
Kiss, bow or handshakes the book serves as a source of information for leadership and managers in global perspective
World is Truly Smaller With all the international trade and travel to and from foreign countries this book prepares all people in the cultures and foreign courtesies
each of us should at least have an idea of. Most foreigners appreciate even the most small recognition that we can expend toward their culture and practices even if we make small blunders in doing so - it shows we are aware that there are differences in cultures and we are at least trying to show respect for theirs'.
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