Who is the Flexible Executive?

For example, it is important to avoid being too close in introductions and to use titles such as "doctor" and "gentleman" in addressing. The use of first names should only be started when allowed and care should be taken not to use abbreviations of names at first. Culture determines the appropriate distance between two people. In Latin America, the affinity between people is high and embrace between men and men is common. Similarly, Middle Eastern countries see affinity as important. However, close affinity may not be preferred in Far Eastern countries. Your customs may not comply with the religious values ​​of the other party. Therefore, it should be known how the situations will be perceived in different religions. Personal business cards are important in some societies, for example in Asia, the business card is considered an extension of the individual. If you are in a meeting in Japan, you should not quickly throw business cards in your wallet or bag, but leave them on the table throughout the meeting. Humor should be used with caution, because in the counterculture, its translation is often not the same as yours. It is important to avoid jokes based on puns and events in your own culture. Sitting comfortably or staying stiff at meetings can create a negative environment. Avoiding looking into people's eyes may be perceived as unreliable, but looking defiantly and intensely can also make a bad impression. Attention should be considered to such use of body language.

There may be many factors like these that should be considered by executives representing international businesses. Therefore, it is important to be a flexible executive aware of cultural differences in international business activities.