CEC CEC International & Cross-Cultural Etiquette 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In which culture is it considered disrespectful to maintain prolonged eye contact during conversation?
- Many East Asian and some indigenous cultures, where sustained eye contact can signal aggression (Correct answer)
- American business culture, where eye contact implies dishonesty
- British culture, where eye contact is reserved for close friends
- German culture, where eye contact is avoided to show deference
Correct answer: Many East Asian and some indigenous cultures, where sustained eye contact can signal aggression
In many East Asian and some indigenous cultures, sustained direct eye contact can be perceived as confrontational or disrespectful rather than confident.
Question 2: A CEC helping a client prepare for a meeting in India should advise that the head wobble (bobbing side to side) typically means:
- Acknowledgment, understanding, or agreement — not disagreement (Correct answer)
- Strong disagreement or confusion
- Uncertainty or a request to repeat the statement
- Discomfort with the topic being discussed
Correct answer: Acknowledgment, understanding, or agreement — not disagreement
The Indian head wobble is a common nonverbal cue indicating understanding, agreement, or acknowledgment, and is not a negative gesture.
Question 3: When entering a home or temple in several Southeast Asian countries, a CEC should advise removing:
- Shoes before entering, as footwear is considered spiritually unclean indoors (Correct answer)
- Hats as a sign of respect to elders
- Jackets regardless of temperature to show humility
- Watches and jewelry to avoid appearing ostentatious
Correct answer: Shoes before entering, as footwear is considered spiritually unclean indoors
In many Southeast Asian cultures, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, shoes must be removed before entering homes and religious sites.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the French approach to business meals?
- Business meals are social occasions — business discussion should wait until after eating and coffee (Correct answer)
- Business is discussed immediately at the table to make efficient use of time
- French hosts expect guests to order for themselves without consultation
- Splitting the bill equally is the expected norm in French business dining
Correct answer: Business meals are social occasions — business discussion should wait until after eating and coffee
In France, business meals are primarily social, and it is considered impolite to launch into business discussion before the meal is enjoyed — talk comes with coffee afterward.
Question 5: What is the significance of the concept 'face' (mianzi) in Chinese business culture, and why must a CEC understand it?
- It refers to social reputation and dignity — publicly criticizing or embarrassing a Chinese partner causes serious relationship damage (Correct answer)
- It describes the physical presentation of meeting materials, which must be printed and not digital
- It is a bargaining tactic used to lower prices in negotiations
- It refers to seating arrangements at formal banquets
Correct answer: It refers to social reputation and dignity — publicly criticizing or embarrassing a Chinese partner causes serious relationship damage
Mianzi (face) represents a person's social reputation and dignity in Chinese culture; causing someone to lose face publicly can irreparably damage a business relationship.
Question 6: When gifting in Japan, a CEC should advise that gifts should be:
- Presented and received with both hands and not opened immediately in front of the giver (Correct answer)
- Opened immediately and enthusiastically to show gratitude
- Given only in pairs as single gifts are considered bad luck
- Wrapped in white paper as white represents celebration
Correct answer: Presented and received with both hands and not opened immediately in front of the giver
In Japanese culture, gifts are given and received with both hands and typically not opened in front of the giver, as opening immediately can seem greedy.
CEC CEC International & Cross-Cultural Etiquette 2
In which culture is it considered disrespectful to maintain prolonged eye contact during conversation?