CEC CEC International & Cross-Cultural Etiquette

Question 1

In Japan, what is the proper etiquette when exchanging business cards?

Accepted Answer

Present and receive the card with both hands, study it respectfully, and place it carefully on the table

Answer

Hand it over with one hand and immediately pocket it

Answer

Write notes on the card during the meeting to remember details

Answer

Slide the card across the table to the recipient

Question 2

Which greeting is considered appropriate when first meeting a business contact in Germany?

Accepted Answer

A firm handshake with direct eye contact

Answer

A double cheek kiss as in France

Answer

A hug to convey warmth and friendliness

Answer

A slight bow without physical contact

Question 3

When dining with Middle Eastern business contacts, a CEC should advise clients to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid using the left hand to pass food or eat, as it is considered unclean

Answer

Always begin eating before the host to show enthusiasm

Answer

Request pork dishes to demonstrate cultural knowledge

Answer

Pour your own drink before offering any to others

Question 4

In China, a guest refusing food that is offered repeatedly by a host is generally:

Accepted Answer

Expected as part of the ritual — the host will insist several times before it is truly optional

Answer

Considered deeply offensive and should never be done

Answer

A sign of excellent etiquette showing restraint

Answer

Acceptable only if a food allergy is cited

Question 5

A CEC advising a US executive traveling to South Korea should note that the hierarchy in Korean business culture means:

Accepted Answer

Senior members are greeted first and seated in the most honored position

Answer

Everyone is greeted simultaneously regardless of rank

Answer

Junior staff are introduced first to set the agenda

Answer

Hierarchy is irrelevant once inside a meeting room

Question 6

When attending a business meeting in Brazil, a CEC should advise that punctuality expectations are:

Accepted Answer

More flexible than in the US — arriving 15–30 minutes late is common and not considered rude

Answer

Stricter than in the US — being even 5 minutes late is a serious offense

Answer

Identical to US standards — punctuality is always expected

Answer

Only important for the first meeting; subsequent meetings are informal