CEC International & Cross-Cultural Etiquette Flashcards
6 cards from real CEC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CEC International & Cross-Cultural Etiquette flashcards as text
In Japan, what is the proper etiquette when exchanging business cards?
Answer: Present and receive the card with both hands, study it respectfully, and place it carefully on the table
In Japanese business culture, meishi (business cards) are exchanged with both hands, examined respectfully, and never written on or stuffed in a pocket.
Which greeting is considered appropriate when first meeting a business contact in Germany?
Answer: A firm handshake with direct eye contact
In Germany, a firm handshake with direct eye contact is the standard professional greeting; overly familiar physical contact is considered inappropriate.
When dining with Middle Eastern business contacts, a CEC should advise clients to:
Answer: Avoid using the left hand to pass food or eat, as it is considered unclean
In many Middle Eastern cultures, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so food should always be handled and passed with the right hand.
In China, a guest refusing food that is offered repeatedly by a host is generally:
Answer: Expected as part of the ritual — the host will insist several times before it is truly optional
In Chinese hosting culture, guests are expected to decline an offer once or twice before accepting, as the host will insist — this exchange is part of the ritual politeness.
A CEC advising a US executive traveling to South Korea should note that the hierarchy in Korean business culture means:
Answer: Senior members are greeted first and seated in the most honored position
In South Korean Confucian-influenced business culture, hierarchy is critical — senior members are always greeted first and given the most honored seating positions.
When attending a business meeting in Brazil, a CEC should advise that punctuality expectations are:
Answer: More flexible than in the US — arriving 15–30 minutes late is common and not considered rude
Brazilian business culture tends to have a more relaxed attitude toward punctuality, and arriving 15–30 minutes late for informal meetings is not considered disrespectful.