Cross Culture Quizzes

Explanation: In German business culture the importance of punctuality and compliance with the agenda is highly valued. That can be different in other countries, for example in Brazil, China and Spain. Why?
The scientist Edward T. Hall has established in 1983 a culture dimension called “Time Dimension” “monochron or polychronic time understanding”.
In Monochron cultures it is more common to work step by step and the maintenance of relationship has less importance. Here the observance of the schedule is very important to the completion of tasks is more important than maintaining personal relationships. In polychronic cultures it is more common that several acts will be done side by side. The schedule is a “can” but not a “must”. It is more flexible and gives priority to the personal relationship; the completion of a task is rather secondary importance when it comes to an encounter.

The German culture is a more monochron culture and for example Brazil, China and Spain are more polychron cultures.

Explanation: In German business culture it is common to communicate in a direct way, it is possible to say “yes” or “no” in a direct and friendly way you will not harm your chief. Also, criticism will be expressed more direct, because it is not as essential to respect the emotional bond between partners. The scientist Edward T. Hall established a culture dimension in 1976, called “High and low context”.
In “high context” cultures, it is not common to directly express your concerns or criticism. Your reputation is implicitly acknowledged, mentioning too many details can be perceived as negative. The facial expression of your opposite, allusions, and the circumstances of the encounter send an own message, and are not to be underestimated. An example of high context culture is Brazil but also China and Spain.
In cultures with “low context” reference it is not expected that the bulk of information is already known or recognizable without linguistic expression. Everything will be expressed in a direct way and people are committed to make the comparison as precise as possible. Low context cultures are Scandinavian countries, Germany. Therefore, direct criticism in Germany is not a lack of respect and is often accepted even by a supervisor.

Explanation: Germany is a country, in which expressions of closeness such as compliments are frowned upon. At work a formal treatment, and a respectful distance between people, is recommended, especially between woman and man!

Explanation: In Brazil or in Spain it can be different. In these countries it is not uncommon to interrupt a conversation, and share own opinions about the topic. Every country has a different language and every language has different speech pattern. Some countries people speak very fast, in others they hold long pause, or speak at the same time, this is common and dependent on the country you live in.

Explanation: Suggest a bar or restaurant, possibly from your home country and spend a nice afternoon with the German colleagues, teaching them some of your home culture.