Beyond language
Status
Some cultures are very hierarchic and people will be very conscious and respectful of status. British culture is very hierarchical in comparison to, say, the US or Australia. In Britain, people use all sorts of titles to indicate where they stand on the social scale and certain groups of people, the royal family, for example, expect others to show deference by a giving a bow or a curtsy. Therefore, in business dealings with the British– while you don’t have to bow or curtsy to those in management – negotiating partners may wish only to deal with those they perceive to be at the top of the organisation. In contrast, flatter, more egalitarian cultures, are not deferential to people simply because of their social or company position. There was a famous example of the British Queen's visit to Australia when the Prime Minister at the time, feeling friendly and helpful, dared to put his hand on the sovereign's elbow to guide her in the right direction. His essentially egalitarian nature made him blissfully unaware of the protocol that says none dare touch the Queen except to shake her hand if she offers it! And the British press pounced on the Prime Minister for his entirely innocent mistake.
Body Language
In some cultures messages are derived not so much from the words used but from all sorts of other signals such as body language, the way personal space is used, dress, the way a room or office is furnished, unspoken rules of behaviour. This is a ‘high context’ culture. An example would be the old school tie in Britain. A man who wears his old school tie will be recognised by others in Britain who attended the same school and this recognition will entail all sorts of obligations on both sides. Only those within such a system can possible understand it. By contrast, in low context cultures messages are overt and clearly stated. If you find yourself in a culture that is at the opposite end of the spectrum from you own, you may find it very hard to settle down and feel comfortable. By understanding these oppositions and by observing how they work, you can gradually begin to adapt to them and see them for what they are.
Web Sites
http://www.livingabroad.com/
Useful information about 81 countries, including practical points and business culture.
http://www.webofculture.com/
The Web of Culture seeks to inform business professionals on the topic
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