Overview 

• Task: Choose a country and learn more about the customs and culture of that country.
• Purpose: To explore and appreciate different cultures.

Imagine you are preparing for a business meeting with someone from another country, Research this country. Prepare by using websites like the International Business Etiquette, Manners, and Culture site or similar websites to learn and then report through WhatsApp. You may choose any country, but make sure you can find enough information.  

Remember these should be generalities to learn more about customs and culture and not to stereotype individuals. Respect is always important when discussing cultures, understanding not everyone behaves or thinks the same way, even within a country.  

Instructions

Initial Post - Due Midweek

In your WhatsApp group 

1. Describe which country you researched. Include a fact about what to wear to a business meeting, behavior, and communication. Include any interesting facts about the country.    

Responses - Due End of the Week

1. Read two other posts from your peers and ask a question to the original author about doing business with someone from that country.
2. Check into the WhatsApp group on at least two separate days. 
3. Respond to the questions asked on your original post.
4. Indicate you are done with your assignment by going to the W05 Discussion: I'm Not From Here assignment in Canvas and doing the following:
   • Select Start Assignment of this Canvas assignment
   • Copy/paste the text of your initial WhatsApp post in the Text Entry box
   • Include which days and dates you posted. One day should be before the midweek deadline. 
   • Summarize one interaction where you asked a question to another student. Summarize an interaction when you responded to a question about your initial post. Include each student's name.
   • Select Submit Assignment.
   • (Your assignment will not be graded unless you complete this step.)

Omari’s Example on WhatsApp 

In Canada, at a business meeting, it is not recommended to wear trendy clothing but to wear classic styles that are both neat and clean. An interesting behavior fact about Canada is that you shouldn’t eat while walking around. A communication that is important in Canada is a firm handshake. An interesting fact I learned about Canada is that they speak two languages: English and French, and the French and English often have different communication styles. For example, the French might stand closer and have broader gestures.     

Example of Feedback to Omari’s WhatsApp Post 

What kind of gift-giving traditions do Canadians have? Would it be appropriate for me to bring a gift to a meeting?  

Example of Omari’s submission to be graded in Canvas 

My initial post: In Canada, at a business meeting, it is not recommended to wear trendy clothing but to wear classic styles that are both neat and clean. An interesting behavior fact about Canada is that you shouldn’t eat while walking around. A communication that is important in Canada is a firm handshake. An interesting fact I learned about Canada is that they speak two languages: English and French, and the French and English often have different communication styles. For example, the French might stand closer and have broader gestures.     

My days: I posted on Tuesday Jan 2, Wednesday Jan 3, and Friday Jan 5. 

My interaction: Abubaker asked me how I would know what language they would be speaking at the upcoming meeting. I responded by saying that it would depend on the location of the meeting. For example, in Quebec, I might expect to meet with French speakers. It would be appropriate to contact them ahead of time to know their language preferences. Obi wrote about Belize. I asked if they were more punctual or more flexible with when a meeting starts. Obi researched this and found that, in general, they are more relaxed.       

This assignment is evaluated using a rubric (see Rubric Basics). Please refer to the rubric before submitting your work.