Problem:
For this activity, select a country that you are not familiar with outside of the U.S. Perform some research and learn what you can about the culture and its practices, such as the roles of men and women, the type of work people do there, foods, sports, entertainment, etc.
With this information, imagine you are in a business meeting in Boston, Massachusetts with a group of co-workers visiting from company offices located in a variety of Asian countries. You have been told by your manager prior to attending this meeting that the following two rules apply in conversations during this meeting:
Opposite sexes are not allowed to talk to each other unless they are from the same family
If the person speaking is smiling, you must answer "yes"; if the person speaking is frowning, you must answer "no."
Explain what could occur in such a business situation according to these rules. Describe how negotiating will be effected, as well as team building, brainstorming, and other activities heavily dependent on interpersonal communications. Make sure to cite your resources when referring to the specifics of the other country's culture.