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Sample answer:
Yes, I had. I may not necessarily agree with their points of view, but I respect the fact
that we came from different places, with different cultures and upbringing. I tried to
keep an open mind.

3. How do you entertain a guest from a different culture?

Sample answer:
I try to incorporate his culture to make him feel at ease. It also sends a signal that I
respect his culture. Then I try to introduce him to my culture. This will initiate a warm
conversation.

1. You have a new business associate, not used to directly dealing with foreign
business counterparts. How would you educate him on the cultural differ-
ences?

Sample answer:
We have foreign business counterparts flying in for a business conference tomorrow.
We may have to entertain them while they’re here. We can use this opportunity to iron
out some of the terms of the new business contract. They do business a little different-
ly compared to our practices here. We need to meet them on their terms and slowly
introduce them to our concepts here. They are very open-minded so I know that they
will appreciate an introduction to our culture as well. We just need to let them feel
sincerity so we could earn their trust. This is exciting and educational too. I’m sure all
of us will enjoy as we try to make business with them.

2. You are planning a business proposal and will be presenting it to foreign
investors. You are instructing your secretary who will be arranging and plan-
ning the meeting on your behalf.

Sample answer:
We are going to be hosting a meeting with the foreign investors. Since they’ve come
from different cultural backgrounds, we need to incorporate their various business
practices. This will pave a way for us to be able to reach out to them. We have to re-
search on their business culture and find out how they conduct business. We ought to
give them a welcome that they are familiar with and then introduce them to some of
our business practices here. I understand that this would be your first time to handle
such foreign investors but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. After all, I believe that you
as my secretary would be a perfect part in the success of this new foreign investment.
I trust that you can do this. Just be sincere and open-minded. You should never under-
estimate their cultures and potentials.

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