Page 20 - CROSS CULTURE

for a better understanding of the behavior of others, and predict

why and how others will behave. These rules must be followed

to maintain harmony and order in society.

6. Dress and appearance. Culture directs how people should dress.
Culture determines what clothes are appropriate to wear at

business meetings, casual, or at home. In order for a person to be

socially acceptable, he must dress according to existing

conditions. Cultural customs and traditions determine the dress
code, color, jewelry to be worn, and makeup to be used.

7. Food and eating procedures. Culture determines how food is

prepared, cooked, served, and consumed. For example, in some

cultures people eat beef (e.g., the United States), while in others

(e.g., India) beef should not be eaten. In some cultures, people use
forks and knives to eat (e.g., Europeans), while in others, people

use chopsticks (e.g., Chinese), or their hands (e.g., Indonesians).

8. Sense of self. Culture provides a sense of identity and self-worth.

Culture gives meaning and direction and shows where they come

from.
9. Relationships. Culture influences personal, business, corporate,

and government relationships. Culture gives instructions on how

people should behave in a group, relate to each other, and treat

others, for example to friends, parents, teachers, minority groups,

and special needs groups. For example, in some cultures, parents
are respected and valued, so provided with the best room in the

house (e.g., Indonesia). In other cultures, it is common for parents

to be placed in nursing homes (e.g., the United States). Culture

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