When in Rome or Rio or Riyadh: Cultural Q & A's for Successful Business Behavior Around the World (Paperback)

by Gwyneth Olofsson (Author)
Key Phrases: undemonstrative body language, priority over schedules, fellow workers results, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Global Business Standards (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This book is essentially an encyclopedia of cross-cultural management, probably the best of its type. Useful attention to detail. -- MT magazine, November 2004

Product Description
In the course of sixteen years of cultural consulting, author Gwyneth Olofsson has received hundreds of letters, faxes and e-mails asking for advice on deciphering the confusing—and sometimes strange—customs of colleagues and customers from other cultures. When in Rome or Rio or Riyadh... is a comprehensive selection of these queries and her insightful replies. She has chosen the topics best related to the 33 countries with the largest gross domestic product—those in which business is likely to be done. Topics include getting acquainted, making a good impression, eating and drinking, communication, time, roles and relationships, and ethics.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Intercultural Press (July 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931930066
• ISBN-13: 978-1931930062
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,066,412 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explores the fascinating variety of cultural differences , January 3, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by the owner of an international training and consulting company, When In Rome Or Rio Or Riyadh: Cultural Q & As For Successful Business Behavior Around The World is a comprehensive guide especially for international businesspeople, covering common cultural misunderstandings and gaffes that can plague one in nations ranging from Australia to Venezuela. From general information on how to make small talk safely and avoid common communication problems, to body language recommendations and warnings against inappropriate gestures in different nations (for example, a raised thumb is considered offensive in Australia and the Middle East), to countless case studies of problems and communication issues brought about by different cultural norms and expectations, When In Rome Or Rio Or Riyadh is not only a "must-have" resource for globetrotters but also an engrossing to lay readers curious about the sharp differences in how folks from different nations relate. Extremely accessible and down-to-earth, When In Rome Or Rio Or Riyadh explores the fascinating variety of cultural differences from an emphatically practical perspective.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When in Rome, or Rio, or Riyadh..., November 3, 2004

By	Mr. RP Airey "Richard" (England) - See all my reviews

There were places in this book where I laughed out loud, usually at the real-life examples of "culture clashes." The letters also made me think about how my own behavior at work could be misunderstood by foreigners. I learned a lot!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's comments, October 23, 2004

By	Gwyneth Olofsson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm glad the first reviewer enjoyed my book. I've aimed to give readers information about working successfully with people from other cultures, but I also want to make them consider how our own cultures affect the ways we think and act.