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Difference of Cultural Greetings

Difference of Cultural Greetings

Q Hans Wagner, an engineer for a Berlin based international construction company, was working on a two-year a building project in Uruguay. After several months on the job, Hans attended a cocktail party reception his firm was hosting for some of the local subcontractors. Upon entering the formal cocktail party about 30 minutes after it started, Hans greeted several groups of people with a cheerful hello and headed for the bar. Soon, Hans noticed that some of the attendees seem to be upset with him. What did he do wrong?

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In Uruguay, the cultural greetings are different. It is always expected from an individual to behave according to the party. Hans should have understood the cultural differences between Berlin and Uruguay. Hans has done a great mistake by assuming that to greet the groups of people will be okay just like he used to do in Berlin. Hans should have behaved according to the cultural context. As it was cocktail party, sponsored by the company, therefore, it is expected that Hans should behave there according to culture of Uruguay and not in informal manner.