This short Survey can reveal some of our assumptions about culture. Feel free to use it in cross-cultural training and team preparation.
Cultural survey
To be answered by foreigners, or recent immigrant Canadians who respond from the bias of their home culture. Please answer these questions from the perspective of your home culture, not Canadian culture. If the question does not make sense from your cultural perspective, note the fact and give the reasons why not?
1. What are the factors that make the clothes you wear appropriate or inappropriate?
2. Why do you eat with your fork in your strong hand? Why do you eat with a fork at all? What is appropriate “finger food� Why?
3. Who should you sit with? Who not?
4. When do you smile? Why? When is a smile appropriate?
5. What does it mean when someone belches?
6. What does it mean when you laugh in public?
7. What does it mean when you are not asked to sit down?
8. What does it mean when the agreed time to meet arrives and there is no one there but you?
9. What significance would you attach to a situation when you find yourself constantly backing up when talking to someone face-to-face?
10. Why do people stop talking in a crowded elevator?
11. What is your Nationality or cultural background?
