Product Description

More than a decade after establishing itself as the number-one book on international business etiquette, "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands" has been fully revised to reflect the profound global transformation that has occurred since its debut. In this new edition, author Terri Morrison - the leading expert in this field - has included: comprehensive updates for each of the book's 60-plus country chapters; several brand-new sections, including Cultural IQ tests, "Know Before You Go" tips and alerts on international security; and additional chapters on Austria, Belize, Ireland, South Africa, Vietnam and the Vatican. The most comprehensive, authoritative text of its kind, the first edition of this invaluable reference guide has won a following among high-ranking military officials, influential corporate executives and business school professors alike. This new edition, with its wealth of revised material and discussions of current hot topics, is proof that such a classic only gets better with time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #145591 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

Review
The Spectator Particularly helpful advice on conversational pitfalls. --The Spectator

From the Author
The purpose of "Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands"
Why should executives bother studying other cultures?Well, I can think of endless reasons, but here are the top 3. 1) T & E. Travel & Entertainment is generally the 4th highest operating cost in Fortune 500s. The average trip to Europe is 5K/week; to Asia, 9K/week. Add in the glitzy presentation materials you take with you, as well as the 250K it takes to relocate each executive to the new country, and a bit of research into the local culture is definitely worthwhile. 2) Many U.S. corporations have an annual goal to increase their revenues by 10º If they can't make it, they downsize. Many can't make it in the USA, because their markets are saturated, therefore, the only viable long- term option is to globalize. However, the majority of the world will not or can not imitate U.S. mannerisms, habits or tastes. Can you afford to leave them out of your plans for globalization? 3) Even though many international executives (Good old "Ernst") may act and sound like one of "us", he isn't. He probably isn't even thinking in English; he is thinking in German (or Japanese, or Saudi). And these thought patterns, or cognitive styles, are deeply ingrained in all of us. Knowing how executives from other cultures arrive at decisions gives you an edge. And don't we all need every business advantage we can get?

About the Author
Terri Morrison is president of Getting Through Customs, a highly successful Internet product and training firm for global business travellers. Her clients include American Airlines, AEP, Carnival Cruise Lines and Hewlett Packard. She conducts many seminars, has written for many publications and has appeared on numerous TV shows. Wayne A. Conaway is the coauthor of several books on cross-cultural communications, including Dun & Bradstreet's Guide to Doing Business Around the World (written with Terri Morrison).

Customer Reviews

Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands
This book rather stereotypes people and it is generally rather dated by many years, not just the 11 since it was originally published. It is veyrr obvious that the authors are American. The chapter called "England" shows a map of Great Britain, although it does eventually go to to give a distinction of the UK and Great Britain without showing country borders on the map. The comment that "men should wear laced shoes" really made me chuckle.
We are all a bit more global these days e.g. in the UK we have regrettably "taken on" many aspects of US culture/lifestyle.

The book has been very helpful
Received the book as a gift and have used it extensively in my travels. The book helps to get an idea of the culture and is even more applicable after initial encounter with the people. Allows insight into the workings of the local minds. I have avoided major gaffs when working in cultures not my own.

Great resource for international business travelers
I teach international business and this is one of only two books I highly recommend my students to own. My international students have said that it truly reflects their countries and I have never found it to be incorrect in my travels. The only weakness is that it doesn't cover more countries!