“Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you what you are.”
As Cartus celebrated the rich diversity of its cultural heritage on International Food Day, these words of Frenchman Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin seemed especially relevant. Our employees around the world, from Danbury to Irving, Swindon to Singapore, participated in the day’s events by bringing in dishes from different cultures and sharing them with coworkers.
Food plays an important role in expressing our cultural identity – what we eat, how we prepare it, and the many and varied customs throughout the world that surround the act of eating. When it comes to doing business in other countries, it’s important to become aware of these cultural distinctions in order to show respect, minimize misunderstandings and enhance relationships. Navigating the unfamiliar global waters of business meals, alcohol consumption, and the specifics of cultural etiquette takes education, learning and even practice.
Food and Culture
Asking your hosts about local dining etiquette is a good way to learn about their customs, while also demonstrating your interest in their culture. If time permits, it’s always a good idea to explore food and entertainment-related customs in advance. There are a number of websites and online tools that are great sources of cultural information. Country NavigatorTM is an online cultural reference tool available to clients by subscription through Cartus to support business travelers and employees who work globally. (more…)
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