A.

JAPAN

In Japan, social customs and etiquettes are deeply ingrained in daily interactions. Naming conventions
involve two names, with the surname preceding the given name and inherited from the father. Greetings
are highly formal and ritualized, and one must wait to be introduced, as self-introductions are considered
impolite. The traditional form of greeting is the bow, the depth of which depends on the relationship and
situation, though foreigners may opt for a slight head bow.

Communication relies heavily on non-verbal cues, with facial expressions, tone, and posture conveying
more than spoken words. The Japanese practice saving face, avoiding open criticism in favor of
maintaining personal dignity. Personal space is valued, with a preference for some distance.

Gift-giving is a highly ritualistic affair, with the presentation and wrapping of the gift holding significance.
Dining etiquette involves specific practices, such as removing shoes before entering a house and following
precise chopstick use.

In the business or workplace realm, dress is conservative, business cards are exchanged ceremoniously,
and appointments are crucial, emphasizing punctuality. Business meetings may involve hierarchical
seating, and negotiations are non-confrontational, requiring patience and understanding.

Management in Japanese corporate culture adheres to a hierarchical structure, emphasizing the

protection of subordinates' "face" and maintaining a high-context communication style. These customs
underscore the significance of respect, cultural awareness, and non-verbal communication in Japanese
society and business settings.

B. NEW ZEALAND

In New Zealand, greetings are typically casual, often involving a simple handshake and a warm smile. The
value of a friendly smile should not be underestimated. Despite the relatively quick transition to using first
names, it is generally advisable to address individuals by their honorific title and surname until a more
familiar level of interaction is suggested.

Maori customs in New Zealand involve distinct protocols for welcoming and bidding farewell to visitors.
The Powhiri, a formal welcome, can be a significant event lasting from 30 minutes to a few hours. The
ceremony dictates seating arrangements, speeches, and gestures. Visitors are expected to follow the lead
of the home people, and having a Maori guide is recommended for navigating the potential pitfalls of the
ceremony.

When invited to a Kiwi's house, it's customary to bring a small, thoughtful gift, such as flowers, chocolates,
or a book about your home country. Gifts need not be extravagant and are typically opened upon receipt.

New Zealanders generally have casual table manners, with formality increasing based on the occasion. It
is customary to wait to be directed where to sit, and meals are often served family-style. While table
manners are generally Continental, adopting American table manners is acceptable.
Following a Powhiri, visitors are invited to a dining room where they should wait for an elder to bless the
food before commencing the meal. Visitors are encouraged to engage home people in conversation
during the meal. Expressing gratitude to those serving is important, and a respectful gesture is to sing a
song from your home country.

In terms of business practices in New Zealand, appointments are considered necessary and should be
arranged at least one week in advance through various means such as telephone, fax, or email. Punctuality
is a key expectation, and arriving late may be interpreted as unreliability. While meetings are generally
relaxed, they are serious events. Small talk often precedes discussions of business matters.

New Zealanders may initially appear reserved, especially with those they do not know well. Once a
personal relationship is established, however, they tend to be friendly, outgoing, and social. Honesty,
directness, and a sense of humor are highly valued. Trust is of utmost importance, and breaches can strain
business relationships.

Negotiations in New Zealand take time and are characterized by a dislike for high-pressure sales tactics.
Demonstrating the tangible benefits of products or services is preferred over making exaggerated claims.
Honesty, directness, and brevity are appreciated in business dealings. Negotiations are not approached
as a bargaining culture, and a realistic starting figure is expected.

To sum up, New Zealanders appreciate a genuine and straightforward approach in both social and
business interactions. Understanding and respecting Maori customs, especially during formal welcomes
and dining, is important for visitors.

C. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

In the United States, social customs and etiquettes differ widely from Japan’s and New Zealand’s,
familiarity here is common, and first names or nicknames are widely used among family, friends, and
colleagues. Professional titles are employed in formal situations, and using "Mr." or "Mrs." is common,
especially in more conservative states. When introducing oneself, professional titles are generally avoided.

American greetings are informal and often involve handshakes with accompanying phrases like "How d'ya
do?" or "How are you?" Handshakes are expected in business contexts. Departing phrases like "call me
sometime" or "see you around" are considered polite. When introducing others, using their full name and
providing some information about them is customary.

Americans don't have strict customs regarding gifts, and they are usually given for special occasions or
between friends and family. Gifts in business settings are generally discouraged due to anti-bribery
policies. Cash should not be given as a gift. When visiting someone's home, bringing flowers, a potted
plant, or a small household item is appropriate.

Socializing and business often occur over meals. In business settings, socializing is minimized at the
beginning and end of meals. Dining etiquette includes holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in
the right, with elbows off the table. Refusing specific foods without explanation is acceptable. Food is
often served family-style, and it's customary for the inviter to pay at a restaurant.
Being invited to an American's home is fairly informal. Casual and smart dressing is appropriate, and
arriving slightly late is acceptable. Leaving close to the specified end time is considered polite. Bringing a
small gift or drinks is customary, and sending a thank-you note afterward is appreciated.

In public, spitting, discussing sensitive topics like race, religion, politics, or sex, swearing, discussing
abortion rights, and assuming smoking is allowed anywhere are considered taboos.

In business culture and workplace practices United States is more lenient than the other countries. Dress
code varies across the USA. Generally, people in the East dress more formally than those in the West.
Conservative dressing is recommended until the accepted dress code is clear. Men often wear suits, shirts,
and shoes, while women are advised to dress modestly without excessive makeup or jewelry.

Americans quickly transition to using first names. Starting with Mr./Mrs./Miss + surname is common until
an invitation to use first names is extended. Professional titles, especially for doctors, may be used.

Punctuality is crucial, with the Northeast and Midwest emphasizing it more than the Southern and
Western states. Meetings may appear relaxed but are taken seriously. Agendas are followed, and there is
often a summary at the end. Presentations should be direct and backed by statistics.

In the USA, all individuals in an organization are considered valuable contributors, and employees expect
to be consulted on decisions affecting them. Managers are seen as facilitators, and missing deadlines is
viewed as poor management.

In summary, American social customs emphasize informality, direct communication, and a preference for
plain talk, while business practices prioritize punctuality, direct negotiations, and a focus on achieving
results.

Questions:

1. What are the things you’ve learned from doing this activity?

I have learned a lot from this activity especially about diverse cultures, interests, and perspectives. From
Japan, I learned about precision and respect, New Zealand taught me about appreciation for nature and
Maori culture and the USA showed me innovation and ambition. Each place offers unique insights and
values.

2. How are these learnings or realizations helpful and applicable in your future work in a tourism
and hospitality establishment?

Understanding cultural nuances and diverse perspectives is crucial in hospitality management. From Japan,
the importance of respect informs guest interactions and service delivery. New Zealand's appreciation for
nature guides eco-friendly initiatives, and American innovation shapes creative guest experiences.
Incorporating these insights ensures a more inclusive, respectful, and engaging experience for visitors
from various backgrounds. These learnings would be a huge advantage for me when I get to finally visit
the country. Not only did I learn about their customs, but I also learned what and what not to do to avoid
misunderstandings and conflict.