Body Language Varies by Culture

Body language is not a universal language. If you experience unexpected behavior when you are trying to communicate in a cross-cultural setting, it's likely that the other person's culture is different from yours and that you are unfamiliar with the cultural context behind the behavior.

A manager is conducting an annual performance review with one of his direct reports. He begins the session by discussing all the areas in which the employee's performance met or exceeded goals. The employee listens attentively, with a serious and thoughtful expression. But when the manager begins to discuss weaknesses and problem areas, the employee starts smiling. The sterner the manager's tone, the broader the employee grins. ...

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