The key to improved harmony within a multicultural workforce is not to memorize do and don't lists, but to comprehend their rationale.

While the above lists may surprise, puzzle, or make you laugh, they are actually not culture - only its symptoms. They are general and abbreviated guidelines, intended to illustrate cultural differences and similarities between people. For brevity, there are many omissions and exceptions.

But what creates this behavior? Why do people react differently to the same thing? How can a gesture be interpreted positively by people from one place and negatively by people from another? The answer lies in human culture.

To truly understand human culture and develop a more harmonious, empathetic workforce, we encourage you to sign up for our 3-hour Working Across Cultures program. It will open your eyes and mind.

Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy these lists. Feel free to contact us if you would like to see other cultures posted.