What motivates people to buy things? Why do you make the decisions you do? Here are some different priorities around the world.

1. Which of the following Japanese concepts is an important motivational factor?

   A. Giri

   B. Kanban

   C. Zaibatsu

2. "What do you do?" is a normal icebreaker in the USA. To a great extent, a person's job defines who he is. True or false: US citizens often worry about how their jobs will affect their health.
3. Bolivians purchase a product because:

   A. It's the best technology.

   B. Their family will love it.

   C. It's the best price.

4. True or false: In Germany, outstanding technology is usually "the steak and the sizzle" for the consumer.
5. You live in Saudi Arabia and want to purchase a fancy new widget. It is so expensive that you need a loan. Why aren't you charged any interest?

   A. Because Islam prohibits charging interest

   B. Because you own the bank

   C. Because of your good looks

6. Your fine English features have faded along with your youth, and a big promotion is pending. You want that job! True or false: You pop over to the plastic surgeon.
7. There is a morale problem among the workers in your factory in Sweden. You fix it by:

   A. Giving them extra paid-vacation days

   B. Giving them certificates of merit

   C. Giving them free tuition grants

8. True or false: Australians value status and prestige and have a keen sense of etiquette.
9. You have been working out the details of another meeting with your Asian supervisors. However, they always seem to know everything about you, your operation, and the issue at hand, and have decided on the outcome of the meeting before you ever set foot in the door. Why should you even bother going?

   A. Because they said so

   B. To gain consensus

   C. To get frequent-flyer miles

10. Time may equal money in Switzerland, but managing your time in microseconds is viewed askance by every one of these ethnic groups except:

    A. Native South Africans

    B. Arabs

    C. Polynesians

    D. Latin Americans

    E. White South Africans

Answers

1. A. Giri means duty or sense of obligation, and motivates much of Japanese life. Kanban is an advertisement, while zaibatsu is a network of companies. (None of these words translates exactly.)
2. False. If they get sick, they probably worry about how it will affect their jobs.
3. B. Family is the highest priority.
4. True
5. A. Saudi Arabia is a theocracy. Banks, like individuals, are subject to Islamic precepts.
6. False. Most English find it curious how US executives can't cope with aging, and would not consider their opportunity for promotion enhanced by a facelift or tummy tuck.
7. A. Certificates are not too impressive, and tuition is free in Sweden, but quality of life (i.e.: a big vacation) is key.
8. False. The French, oui; the Aussies, no.
9. B. Many meetings in Asia may seem ceremonial, but the good of the group -- reaching a consensus -- is often the primary goal.
10. D. Many cultures view time as flexible, but white South Africans have inherited their English and Dutch ancestors' insistence on punctuality.