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Businesses operate across diverse cultural landscapes, so it's important to understand and embrace cultural nuances. Doing so facilitates smoother operations and can strengthen rela- tionships and success in global markets. Understanding Local Customs Local customs are important in building strong business relationships. In Eastern cul- tures, business relationships are built on long- term trust and personal connections. Partici- pating in social activities, such as shared meals, is oen important before formal discussions commence. Conversely, in Western cultures, business interactions tend to prioritize effi- ciency and directness, with less emphasis on personal rapport. Recognizing and adapting to these cultural differences can enhance rela- tionship-building efforts. Cultural Differences in Negotiation Styles Cultural backgrounds profoundly influ- ence negotiation strategy and conflict res- olution methods. In high-context cultures, such as Japan or China, communication tends to be indirect, focusing instead on har- mony and avoiding confrontation. Negotia- tions may involve reading between the lines and understanding implicit messages. In con- trast, countries such as Germany value direct communication and explicit agreements. Understanding these differences enables more effective negotiations and smoother conflict resolution. 72 SMT007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2025 Global Citizenship by Tom Yang, CEE PCB Cultural Nuances Around the World