Cross-Cultural Communication
Strange but True Team Facts
Odd Real-Life Business Communication
100

Research shows that in international teams, teams with members from 3+ countries that schedule structured meetings are more likely to complete projects on time. What is the main reason?


A) More conflict arises
B) Structured meetings reduce misunderstandings
C) Language barriers disappear
D) Team members work independently

Answer: B) Structured meetings reduce misunderstandings

100

Having a dog in the office has been shown to…


A) Decrease productivity
B) Increase collaboration and reduce stress
C) Make employees take more sick days
D) Distract employees from work

Answer: B) Increase collaboration and reduce stress

100


A study of international teams found that using GIFs or memes in internal chat can have what surprising effect?

A) Strengthens team relationships and reduces stress
B) Confuses team members and reduces clarity
C) Causes teams to miss deadlines
D) Makes meetings longer

Answer: A) Strengthens team relationships and reduces stress

200

In Japan, it’s common for business partners to exchange gifts before discussing money. What’s the main reason?

A) To meet tax regulations
B) To build trust and relationships
C) To avoid conflict
D) To show generosity

Answer: B) To build trust and relationships

200

Research indicates that teams incorporating a 5-minute personal check-in at the beginning of meetings often experience which of the following outcomes?

A) Enhanced team cohesion and increased idea-sharing
B) A 20% reduction in meeting duration
C) Elevated stress levels due to personal disclosures
D) Increased likelihood of meeting cancellations


Answer: A) Enhanced team cohesion and increased idea-sharing

200

In New Zealand offices, what unusual “greeting” sometimes replaces emails?


A) Shouting across the office
B) Sending a singing telegram
C) Posting on Slack
D) Sending a paper note

Answer: A) Shouting across the office

300

In France, interrupting someone during a meeting is considered…

A) A tactic to confuse the speaker
B) A sign of engagement
C) Extremely rude
D) A form of humor

Answer: B) A sign of engagement

300

A tech company tried “silent meetings” where everyone typed instead of speaking. Productivity increased by…


A) 10%
B) 30%
C) 50%
D) 5%


Answer: B) 30%


300

Research on cross-cultural email communication shows that teams that start emails with a friendly, personal sentence instead of jumping straight to the request experience which benefit?

A) Higher response rates and more detailed replies
B) Stronger relationships and trust among team members
C) Greater collaboration across departments
D) Increased clarity and understanding of the request

Answer: A) Higher response rates and more detailed replies

400

Emails with formal greetings like “Dear Mr./Ms.” are more likely to get a faster response from…


A) British employees
B) German employees
C) American employees
D) Indian employees

Answer: B) German employees

400

What percentage of U.S. employees admit to “zoning out” during meetings?
A) 50%
B) 68%
C) 91%
D) 77%

Answer: C) 91%

400

A study found people are 34% more persuasive in meetings if they…


A) Speak louder than others
B) Wear red
C) Sit in the corner
D) Use gestures excessively

Answer: B) Wear red

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