Cross-Cultural Country Report

Communication varies from state to state and country to country. It just depends on the culture. Business is handled in a different ways all across the world. The way people greet, dress, communicate, and even address each other will vary from country to country.

Belize is a country that uses mister, misses, and doctor to address people only if you have earned that title. The way of business in Belize is different from that of the United States. Men and women typically greet each other in the same manor in Belize. Men greet other men with a handshake and if they have previously meet before the men may give each other a pat on the shoulder. Women greet each other with a handshake as well. Women may also give each other a hug, handshake, and/or a slight kiss on the cheek. Men and women greet each other the same as men greet men, and women greet women. Here in the United States we greet each other with a firm handshake and call each other by our last names, such as Mr. James or Ms. or Mrs. Beard. A hug could follow this depending on the relationship of the individuals. Although the way we greet each other in the United States may be somewhat similar to that of Belize, the business wear is more on the relaxed side. Men and women often wear cotton, or khaki long pants. Knit and collared shirts are accepted for both men and women as well. Women are allowed to wear Capri length pants to work. All sandals, except flip flops are accepted for men. Women however are allowed to wear any kind of sandals. In the United States the dress is basically black, blue or grey pants suits. Some sandals are accepted if they are on a dressy style.