Cultural differences in business entertaining include problems such as whom one entertains and where and how one entertains. In countries where status is important, it is not advisable to invite people of different statuses to the same dinner party. Americans will often invite people to their homes. However, in some societies the home is considered too personal, unworthy, or too small to serve as a proper place for business entertaining. In some countries there is a “help yourself” method of entertaining done in the home. This method does not work well when entertaining people whose culture teaches them to wait to be asked three times before accepting an offer of food. For example, a Chinese guest went hungry all the evening without eating though he was quite hungry because he was too shy to take food after only being asked to do so once. In another case, an American woman executive(负责人) was being entertained in London. After having the tea served, the American woman helped herself to cream and sugar rather than waiting to be served. The English hostess was upset by the thought that she was not serving quickly enough.

As a general rule, a small gift from your home country is OK. A gift that is tied to the particular interest of the person is especially good. Gifts for children are also well received. Be careful that the “hometown” gift you are bringing to Singapore is not made in Hong Kong. Because many gifts carry symbolic meanings, it is always best to seek the advice of a cultural information before selecting gifts. The giving of large gifts, or payments for special service, should only be carried out after talking with legal department in the home and host culture.

1. It is no good inviting people of different social positions to the same party in the country where _______.

A. people don’t pay any attention to your positions

B. people care much about their statuses

C. entertainment is important

D. entertainment is not advisable

2. The Chinese guest is taken for an example to show ________.

A. that offering food should not be made too early

B. a “help yourself” method works well in this case

C. that accepting an offer of food should be made later

D. a “help yourself” method does not work well in some cases

3. The passage infers that American women like _________.

A. a “help yourself” method B. waiting to be served C. a slow service　 D. cream and sugar

4. _________ is especially proper, when you are invited to a dinner party.

A. A big gift B. Large payment as a gift C. A small gift from one’s home D. A gift form Singapore