American-based businesses become more global every day. With changes in national and international demographics, we are seeing many American businesses participate in the "global workforce." It is important that businesses and employees have a good understanding and awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace. American businesses are learning the value of training workers to communicate effectively with international customers and clients. Employees must be willing to develop and improve interpersonal and professional skills in the national and international labor markets.

According to the Society of Human Resource Management, "If we as individuals and organizations are to thrive in a world of plural cultures, we must learn not only to respect differences but to enjoy them, not only familiarize ourselves with different cultural traditions, but to take advantage of the enrichment gained through our interactions with the members of those cultures. To do this we must recognize our own roots within our own culture, our own basis of understanding and the values that tend to influence us."

Today's globalization has led to a wide blending of cultural customs and practices which makes it difficult to have a set "list of rules" for conducting appropriate international business. However, it is vital that we have a basic understanding of acceptable protocol and practices in different international settings to successfully interact with customers, clients, or guests from other countries, either in America or abroad. Making mistakes relating to cultural customs and practices can result in lost jobs, lost sales, and poor working relationships. Maneuvering successfully in cross-cultural events can save you money, prevent embarrassing situations, and give you confidence and poise.

The instructor will give each student the name of a country "RUSSIA" for this paper/PowerPoint assignment. For the assignment (paper, reference page, and PowerPoint), you will research the professional protocol and business practices that are conducted in your assigned country. The assignment must include professional dress and at least 9 additional major topics as listed below (you may not use all of these topics, but these are suggestions; however, you must discuss professional dress, giving you a total of at least 11 topics discussed in your paper and PPT):

Major Interest Topics Major Interest Topics

Communication in the Workplace Professional Dress (required)

Gestures, Physical Space, Eye Contact Dining (Styles & Times of Eating)

Stance and Personal Space Drinking (alcoholic beverages)

Names, Titles, and Forms of Address (greetings) Entertaining

Business Cards Toasting

Business Meetings (Length of meetings) Gifts and Flowers

This paper/PowerPoint assignment will consist of two parts:

1. Research Paper (4 single-spaced pages) and a Reference Page (APA style)

2. PowerPoint

1. Research Paper. The paper, which is a summary of professional protocol and business practices that are conducted in your assigned country, should consist of four pages, all single spaced in the text and between paragraphs. You can indent each new paragraph. Using current publications (published within the last five years), each student will research the major topics as related to professional protocol and business practices in the assigned country "RUSSIA". You will not need a title page for the summary paper. You will need a title page for the PowerPoint.