<P> In business it is commonly agreed that communication is one of the primary concerns . So, for professionals who work internationally; people who interact daily with other people from different countries within their company or with other companies abroad; Hofstede's model gives insights into other cultures . In fact, cross-cultural communication requires being aware of cultural differences because what may be considered perfectly acceptable and natural in one country, can be confusing or even offensive in another . All the levels in communication are affected by cultural dimensions: verbals (words and language itself), non verbals (body language, gestures) and etiquette do's and don'ts (clothing, gift - giving, dining, customs and protocol). And this is also valid for written communication as explained in William Wardrobe's essay "Beyond Hofstede: Cultural applications for communication with Latin American Businesses". </P> <P> In international negotiations, communication style, expectation, issue ranking and goals will change according to the negotiators' countries of origin . If applied properly, an understanding of cultural dimensions should increase success in negotiations and reduce frustration and conflicts . For example, in a negotiation between Chinese and Canadians, the Canadian negotiators may want to reach an agreement and sign a contract, whereas the Chinese negotiators may want to spend more time for non-business activities, small talks and hospitality with preferences for protocol and form in order to first establish the relationship . </P> <P> "When negotiating in Western countries, the objective is to work toward a target of mutual understanding and agreement and' shake - hands' when that agreement is reached--a cultural signal of the end of negotiations and the start of' working together' . In Middle Eastern countries much negotiation takes place leading into the' agreement', signified by shaking hands . However, the deal is not complete in the Middle Eastern culture . In fact, it is a cultural sign that' serious' negotiations are just beginning ." </P> <P> These considerations are also true in international management and cross-cultural leadership . Decisions taken have to be based on the country's customs and values . </P>

The hofstede framework includes all of the following dimensions except