Can I suggest looking up the following book;
Trompenaars, F. (1993) Riding the Waves of Culture - Understanding Cultural
Diversity in Business. Economist Books, London
ISBN 0-85058-428-0
It is not an aviation book, but gives an easy to understand view of
cultural difference and well worth a read. It is a good start for anyone
interested in this area as will the forthcoming book from Helmreich and
Merritt...
I liked Sakuma san's use of sport as an example - I heard that one clear
indicator of cultural difference was the humble refridgerator...
In some countries, guests would never see the fridge - its just not done.
In others they would be invited by the host to pick a cool beer from the
fridge and would then wait until offered again by the host holding the
fridge door open to them.
In another, once the host has opened the fridge to his guest, it is a case
of get up and help yourself when you need another for the rest of the
night.
I forget which is which, but I can guess which Australia is....
I don't know how much use the fridge thing is, but its quite interesting....!
Graham B.
Sydney