As companies drive toward global partnerships, corporate representatives had better keep in mind the nuances of cross-cultural communications. It takes far more than a round-trip ticket to make a successful leap across the continents and back.

In her book “The Nonverbal Advantage” (Berrett-Koehler Publishing, San Francisco) author Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., explores the powerful communication of body language (as noted in our Keep It in Mind feature – click here).

Another particularly fascinating inquiry is Goman’s translation of body language across cultures. Gestures, both acquired and instinctive, may be well-meaning and common in the U.S. But when taken overseas, they can be completely misinterpreted.

For example, a common North American waving of the hand from side to side means “no,” “enough” or “stop.” But in Peru that same gesture means “come here.” And in Greece, it is a serious personal insult.

Giving a thumbs up is a typical North American signal for “Good job!” But if you give a thumbs up down under, Aussies will think you crude. And in Germany, it’s a sign for a single lager.

How about that peace sign, or V-for-victory sign used by Americans? If the back of your hand is facing out, you’ll be seen as rude in the United Kingdom, New Zealand or Australia.

Are you beckoning someone to draw closer with that familiar index finger stretching out then curling inward? In many Asian countries that is a motion reserved only for animals and women of ill repute – hence, best to leave it home. And crossing the fingers for good luck? In Turkey it is used to break a friendship!

Even that well-known and seemingly innocent OK sign – index finger and thumb forming an “O” – can mean different things in different countries. In France it means zero, in Japan it means you’re referring to money, and in Brazil it is a vulgarity. Ouch.

It’s all food for thought. Effective communications must be 2-Way, whether person-to-person, or culture-to-culture. Sensitivity to cultural practices in other countries offers easier passage of incoming and outgoing information. And a little pre-trip communications priming can be a passport to success.

Goman sums it up this way:

“It’s a fact of life. People from any culture prefer to do business with those who put them at ease. Although you can’t learn every gesture and facial expression used around the world, you can develop a curiosity about, and a deep respect for the multitude of differences. It’s just good manners – and good business.”

L.M. Dulye & Co. offers strategies that stretch across the globe. For information about a variety of services and products leading to a global Spectator-Free Workplace™, click www.lmdulye.com