cross-cultural conflicts

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Not understanding these different ideas about time can create conflicts between people of different cultures. For example, American students often quickly exchange "how are you?" and "fine" as they rush to make class on time. But event-oriented students see this exchange as impersonal. Before they can say anything more than "fine," the American student has already hurried past them. time=oriented people doing business in event-oriented land may cut to the chase too quickly. This offends event-oriented people, who prefer getting to know their asspcaiated before discussing the details of a business deal. For those who believe "time is money," the slow pace of life in event-oriented lands can productivity, they might view event-oriented people as lazy or inefficient. Not having specific times for events also causes problems. Some Americans in Mexico were told a meeting would start "after dinner." They rushed through dinner so they could be on time, only to end up waiting for everybody else. What can the world traveler do to aviod these time-related conflicts? Follow the age-old rule: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.