#informatories

"Norwegians take great pride in their individual and national independence. They feel Norway has developed a superior social system with high standards. Indeed, social equality and a good standard of living are important values that have shaped post–World War II politics. Although the country is rich and has many natural resources, Norwegians tend to be modest about their personal wealth. Bragging is seen as inappropriate. They love the outdoors and promote measures to protect their environment.

"Norwegians work fewer hours than people in other high-income countries. There is a strong sense of a national community and a high level of civic participation. A large majority of Norwegians report being satisfied with their life. Criticism of other people or systems is considered inappropriate, although distrust of foreigners is common, especially among older generations, and attitudes toward immigrants can be critical.

"Sincerity in friendship is important, but people show reserve in the expression of personal feelings. Norwegians make a point to not disturb others around them; city-dwellers are rarely close friends with their neighbors and do not often greet passersby on the street. Norwegians are, however, open and talkative with their close friends and family.

A person's behavior is just as important to their social status as their occupation. Intelligence, loyalty, self-restraint, and friendliness are seen as valuable traits. Norwegians in urban areas tend to be more formal, while people from smaller cities and towns are more matter-of-fact. Norwegians from the northern counties are known for being very straightforward and using more colorful language than others; they sometimes tell jokes that people from other parts of the country find inappropriate. Norwegians from the south tend to be more traditional and religious than other Norwegians."

General Attitudes (Poland):

"Polish people value individualism, practicality, and self-reliance (exercised on an extended-family level). They place great emphasis on the family, tradition, and education. Poles are generally outspoken, especially in private circles. They are straightforward and realistic, sometimes cynical. People value generosity and do not regard highly those who are not willing to share their time, resources, or power.

Poles are proud of their cultural heritage and their ability to survive war, territory losses, and subordination to other nations. During periods of foreign domination, the Poles looked to their heritage as proof that they were not a conquered or subordinate people. Prior to World War II, the Polish noble class considered itself better than the occupying forces, which gave Poles the desire to maintain their culture and language.

Poland's new democracy and transition to a free market have tarnished some hopes. Many Poles express concern that they did not expect freedom to be so painful. Still, despite many of the poor having been better off under communism, only a minority expresses a desire to return to the old system. Most recognize the potential of a free-market economy."

Gestures

"Chinese do not like to be touched by people they do not know. However, close friends of the same gender may sit or stand close or walk arm in arm. Respectful distance is best when dealing with older people or those in important positions. Chinese do not punctuate conversations with gestures nearly as much as Westerners do. To beckon, they wave all fingers with the palm of the hand facing down. Chinese point with an open hand rather than one finger. In some regions of rural China, it is common for people to spit in public after clearing their throat. Since poor health conditions make this necessary, government fines have failed to curb the behavior."

General Attitudes

"The Chinese are noted for hospitality and reserve. Confucianism, the ancient philosophy of social order, influences attitudes and encourages a group consciousness—especially in rural areas. The Chinese are very proud of their nation's long history and of past Chinese achievements. They do not appreciate external criticism. The attitudes of people in larger eastern cities tend to be more cosmopolitan than those in the more traditional rural areas.

The central government emphasizes respect for and obedience to authority. Over time, people have lost respect for some local and national leaders. The change is slowly forcing local officials to be more accountable.

The principle of guanxi commits friends and associates to do what they can for each other when called upon. To violate guanxi is to lose reputation or honor. Children are expected to uphold the family's social standing. This has had different meanings in different eras. For today's urban children, it means being well educated and well dressed, earning money, and practicing traditional values such as loyalty and kindness. For rural Chinese, it means putting the needs of the group (family, community) above oneself. An admired person is one who brings the greatest honor to the family while being the most humble about personal accomplishments.

As more urban Chinese are becoming wealthy in an expanding economy, the gap between rich and poor is growing. Some areas are experiencing unrest because people are losing their jobs and the traditional cradle-to-grave benefits of the danwei (work group) system. For the average person, having food, shelter, and clothing is more desirable and understandable than the relatively abstract concept of political freedom."