Culture Quiz 281pay. If they do this, be sure to say something like, “Oh, no.
I couldn’t let you do that much.” You should go through
this kind of banter until they insist the third time, at
which point you can feel free to accept because it means
they actually mean you should not pay. Just remember
to try to give them an opportunity for a way out since
they may feel obligated to offer even if they cannot
afford to.
SITUATION 2
You are responsible for arranging seating for a luncheon
meeting for some visiting foreign business people and
some Egyptians. Among the 12 Egyptians attending will
be the Minister of Important Affairs (fictitious ministry),
a distinguished scholar, three prominent business
representatives, a university dean, a retired ambassador
who advises the prime minister, the consul general assigned
to your country and various other persons. Your home
country’s delegation will be 12 people, among whom will
be: the president and CEO of Conglomerate International, a
corporate vice president from another company, the project
developer (the person who actually did all the work to make
the business deal possible and the person who actually
knows the answers to any questions that might be raised),
a representative from your country’s embassy in Cairo,
yourself, and various other persons involved in the deal. How
do you seat the people?
Have four tables for six so everyone can sit with their own
country’s people. They will want to sit with their friends
anyway and catch up on the gossip.
Have one long table with seats on each side and let people
choose their own seat or assign seats.
Place six or eight people from your country at a head table,
with the Egyptian contingency down each side along with
the others from your country.
Arrange for a horseshoe-styled table. Seat the three most
prominent Egyptians and three most senior people from
your country at the head table; alternate the remaining