Cues
Western and Eastern cues have substantially different meanings in business. The word "yes," for example, usually means agreement in Western cultures. In Eastern and high-context cultures however, the word "yes," more often than not means that the party understands the message, not necessarily that he agrees with it. A handshake in some cultures is as ironclad as an American contract. A period of silence during negotiations with an Eastern business associate may signify displeasure with your proposal. While frank openness may be desirable in Western cultures, Eastern cultures often place more value on saving face and avoiding disrespectful responses.