by the Same token, negotiators from hierarchical cultures should be aware that power-based persuasion, Although normative in deal-making negotiations in their own cultures, is not normative in Egalitarian cultures. Furthermore, power-based persuasion is likely to be reciprocated in negotiation And may lead to impasse.143 One American businessperson suffered due to a lack of understanding about cultural behavioral styres. After long, hard bargaining, a U.S. Firm landed a large contract with a Japanese firm. At the signing ceremony however, the Japanese executive began Reading the contract intently. His scrutiny seemed endless. The American panicked and offered to take $100 off each item. What the U.S. Excutive did not know was that the Japanese president was merely demonstrating authority, not backing out. 14