An American executive went to a Middle Eastern country to sign an oil contract. Before the contract was signed, the American and the Arab official met for tea. Relaxing, the American put her/his feet up on a table. The official became angry and left the room. Later it was found that showing the soles of shoes was a serious insult. This represents which barrier to international trade?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This incident represents a cultural barrier to international trade, as the American executive was unaware of the cultural norm in the Middle Eastern country regarding showing the soles of shoes. Cultural barriers can include differences in language, customs, and traditions that can impact business interactions and negotiations.

An American Executive Went to a Middle Eastern Country to Sign