Haptics or touching behavior also reflects cultural values. In a generally nonhaptic society such as Japan, touching another person in a business setting even with a handshake is traditionally considered foreign. While those Japanese familiar with U.S. handshaking may adapt to its use, one can expect that such cultural compromise would not easily extend to so haptic a response as a pat on the back.
The United States itself is a fairly nonhaptic society, particularly between men. In many cultures that behave more haptically, men often walk with arms interlinked or hold hands which to U.S. males might appear effeminate or overly intimate.
Read more: Cross-Cultural/International Communication http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/encyclopedia/Cos-Des/Cross-Cultural-International-Communication.html#b#ixzz1f93SgM1kI find it extremely interesting that the Japanese are unfamiliar with handshakes in a business setting. In the US, handshakes seem like common courtesy, and show signs of respect. I also thought it was interesting that men in many cultures will link arms or hold hands with another man. This kind of touch would never happen in America.
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