Play Your Cards Right

Representing the USDA Extension Service 4-H clubs, Mary moves to Warsaw, Poland, for a year to work as an advisor to the director of Poland’s 4-H clubs. While attending an initial meeting for 25 workers employed in their agricultural system, Mary hands out her business cards. She is confused when, immediately afterward, a Polish colleague advises that she might not want those present to have her cards. He suggests that she recall them.

What does it mean?

Mary’s cards contained the agency’s and her Polish phone number and address. In addition, the card bears the 4-H logo, a four-leaf clover. Coincidentally, a Polish election was taking place at that time, and the four-leaf clover was also the logo of the Peasant Party.

If Mary hadn’t withdrawn the cards, it would have appeared that the 4-H Foundation was affiliated with the Peasant Party.

Elsewhere, Americans conducting business in Japan have learned that it is insulting to present a business card with only one hand. They also ensure that the lettering faces the recipient and is right-side up. In most of Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East (except Israel), experienced travelers avoid presenting their cards with the left hand.

Norine Dresser’s latest book is “Multicultural Celebrations” (Three Rivers Press, 1999). E-mail: norined@earthlink.net.