International business people often invest time and money / in improving their knowledge Of foreign languages / in order to be a

International business people often invest time and money / in improving their knowledge Of foreign languages / in order to be able to communicate with colleagues from around the world. Language is vital, but it is only half the problem.
   It is also important to know the way / things are usually dealt with in your host country. Problems arise because we see things differently. It helps to be aware of how other nationalities perceive certain things.
   It is, however, very dangerous to have stereotyped views / of what the other culture is like. Such views are often narrow and can cause criticism and intolerance. If your ideas are too narrow, you may be surprised at all the people you meet / who do not fit into your pattern and who behave differently / from the way you predicted they would.
   Our ideas have to be flexible and constructed from thorough research and observation. We should also recognize / that it is not only people’s national background / that influences their behavior and personality, but al so their particular regional background, their personal background / and their company culture.