Appendix C National Traits

Odd One Out

In the following list of national characteristics, one in each case is atypical. Try to identify it.

American	Competitiveness, social envy, sociability, materialism, sense of mission
Arab	morality, tolerance, patriotism, unity, tenacity
Australian	risk takers, honesty, respect for authority, hospitality, cynicism
Austrian	class consciousness, strong sense of national identity, skilled in business, tradition, energy
Belgian	monarchical, conservatism, intransigence, pragmatism,, diligence
British	conformity, tradition, humor, diplomacy, insularity
Canadian	cultural awareness, tolerance, volatility, impartiality, tradition
Chinese	humility, thrift, gentleness, bluntness, trustworthiness
Czech	education, creativeness, aggressiveness, irony, diligence
Danish	tolerance, sense of humor, good listeners, shyness, social envy
Dutch	love of debate, laid-back style, thrift, pragmatism, industriousness
Finnish	group orientation, work ethic, reliability, stubbornness, guts
French	intelligence, kindness, humility, diplomacy, honesty
German	punctuality, drive, fidelity, tact,
Hispanic American	humanity, volatility, compassion, teamwork, idealism
Indian	extroversion, creativity, caution in business, risk takers, eloquence
Indonesian	political restlessness, commercial ambitiousness, respect for elders, sense of shame, volatility
Italian	charisma, loyalty to family, loyalty to the Church, flexibility, extroversion
Japan	humility, intransigence, work ethic, sense of shame, tenacity
Malaysian	culturally aware, materialism, education, hierarchy, obedience
Norwegian	diligence, sense of humor, neighborliness, directness, stubbornness, compassion, melancholy, group orientation, emotion, patriotism
Portuguese	exuberance, theatricality, compassion, vision, sentiment
Russian	suspicion, impoliteness, warmth, idealism, caution
South African	cultural insensitivity, patriotism, future orientation, love of sports, hospitality
Spanish	generosity, vision, precision, sensitivity, loquacity
Swedish	thoroughness, decisiveness, honesty, justice, good taste
Swiss	love of business, daring, tenacity, neutrality, secretiveness
Thai	cheerfulness, antiroyalism, laid back, weak work ethic, pro-American
Vietnamese	tenacity, anti-Americanism, respect for the French, love of education, thrift

Answers to “National Traits” can be found at www.crossculture.com/imperative