Multiculturalism is a reality in US and for those of us who do business globally. The US has more legal immigrants yearly than all other countries in world combined. Also there are vast cultural differences among "native" Americans living in US for several generations, as you know if you've done business with a New Yorker (better be quick!)or bi'ness with a Texan (better stand at a 90% angle to your male companion).
Culture is neither ethnic nor racial. It is learned and each culture is different. Treat everyone like a unique individual, as you would like to be treated, don't get hung up on stereotypes, and develop your emotional intelligence so you can be more intuitive about how to communicate with, negotiate with, and provide services and products for people from cultural backgrounds other than your own.
SOUTH TEXAS TWO-STEP
In South Texas, if you're talking to a male, he will stand at a 90% angle to you.
If you move to reorient, a "dance" will begin. This is a markedly non-intimate position (macho), and often eyes are cast down at floor or out across floor, not at other party.
South Texans generally say "Pleased to know you," while Mid Westerners say, "Pleased to meet you" or "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
More from San Antonio, Texas – in a strictly social setting, it’s not customary to shake hands with women. In society, there’s haute hug – two women will parody a hug with no part of their body touching, just tapping each other on back. Often with an older, respected person, or to express affection with respect, you shake hands, then cover their and your hands with your left hand, patting or stroking while maintaining eye contact.
MOST CULTURES OF THE WORLD DON’T GREET BY SHAKING HANDS
People from Asian cultures bow in greeting, but bows are different.
People from Cambodia and Laos bow with their hands in prayer position in front of chest. In Japan, depth of bow signifies level of respect for other party. Many Koreans prefer bowing and if they shake hands, right hand is supported at wrist by left hand to show respect. Thais bow with palms together about chest-high with their fingers outstretched. And, there are exceptions. The Taiwanese usually nod head in recognition rather than bow.
HUGGING AND KISSING
Native Hawaiians hug each other, exchanging breaths in a custom called “aha.” Mexicans use abrazo (hug).
If your Cuban male client kisses you on cheek, you know you've made short list. Immigrant men from Middle East often shake hands with a slight nod or bow and then exchange kisses on both cheeks. They don’t shake hands with women, or introduce woman they’re with. Men in Eastern Europe, Portugal, Spain and Italy will often kiss male friends on cheek.
THE SALAAM
Pakistanis greet with salaam, equivalent of our "hello" – bowing with palm of right hand on forehead.