Define display rules. Give several examples of how display rules impact work cultures in different countries.

Display rules, also called informal standards, govern the degree to which it is appropriate for people from different cultures to display their emotions similarly. As an example, Great Britain encourages downplaying emotions, while Mexicans are much more demonstrative in public. Also, Wal-Mart's emphasis on friendliness has been shown not to work in Germany. There, serious German shoppers have been shown not to like Wal-Mart's friendly greeters and helpful personnel. In Israel, shoppers equate smiling cashiers with inexperience, so the cashiers are encouraged to look somber.