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All the world's major religions have a form of the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

 

These ancient golden rules emerged in societies that were homogeneous, not diverse.  In today's world, many societies are mixtures of culturally different people. They are human "salad bowls."  

 

Therefore, it seems that the "Platinum Rule" may be more appropriate.  It reads "Do unto  others  as they want done unto them."  or "Treat others in the way they like to be treated."

 

Cultural examples:  Americans doing business in Japan must adapt to cultural rules or they will fail.  Americans tend to be both direct and like to get to the point fast.   

 

Japanese tend to be indirect and prefer to take time establishing relationships before proceeding.  They prefer to talk about their families and backgrounds while sipping tea before getting into the business details.   

 

Chinese, unlike Westerners, do not like to say no, so it's best to phrase your questions so they don't require a yes-no answer.   Better to ask "What is this metal?" rather than "Is this made of copper?"   

 

A gender example:  In U.S. society, men like to fix the problems their wives bring up rather than listening to the wives' concerns.  If the men applied the Platinum Rule, they would do a careful job of listening, and they would not suggest quick fixes.   

 

A professional example.  Some medical doctors and attorneys use arcane jargon when talking with their patients and clients.  Such terminology mystifies, and those who pay for services would prefer simpler language, even pictures.

 

More examples can be found in differences between geographic regions, age levels,  and socioeconomic groups.

 

As we communicate with others, we should do our best to make adjustments for how they want to be treated and not assume with certainty that they want what we ourselves want.

 

If you follow the Platinum Rule you'll be on a solid footing for communication.