North/South Viewpoints: 3 Little Questions - Alternative Priorities!

A family friend who is an experienced ESL Teacher has recently returned from Taiwan.

We met for tea today, at my office, and the wide-ranging conversation turned to the topic of Graft in construction permits,  worldwide, vis-a-vis Safety Concerns, which to me, are paramount.

"I wonder", I mused, "Why it is that it appears as thought graft in inspections of building sites is rampant in the southern hemisphere?"

"Friendship!" my friend replied right away!  "Pure and simple!  Friendship comes first."

He went on to say there are 3 questions that are asked in such places.  The first is:

1. How do people feel about this (meaning whatever the topic/situation may be)?
2. Is it a reasonable plan?
3. Is it legal?

But then, in the northern hemisphere, the 3 questions are reversed in order of concern:

1. Is it legal?
2. Is it a reasonable plan?
3. How do people feel about this issue?

An interesting point of perceptions, I venture to say, and Question No. 2 could probably use some of Marshall Rosenberg's NVC tips (see ESL Post of  Saturday, August 21, 2010) for conflict resolution!

Meanwhile, Have a Happy & Safe Hallowe'en! S.B.