COMMUNICATING INTERCULTURALLY

The Basics of Intercultural Business Communication The globalization of business is accelerating as more companies cross national borders to find customers, materials, and money. Cultural Diversity- degree to which the population is made up of people from varied national, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. How Communicating across language and cultural barriers will challenge tour skills: If you work in or with local branch of foreign firm you will find that the difference will interfere in your message exchange. No matter where you work, you will communicate with increasingly diverse domestic workforce. Understanding Culture Culture- shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations, and norms for behavior. Subculture- distinct groups that exist within a major culture, i.e. Mexican Americans, Russian immigrants Recognizing Cultural Differences Intercultural Communication- the process of sending and receiving messages between people of different cultures. Social Values A societys culture affects its members view of the world and thus their responses to people and events. Roles and Status

Culture dictates the roles people play, including who communicates with whom, what they communicate, and in what way. Different culture calls for different ways of addressing their superior. Different cultures provide various office arrangements for executives to reflect their values. Decision-Making Customs Many cultural groups take longer than U.S. and Canadian businesspeople to reach decisions, and many rely more heavily on group consensus. Concept s of Time Although businesspeople from most nations see time as a way of organizing the business day efficiently, other cultures see time as more flexible. Concepts of Personal Space People from various cultures have different comfort zones Cultural Context Cultural Context- pattern of physical cues and implicit understanding that convey meaning between two members of the same culture. High Context Culture- rely less on verbal communication, more on non-verbal actions. Low Context Culture- rely more on verbal communication, less on implied meanings. Body Language Variations in the meaning of body language can cause problems because people are unaware of the messages they are transmitting, i.e. signal no, making eye contact Social Behavior and Manners In any culture, etiquette may be formal or informal. Formal rules- specifically taught as right or wrong in a common social situation. If violated, they could explain they feel upset. Informal rules- how one is supposed and expected to behave. When violated, members of the culture feel uncomfortable although they can not say why. Legal and Ethical Behavior People often encounter differing standards of legal and ethical behavior in the course of doing business in other countries. Dealing with Language Barriers English is the most prevalent language in international business, but its a mistake to assume that everyone understands it.
The Basics of Intercultural Business Communication Reported by: Jamie Adriano

Watch for clues to be sure that your message is getting through to people who dont speak your language. Your message can be angled by slang, idioms, and local accents. Options when dealing with people who dont speak your language: Learn their language (time consuming & costly) Use intermediary or Translator Teach them your language Barriers to Written Communication Most routine business correspondence is written in English but marketing messages are generally translated into the language of the country where the product is to be sold. Barriers to Oral Communication Differences in pronunciation, vocal inflections, and vocabulary can pose problems when youre speaking to people from other cultures. When speaking in English to people who speak English as a second language, you may find these guidelines helpful: Eliminate noise. Pronounce words clearly. Look for Feedback. Be alert to signs of confusion of your listener. Rephrase your sentence when necessary. Dont talk down to other person. Use objective, accurate language. Avoid throwing big words. Let other people finish what they have to say. Dealing with Ethnocentric Reactions Ethnocentrism- tendency to judge all other group according to your own groups standards, behaviors, and customs and to see other groups as inferior by comparison. Stereotyping- attempt o categorize individuals by trying to predict their behavior or character on the basis of their membership in a particular group.

The Basics of Intercultural Business Communication Reported by: Jamie Adriano