Workshop 4 – Chapter 4

Communicating across Cultures

In-class activity 1: Discussion questions

Discuss the following in class:
1. Explain the cultural variables in communication.

2. Discuss the media for non-verbal communication.

3. Make recommendations on how to manage cross-cultural communication

effectively.

In-class activity 2: Ongoing Semester Case Study – Businessville Hotel.

The Beijing Businessville Hotel has recruited a large number of Chinese staff for all its
departments. Staff come from all over China which means that they come from many
different regional backgrounds and speak different languages. While most speak East
Mandarin, others speak Jin, West Mandarin, Xinan, Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese and
Jianghuai. Other staff speak Thai, Filipino, Japanese, English and Arabic.
Consider the following questions as a focus of class discussion. Prepare your ideas before
class.

1. What training would you suggest to develop staff language skills?

2. How would you suggest dealing with guests who speak unknown languages?

In-class activity 3: Student Presentation Case Study.

Students to present solutions to Q 4-11, 4-12 & 4-13 of case study titled
‘Miscommunications with a Brazilian Auto Parts Manufacturer’ on page 178-180 of the
textbook. Audience to prepare discussion points for the questions.

In-class activity 4: In-class multi-choice quiz.

Print out the quiz for the students and administer in class. Students will be given 10 mns
to attempt the quiz. Discuss the solutions in class. This quiz serves as a good revision
exercise.
Assessment 1 - Portfolio questions:

Students are required to answer the three questions in essay format (maximum 450 words
in total). Please print number of words at the end.

1. Discuss the role of social media in global business communication.

2. What is the relationship of language and culture? How is it that people from the
same language may still miscommunicate?

3. Give some examples of cultural differences in the interpretation of body

language. What is the role of such nonverbal communication in business
relationships?