Culture is communication and communication is culture

Cross culture communication looks at how people, from differing cultural backgrounds interact and communicate. An understanding of cultural differences will pave way for effective communication at various workplace. This will, in turn, lead to organizational effectiveness and subsequent progress.

Communication is more than just speaking, writing and editing; it also involves information gathering and team work. In the economy of the new century, this means communicating cross-culturally. There are three main components to any communication. Subject matter Medium delivery Cultural considerations.

In the context of cross-cultural communication, misunderstanding and misinterpretations are probably the most common problems people face and culture is often at the root of communication challenges.

Communication style refers to how people communicate between and within cultures. (1) language usage (2) Non-verbal communication (3) Indirect communication (4) direct communication

Across cultures, some words or phrases are used in different ways. E.g. YES varies from may be, I will consider it, to definitely so, with many shades in between Non verbal communication not only include facial expression and gestures but also involves seating arrangements, personal distance, and sense of time.

Indirect and direct Communication refers to the extent to which the words/gestures convey the main theme in the process of communication. E.g 1. Are you listening? Hope you have found the idea interesting. 2. You are doing that wrong Are you satisfied with result? 3 I do not agree with you.--- Exploring other ideas may provide us with more insight.

High context cultures ( Thiland, Japan, Russia) Homogeneous and collectivist

Low context culture ( US) Heterogeneous and individualistic

Ethnocentrism refers to perceiving other cultural groups from ones own cultural point of view. It implies making invalid assumptions about others ways based on ones own narrow experience. People are not even aware that they are being ethnocentric. The assumption one makes about others ways can involve negative judgements, which may in fact be invalid.

Ethnocentrism often leads to misunderstanding others by misinterpreting what is meaningful and purposeful to other people through ones own points of view. Ethnocentric reactions may be taken care of by gaining knowledge of other cultures and developing an increased level of multicultural diversity.

Variables of national Culture Education Law and regulation Economics Politics Religion Social Norms Technology Language

Non-verbal Signals Time Space Food Acceptable dress Decision-making

During cross-cultural exchanges, one should understand the interaction completely before reacting. Active listening should be there. Sometimes words are used differently between languages or cultural groups and can lead to misunderstandings. Prior knowledge about such words is desirable. Taking the aid of intermediaries who are familiar with both cultures can be helpful in cross cultural communication situation.

In some cultures, people move quickly to the point, while in others, they talk about other things long enough to establish rapport or a relationship. Direct experience is the best way to begin to understand any culture. This may not always be practical, but access to sources that cater to members of the target group can be helpful ways to begin.

We tend to overlook similarities and notice just the difference when we first begin to interact with members of another culture. Avoid stereotyping. One should be sensitive to variation within groups as well as among them. There may be similar people, in terms of personality, attitudes, etc.in different groups and dissimilar people within a group.

Our own culture identities become apparent to us when we begin to interact with people from different cultures. Cultures witness changes with the passage of time. Updating ones knowledge of different cultures is very crucial, especially for a business manager whose job involves interacting with people from different cultures.

Opening and closing Conversations Taking turns during conversation Interrupting Use of silence Appropriate Topics of conversation Use of humor Knowing how much to say Sequencing elements during conversation

Slow down Separate questions Avoid negative questions Take turns Write it down Be supportive Check meanings Avoid slang Watch the humor and maintain Etiquette

Be polite and professional, and you will avoid many potential cultural conflicts.