Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Business Communication

Were Going To Talk About.

A Communications Model Good Cross-Cultural Communicators High-Context Cultures Low-Context Cultures Cross Cultural Dimensions of Business Communication Important parameters for Cross-Cultural Communication When Initiating New Business Relationships Obstacles to cross cultural co-operation

A Communications Model
Channel

Sender

Message

Audience

Feedback

A Better Communications Model

Context
Channel

Sender

Message

Audience

Feedback

Good Cross-Cultural Communicators Are.

Aware

values & behaviors not always right. & open to

Flexible

change.

And..
Sensitive

to verbal & nonverbal behavior. Aware of values, beliefs, practices of other cultures. Sensitive to differences within cultures.

HIGH CONTEXT VS. LOW CONTEXT CULTURES

High-Context Cultures
Infer

information from message context, rather than from content. Prefer indirectness and politeness. Convey little information explicitly. Rely heavily on nonverbal signs.

Asian Latin American Middle Eastern

Low-Context Cultures
Rely more on content rather than on context. Explicitly spell out information. Value directness. See indirectness as manipulative. Value written word more than oral statements.

European Scandinavian North American

Some Cultural Scenarios

Japan

India

Mexico

INDIA
Gloria Johnson is proud of her participatory management style. Assigned in Bombay on behalf of her U.S.-based company, she is careful not to give orders but to ask for suggestions. But the employees rarely suggest anything. Even a formal suggestion system she established does not work. Worse still, she doesnt sense the respect and camaraderie that she felt at the plant she managed in Texas. Perhaps the people in

India just are not ready for a woman boss.

MEXICO Alan Caldwell is a U.S. sales representative in

Mexico City. He makes appointments with Senr Lopez & is careful to be on time, but his host is frequently late. To save time, Alan tries to get right to business, his host wants to talk about sightseeing and about Alans family. Even worse, the meetings are interrupted constantly with phone calls, long conversations with other people, and even customers children who come into the office. Alans first report to his home office is very negative. He hasnt yet made a sale. Perhaps Mexico just isnt the right place to do business.

Cross Cultural Dimensions of Business Communication Significance Effects Misconceptions Considerations Geography

Important parameters for Cross-Cultural Communication When Initiating New Business Relationships
Common Ground Informational Context Trust Quality

Obstacles to cross cultural cooperation

Lack of Communication
Language Culture

Company Culture

Thank You
Pratik Jain Sanam Bhatheja