Intercultural Communications

Intercultural Communication is how people from different cultural backgrounds interact through language, customs and gestures. While researching for the Intercultural Communication team assignment we have all learned new information regarding the communication habits and tendencies of the country we were assigned.

It is crucial to understand the communications of a foreign country if you plan on visiting in the future. It is even more important to have a grasp of the foreign culture if you are visiting the country on a business trip. You are representing your company and one offensive mishap may cost your company millions of dollars in future business. You must do your research on the culture, language, and the difference between a good gesture and a bad gesture.

The two parts I want to focus on are your actions and how you communicate. Important aspects of your actions are demeanor, gifts, and knowing the proper time to communicate in a business sense. Some countries have a more relaxed approach to business and some may not. Likewise, gifts are sometimes frowned upon in certain countries. Also, some countries prefer not to discuss business while eating. The important aspects of communication are the handshake, language, and your gestures. The handshake is very important because it is a first impression and in some cultures men will wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake. Understanding the language is important or at least the skills of a well known interpreter. Some gestures and body language that is ok to use in the United States may be offensive in a foreign country and you do not want to come off as intimidating or angry.

I found an interesting video depicting how the Chinese say no in negotiations and how Westerners may not understand their intentions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4HB1aUE4p4&feature=PlayList&p=668F2B3B414F00F0&index=5

Crisis Communication

When crisis occurs, organizations should always be prepared. There are any number of scenarios that could occur causing a crisis. Organizations are held legally liable in an event of a crisis. They are also held to an ethical and moral standard as well, by protecting those involved in and around their organization. In an event of a crisis, companies, organizations, invididuals, or groups should all know and become familiar with what their regulated crisis management plan is. Referred to as crisis communication, it is necessary to have regulations to the different scenarios that could possibly occur. Through communication, it is important and absolutely necessary to respond quickly, effectively, efficiently, andrealize an effective crisis communication strategy and solution to the occurring problems or problems. Communicating through technology is also very important. Technology ensures that a rapid and coordinated response to potential crisis will help organizations execute a well thought out plan. In the case that this does not happen, organizations' reputation and other aspects could be substantially damanged.
Below is an article titled "Crisis Communication Planning: Organizing and Completing A Plan That Works". It is an outline of how companies, organizations, or individuals should prepare and respond through communication to a potential crisis.
http://www.101publicrelations.com/crisis-communication.html