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
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I agree. I work for a company that has a very large department that deals with international sales. They are trained how to communicate with their countries and what is appropriate and what is not. I find it very interesting how different business in so many cultures can be. Attached is a link to a book review of a book we are required to read at work called Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands:
ReplyDeletehttp://ezinearticles.com/?Book-Review:-Kiss,-Bow,-or-Shake-Hands-%7BHow-To-Do-Business-In-Sixty-Countries%7D&id=31156
After witnessing the panel discussion in class yesterday I am more aware of how difficult it can be to understand the communication norms of different cultures. The part I find most challenging and interesting are the "unspoken rules" that are only known by business persons in their native countries because it’s the standard. By this I mean, not talking about business on the first meeting, or waiting for a woman to extend her hand first before you shake hands. It seems like it would be very difficult to understand all of the different intricate details of the culture. It seems like practice is the only way to be sure of what is normal and what is not. I have shared a link of a video that I found interesting about three different stories from people who have done business in Brazil (the country our group focused on)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.vidoemo.com/yvideo.php?doing-business-in-brazil=&i=aUF3R0ZucWuRpMGFTeFk
I agree with Chris in that the cultural norms of other countries can sometimes be challenging to deal with when engaging in business. One thing that I found interesting was that business dress in the UAE is very baggy while most other countries adhere to the standard business suit or something of that nature. I also found it interesting in regards to business interactions, and interactions in general, that the class system in Brazil depends on the color of your skin, which impacts how business is communicated in that country. These cultural norms and communications styles are evidence that it is key to study the culture and business norms if you may be doing business with another country and/or culture. While all countries have different cultural norms and customs, they all had one thing in common in that respect when conducting business is integral.
ReplyDeleteIn order to help an individual prepare for intercultural communication, I have provided a link to an article that outlines the "ten commandments" of intercultural communication.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247
Communication norms of other cultures could pose a challenge for companies that engage in international business relationships. Developing and maintaining a solid business relationship with international companies depends upon a company's ability to communicate with counterparts respectively; getting your proposals or ideas across without offending anyone. From the panel we had yesterday, I discovered new business customs that I never knew existed. The punctuality issue in Brazil is rather interesting because in America, we are very serious about timing. I also found it interesting that Japanese business personnel try to refrain from saying no to people. There are many customs and procedures that I found unusual yesterday, but I found them all important to know because I plan on going into business for myself someday and hopefully I would have the pleasure of doing business across international waters.
ReplyDeleteThis link I found is somewhat of a guide for doing business overseas.
http://www.cyborlink.com/
It is always important for individuals and organizations to be aware of the differences culture differences throughout the world. If not for respect, those who conduct business outside of their country's borders, should take into consideration business practices as well. When dealing with people from different cultures it is crucial to understand their differences and realize that what is considered a norm in their home country, may not be quite so important in another. With business going global and becoming more diverse faster than ever, it is important to pay attention and be considerate to foreign culture. Doing a bit of research before conducting business in other countries is never a bad idea, either.
ReplyDeleteThis link is about intercultural communication, but it also explains the importance of improving intercultural communication. It gives a few humorous examples of poor communication translations gone wrong. http://www.diplomacy.edu/Language/Communication/default.htm
As the world continues to globalize, particularly in business, the idea of intercultural communication is becoming more and more important. Intercultural communication goes far beyond spoken language to encompass body language, meeting styles and country customs. Acting appropriately in an intercultural business setting can seal a deal. However, even something as simple as improper conversation topics or gifts can prove to be a deal breaker.
ReplyDeleteThroughout my MBA experience, IUP has offered a multicultural environment where I was able to interact with students from around the world. I consider this irreplaceable. To see how other students with different cultural backgrounds handle situations differently than myself was enlightening. Those experiences not only allowed me to better understand others approach but realize that I am not always correct and must be flexible to achieve the team goal.
Our team researched Czech Republic for our cultural presentation. This link highlights some of the communication notes relating to the country:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/czech.html