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1. Define Communication. Briefly discuss the benefits of effective communication.Answer:Define Communication: Communication is the exchange of ideas and information. Communication is the process transmitting and receiving verbal and non-verbal messages. It’s a two way (send & receive) process of exchanging ideas and information.

Briefly discuss the benefits of effective communication:The most successful organisations understand that if they are to be successful in today’s business world, good communication at all levels is essential. Here is a useful mnemonic to remember the benefits you and your organisation can achieve from effective communication.

Stronger decision-making and problem-solving Upturn in productivity Convincing and compelling corporate materials Clearer, more streamlined workflow Enhanced professional image Sound business relationships Successful response ensured

2. Define Business Communication. What are the characteristics of effective communication?Answer:Business Communication: Business communication is the exchange of business related ideas and information. Business communication is communication that functions as an official statement from a company.

Characteristics/Importance of effective communication: Fostering an open communication climate Committing to ethical communication Understanding the difficulties involved in intercultural communication Becoming proficient in communication technology Using an audience-centered approach to communication Creating and processing messages efficiently

3. “Communication is blocked by various types of barriers” –explain.Answer:Barrier between people

Difference in perception-Our mind absorbs our experiences in a unique and personal way. Because our perceptions are unique, the ideas we want to express differ from other people.-To overcoming perceptual berries can be difficult. Try to predict how message will be received, anticipate receiver’s reactions. Try not to apply the same solution to every problem. And try to find something useful en every message you receive.

Incorrect filtering-Filtering is screening out or abbreviating information before a message is passed on to someone else. Sometimes message translate, embellish and augment channel to channel.-To overcoming filtering try to establish more than one communication channel, eliminate as many intermediaries as possible and decrease distortion by condensing message information to the bare essentials.

Language problem-When we choose the words for our message, they impose their own barriers on it. For example, the language of a lawyer differs from that of an accountant or a doctor, and difference in their vocabularies affects their ability to recognize and express ideas.

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ion-To overcome language barriers, should use the most specific and accurate words possible. Always

try to use words which audience will understand.Poor listening

-Listening ability decreases when information is difficult to understand and when it has little meaning for audience.-To overcome listening barriers, verify your interpretation of what’s been said. Clarify meaning by asking nonthreatening questions, and listen without interrupting.

Differing emotional states-Every message contains both a content meaning, which deals with the subject of the message. Communication can break down when the receiver reacts negatively to either of these meanings.-To overcome emotional barriers, be aware of the feelings that arise in you and in others as you communicate and attempt to control them.

Differing Backgrounds-Differences in background can be one of the hardest communication barriers to overcome. When receiver’s life experience differs substantially from anyone, communication becomes more difficult. Age, education, gender, social status, economic position, cultural background, temperament, health, beauty, popularity, religion, political belief, even a passing mood can all separate one person from another and make understanding difficult.-To overcome the barriers associated with differing backgrounds, avoid projecting own background or culture onto others. Clarify own and understand others’ background, spheres of knowledge, personalities and perceptions. Don’t assume that certain behaviors mean the same thing to everyone. Try to understand the other person’s point of view and respect the inevitable differences in background and culture.

Barrier within OrganizationInformation overload

-Too much information is as bad as too little because it reduces the audience’s ability to concentrate effectively on the most important messages. People facing information overload sometimes try to cope by ignoring some of the messages, by delaying responses to messages they deem unimportant, by answering parts of some messages, by taking less time with each message.-To overcome realize that some information is not necessary and make necessary information easily available.

Message complexity-Business messages may also deal with subject matter that can be technical or difficult to express.-To overcome this, keep them clear and easy to understand.

Message competition-Communicators are often faced with messages that compete for attention. It means, our messages rarely have the benefit of the receiver’s undivided attention.-To overcome this barrier, avoid making demands on a receiver who doesn’t have the time to pay careful attention to your message.

Differing Status-Status of the messenger, message can get overly cautious or refusing to receiver.-Status barriers can be overcome by a willingness to give and receive bad news.

Lack of trust-Without trust organization’s member, free and open communication is effectively blocked and threatening the organization’s stability.-For communication to be successful, organizations must create an atmosphere of fairness and trust.

Inadequate communication structures-Structural barriers block upward, downward and horizontal communication.-To overcome try to reduce hierarchical levels, increase coordination between departments and encourage two-way communication.

Incorrect choice of medium-If we choose an inappropriate communication medium, message can be distorted so that the intended meaning is blocked. We should select the most appropriate medium by matching our choice with the nature of the message and of the group or the individual who will receive the message.

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ion-To overcome select correct medium. That is to say, choice of a communication channel and medium

depends on the Message, Audience, Need for speed, Situation.Closed communication climate

-Communication climate is influenced by management style, and a directive, authoritarian style blocks the free and open exchange of information that characterizes good communication.-To overcome climate barriers, spend more time listening than issuing orders.

Unethical communication-An organization cannot create illegal or unethical messages and still be credible or successful in the long run.-To overcome this barrier, make sure messages include all the information that ought to be there. Also make sure message is completely truthful, not deceptive in any way.

Inefficient Communication-Producing worthless message wastes time and resources, and it gives information overload already mentioned above.-To overcome, reduce the number of messages by thinking twice before sending one.

Physical Distractions-In some case, the barrier may be related to the receiver’s health. Hearing or visual impairment or even a headache can interfere with reception of a message.-To overcome physical barriers, exercise as much control as much control as possible over the physical transmission link.

4. What are the different types of technology we are used in business communication?Answer:Today’s businesses rely heavily on technology to improve the communication process. Companies and employees who use technology wisely can communicate more effectively and therefore compete more successfully.In addition, some aspects of communication technology are undergoing exciting changes almost daily. Technologies such as the following have the potential to dramatically enhance business communication.Voice technologies:

The human voice will always be central to business communication. Voice synthesis regenerates a human speaking voice from computer files that represent words or parts of words. Voice recognition converts human speech to computer compatible data. Both technologies continue to improve every year, gaining richer vocabularies and more human-sounding voices.

Virtual agents:Virtual agents are limited form of machine intelligence, also known as bots (derive from robot), verbots and V-reps. These virtual operators are used in customer service departments and other areas where people tend to ask similar questions over and over.

Mobile communication:Mobile workers don’t even have traditional offices, using temporary cubicles at work, home offices and cars airports. Location data from the Global Positioning System (GPS) is also creating new forms of mobile communication, such as remote monitoring of medical patients and trucking fleets.

Networking advances:We are using four new networking technologies that are just now making serious inroads into the corporate world. By Email service we can exchange important document from large distance. Peer-to-peer (P2P) computing can share files or work on large problems. Wireless networking, commonly known as Wi-Fi. By This service PCs or handheld device and connect with internet via radio signals. Short message service (SMS) is a text communication feature that has been common on mobile phone.

To communicate effectively, we need to keep technology. Using technological tools productively, should spend time and money on technology wisely and use technology to communicate in person.

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ion5. Briefly discuss the process of business communication.

Answer:Process of Business Communication:

IdeaSender is the person who initiates the process of communication. He generates an idea in his mind regarding production invention, innovation, request, order, enquiry etc. So, he is the first factor of communication process and his function is to generate an idea. Therefore, it is necessary that the idea should be clear, and convertible into message. For this purpose, the sender needs to apply his knowledge and imaginative power.

Idea becomes a messageThe idea in the mind of sender is transformed into words that is called message. The sender decides on the length, style, organization and tone of the message. The message may be presented in many ways, depending on the subject, purpose, audience, personal style, mood and cultural background.

Message is transmittedThe media of transmission of message are electronic media as T.V., radio, computer and print media as newspapers, letter, magazine etc. media play a very important role in helping the receiver’s understand the message. A wrongly chosen medium can interrupt the process of communication, Selection of medium depends upon message, audience, urgency and situation.

Receiver receives messageReceiver is the person who gets the message from the sender, decodes it, understands it and interprets it.

Reaction of receiverHaving understood the message, the receiver responds to the sender in yes or no or asks further questions. This process is called feedback or reaction of receiver.

6. Briefly discuss the different types of business communication.Answer: Non-Verbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people.

Facial expression and eye behaviorFace is the primary site for expressing emotions; it reveals both the type and the intensity of feelings. Eyes are especially effective for indicating attention and interest, influencing others, regulating interaction and establishing dominance.

Gesture & postureBy moving body, can express both specific and general messages, some voluntary and some involuntary. A wave of the hand, for example, has a specific and intentional meaning, such as ‘hello’ or ‘good-bye’.

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Idea

Idea becomes a message

Message is transmitted

Receiver receives message

Reaction of receiver

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ionVocal characteristics

Like body language, voice carries both intentional and unintentional messages. Voice can create various impressions. Consider the sentence “What have you been up to?” If one repeat that question four or five times, changing tone of voice and stressing various words. We can convey quite different message.

Personal appearanceOne’s appearance helps establish his social identity. People respond to us on the basis of our physical attractiveness. Our grooming, our clothing, our accessories, our style –all modify our appearance.

TouchTouch is an important way to convey warmth, comfort, and reassurance. Touch is so powerful, in fact, that it is governed by cultural customs that establish who can touch whom and how in various circumstances.

Time & spaceLike touch, time and space can be used to assert authority. In many cultures, people demonstrate their importance by making other people wait; they show respect by being on time. People can also assert their status by occupying the best space.

Verbal CommunicationVerbal communication is an act of conveying messages, ideas, or feelings through the use of mouth. Verbal communication is the main way of communicating face-to-face. Among the key components of the verbal communication are words, sound, speaking, and language.

Oral communication (Speaking & Listening)Oral communication includes face to face conversation, conversation over the telephone, radio broadcast, interviews, group discussion, meetings.... etc. It should be mentioned that ‘listening’ is indispensable part of oral communication.

Written communication (Writing & Reading)

7. Briefly explain 7C’s of business communication.Answer:For any communication in business, in order to be effective, it must have seven qualities. These seven attributes are called seven C's of effective business communication. All these attribute starts with the alphabet 'C' so are called 7 C's.

Following are the names of seven C's

Clear

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7 Cs

Clear

Concise

Concrete

CorrectCoherent

Complete

Courteous

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ionWhen writing or speaking to someone, be clear about your goal or message. What is your purpose in

communicating with this person? If you're not sure, then your audience won't be sure either. To be clear, try to minimize the number of ideas in each sentence. Make sure that it's easy for your reader to understand your meaning.

ConciseWhen you're concise in your communication, you stick to the point and keep it brief. Your audience doesn't want to read six sentences when you could communicate your message in three.

ConcreteWhen your message is concrete, then your audience has a clear picture of what you're telling them. There are details (but not too many!) and vivid facts, and there's laser like focus. Your message is solid.

CorrectWhen your communication is correct, it fits your audience. And correct communication is also error-free communication.

CoherentWhen your communication is coherent, it's logical. All points are connected and relevant to the main topic, and the tone and flow of the text is consistent.

CompleteIn a complete message, the audience has everything they need to be informed and, if applicable, take action.

CourteousCourteous communication is friendly, open, and honest. There are no hidden insults or passive-aggressive tones. You keep your reader's viewpoint in mind, and you're empathetic to their needs.

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ionChapter -2

1. Briefly explain importance of listening.Answer:Verbal communication involves both speaking and listening. In a business organization, listening is key to effective working relationships among employees and between management and staff. Listening skills also impact a company’s interaction with customers and other businesses. To improve your listening skills, give the other person your full attention and maintain eye contact. When she is done speaking, rephrase her remarks and ask whether you understand her correctly. Continue to ask questions to gain a better understanding of her statements.

Gain Information:Listening enables you to acquire facts so that you can make decisions that benefit your business. By listening to a job applicant in an interview, for example, you might discover his attitudes toward the profession, performance in previous jobs and information not detailed on his resume. This additional insight can help you decide whether the applicant is a good fit for your company. A supervisor who listens to an employee’s complaint about a health risk on the job might reduce injuries and enhance job performance.

Develop Trust:Listening is essential to building trust. If one member of a team doesn’t listen to instructions, an entire project might fail. To develop trust, pay attention to verbal instructions and deadlines. Listen for statements a coworker might make regarding his own strengths and weaknesses as it relates to a project, so that you can collaborate in a way that maximizes each other’s strengths.

Maintain Reputation:The reputation of a business depends upon listening skills. If you fail to listen to a customer, for example, the customer might not receive the service or product she expected. When this occurs repeatedly, it can tarnish the company’s reputation. A company develops relationships with other businesses through verbal communication, too. Talking on the phone and working on a task at the same time can result in misunderstandings.

Reduce Conflict:Listening can reduce conflict. A conflict can arise when an individual feels misunderstood or mistreated. For example, if you fail to listen to instructions and your coworker does the task you were supposed to perform, the coworker might be unhappy with you. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, as well. If an individual’s facial expressions, gestures or behavior contradict her words, ask questions to find out what she really means.

Motivate Employees:A manager can improve morale and productivity by understanding what motivates each employee. Listen to employees to discover what aspects of the job they find most rewarding and challenging. Don’t expect to understand an employee’s needs from a single conversation. Continue to be an attentive listener so that the employee knows you are sincerely interested in what she has to say.

2. Briefly explain various types of listening.Answer:Listening is classified into four main types: active listening, empathic listening, critical listening, and listening for enjoyment. Active listening:

Active listening is “involved listening with a purpose” (Barker, 1971). Active listening involves the steps of (1) listening carefully by using all available senses, (2) paraphrasing what is heard both mentally and verbally, (3) checking your understanding to ensure accuracy, and (4) providing feedback.

Empathic listening:Empathic listening is a form of active listening in which you attempt to understandthe other person. You engage in empathic listening by using both mindfulness, which is being “fully engaged in the moment” (Wood, 2002), and empathy, which is the ability to perceive another person’s worldview as if it were your own.

Critical listeningIn critical listening you challenge the speaker’s message by evaluating its accuracy, meaningfulness, and utility. Critical listening and critical thinking really go hand in hand.

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ionListening for enjoyment

Listening for enjoyment involves seeking out situations involving relaxing, fun, or emotionally stimulating information. Whether you are listening to your favorite musical group or television show, or your friend telling a story, you continue listening because you enjoy it.

3. “Listening involves five steps” –explain.Answer:The five steps of listening are Receiving, interpreting, evaluating, remembering and responding. Listening is a prcess involving five related activities, which generally occur in this sequence:

1. Receiving:Physically hearing the message and taking note of it,

2. Interpreting:Decoding and absorbing what you hear. As you listener, you assign meaning to the words based on your own values, beliefs, ideas, expectations, roles, needs, and personal history.

3. Evaluating:Forming an opinion about the message. Sorting through the speaker's remarks, separating fact from opinion and evaluating the quality of the evidence requires a good deal of effort, particularly if the subject is complex or emotionally charged.

4. Remembering:Storing a message for future reference. To retain what you hear, you must take notes or make a mental outline of the speaker’s key points.

5. Responding:After have evaluated the speaker’s message, and then react. It may generally verbal feedback.

To be a good listener vary the way you listen to suit different situations.

4. Explain the different barrier the impede listening.Answer:Noise

Physical distractions:All the stimuli in the environment that keep you from focusing on the message. Example: loud music playing at a party

Mental distractions:The wandering of the mind when it is supposed to be focusing on something. Example: thinking about a lunch date while listening to a teacher.

Factual distractions:Focusing so intently on the details that you miss the main point. Example: listening to all details of a conversation but forgetting the main idea.

Semantic distractions:Over responding to an emotion-laden word or concept. Example: not listening to a teacher when she mentions “Marxist theory”.

Perception of othersStatus:

Devoting attention based on the social standing, rank, or perceived value of another. Example: not listening to a freshman in a group activity.

Stereotypes:Treating individuals as if they are the same as others in a given category. Example: assuming all older people have similar opinions.

Sights and sounds:Letting appearances or voice qualities affect your listening. Example: not listening to a person with a screechy voice.

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ionYourself

Egocentrism:Excessive self-focus, or seeing yourself as the central concern in every conversation. Example: redirecting conversations to your own problems.

Defensiveness:Acting threatened and feeling like you must defend what you have said or done. Example: assuming others’ comments are veiled criticisms of you.

Experiential superiority:Looking down on others as if their experience with life is not as good as yours. Example: not listening to those with less experience.

Personal bias:Letting your own predispositions, or strongly held beliefs, interfere with your ability to interpret information correctly. Example: assuming that people are generally truthful (or deceitful).

Pseudo listening:Pretending to listen but letting your mind or attention wander to something else. Example: daydreaming while your professor is lecturing.

5. How can you reduce the barrier of listening?Answer:

Control whatever barriers to physical reception you can. Avoid selective listening by trying to focus on the speaker and analyzing what you hear. Keep an open mind by avoiding any prejudgment and by not listening defensively. Try to paraphrase the speaker’s ideas, giving that person a chance to confirm or correct your

interpretation. Don’t count on your memory, but record, write down, or capture information in some other physical way. Improve your short term memory by repeating information, organizing it into patterns, or breaking it into

shorter lists. Improve your long-term memory association, categorization, visualization, and mnemonics.

6. Explain the different categories of nonverbal Communication.Answer:Nonverbal communication is the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people.

Facial expression and eye behaviorFace is the primary site for expressing emotions; it reveals both the type and the intensity of feelings. Eyes are especially effective for indicating attention and interest, influencing others, regulating interaction and establishing dominance.

Gesture & postureBy moving body, can express both specific and general messages, some voluntary and some involuntary. A wave of the hand, for example, has a specific and intentional meaning, such as ‘hello’ or ‘good-bye’.

Vocal characteristicsLike body language, voice carries both intentional and unintentional messages. Voice can create various impressions. Consider the sentence “What have you been up to?” If one repeat that question four or five times, changing tone of voice and stressing various words. We can convey quite different message.

Personal appearanceOne’s appearance helps establish his social identity. People respond to us on the basis of our physical attractiveness. Our grooming, our clothing, our accessories, our style –all modify our appearance.

TouchTouch is an important way to convey warmth, comfort, and reassurance. Touch is so powerful, in fact, that it is governed by cultural customs that establish who can touch whom and how in various circumstances.

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nUse of time & spaceLike touch, time and space can be used to assert authority. In many cultures, people demonstrate their importance by making other people wait; they show respect by being on time. People can also assert their status by occupying the best space.

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nChapter -3

1. Define Team. Highlight the advantage & disadvantage of working in team.Answer:Team: Two or more people working together to serve a common project, service or goal is called team.

Advantage:Increased information and knowledge

By pooling the resources of several individuals, teams have access to more information in the decision-making process.

Increased diversity of viewsTeam members bring a variety of perspectives to the decision-making process.

Increased acceptance of a solutionThose who participate in making a decision are more likely to support the decision enthusiastically and encourage others to accept it.

Higher performance levelsWorking in teams can unleash new amounts of creativity and energy in workers who share a sense of purpose and mutual accountability.

Disadvantage:Groupthink

Groupthink occurs when tremendous pressures cause individual team members to withhold contrary or unpopular opinions.

Hidden agendasSome team members may have a hidden agenda –private motives that effect the group’s interaction. Sam might want to prove that he’s more powerful than all.

Free ridersSome team members may be free riders –those who don’t contribute their fair share to the group’s activities.

CostStill another drawback to teamwork is the high cost of coordinating group activities. Aligning schedules, arranging meetings, and coordinating individual parts of a project can eat up a lot of time and money.

2. Outline an effective approach of team communication.3. Briefly explain the guidelines will help you collaborate move successfully on team message.

“Collaborative Communication” is an effective approach of team communication.To collaborate effectively, everyone involved must be flexible and open to other opinions, focusing on team objectives rather than on individual priorities. Successful writers know that most ideas can be expressed in many ways, so they avoid the ‘my way is best’ attitude. The following guidelines will help collaborate more successfully on team messages.

Select collaborators carefully Agree on project goals before start Give team time to bond before diving in Clarify individual responsibilities Establish clear processes Make sure tools and techniques are ready and compatible across the team Avoid writing as a group Check to see how things are going along the way

Team member speak openly and honestly, without the threat of anger, resentment, or retribution. They listen to and value feedback from others. As a result, all team members participate. Conversely, members who either don’t share valuable information because they don’t understand that it’s valuable –or worse.

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n4. What is mean by group dynamics? Explain how group dynamics.5. Briefly explain the team role people play.6. Briefly discuss the phases of team evolution.

Answer:Group Dynamics: To accomplish their goals successfully, team members constantly connect with one another. The interactions

and processes that take place between the members of a team are called group dynamics.

Explaining how group dynamicsAssuming Team Roles (Answer to the Question no 5)

DysfunctionalSelf-Oriented Roles

ControllingDominating other by exhibiting superiority or authority.

WithdrawingRetiring from the team either by becoming silent or by refusing to deal with a particular aspect of the team’s work.

Attention seekingCalling attention to oneself and demanding recognition from other.

DivertingFocusing the team’s discussion on topics of interest to the individual rather than on those relevant to the task.

FunctionalTeam-Maintenance Roles

EncouragingDrawing out other members by showing verbal and nonverbal support, praise, or agreement.

HarmonizingReconciling differences among team members through mediation or by using humor to relieve tension.

CompromisingOffering to yield on a point in the interest of reaching a mutually acceptable decision.

Task-Facilitating RolesInitiating

Getting the team started on a line of inquiry.Information giving or seeking

Offering information relevant to questions facing the team.Coordinating

Showing relationships among ideas, clarifying issues, summarizing what the team has done.

Procedure settingSuggesting clarifying-making procedures that will move the team toward a goal.

Allowing for Team Evolution (Answer to the Question no 6)Orientation

Team members socialize, establish their roles, and begin to define their task or purpose.

ConflictTeam members begin to discuss their positions and become more assertive in establishing their roles. If anyone or other members have been carefully selected to represent a variety of viewpoints and expertise, disagreements are a natural part of this phase.

BrainstormingTeam members air all the options and discuss the pros and cons fully. At the end of this phase, members begin to settle on a single solution to the problem.

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nEmergenceTeam members reach a decision. Consensus is reached when the team finds a solution that is acceptable enough for all members to support. This consensus happens only after all members have had an opportunity to communicate their positions and feel that they have been listened to.

ReinforcementGroup feeling is rebuilt, and the solution is summarized. Members receive their assignments for carrying out the group’s decision, and they make arrangements for following up on those assignments.

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nChapter-41. What is the mean by intercultural communication? Briefly discuss.Answer:Intercultural communication:

Intercultural communication is the process of sending and receiving messages between people whose cultural background could lead them to interpret verbal and nonverbal signs differently.

Intercultural communication means sharing information or exchange across different cultures and/ or social groups. In such a situation, cultural barriers do not restrict communication or sharing of information.

2. Define culture. Briefly explain the contextual difference.3. Briefly explore the difference of High context & Low context culture.Answer:Culture:

In general, culture is a word for people's 'way of life', meaning the way they do things. In details, culture is a shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations, and norms of

behaviour.

Contextual difference:Subjects Low-context culture High-context culture

Executive offices Separate with controlled access Shared and open to allWorkers detailed Information Rely on background Don to expectInformation Highly centralized and controlled Shared with everyoneSubjective relationships valued over objective Negative PositiveBusiness and social relationships Discrete OverlapPosition and status are valued much more than competence

Negative Positive

Meetings Plenty of advance notice Often called on short notice

Example:

L Swiss German

German USA French British Italian

Spanish Greek

Arab Chinese

Japanese H

4. “Cultural differences can lead to miscommunication in the workplace” –Explain the statement.Answer:Language BarriersBehavior DifferencesEmotional DisplayGrouping

5. Briefly explain the cultural variation considering legal, social, non-verbal, age & gender difference.Contextual Differences

Cultural context refers to the pattern of physical cues, environmental stimuli, and implicit understanding that convey meaning between two members of the same culture. But outside the culture, cultural context can result in misunderstanding. There are two kinds, high-context cultures & low-context cultures

Legal & Ethical DifferenceLegal and ethical issues can arise from cultural context. In low-context cultures the written word is tantamount to a binding contract, but in high-context cultures, a personal pledge is regarded as a point of honor and is more important than a legal contract. The cultural foundations of laws can result in totally different ways of interpretation.

Social DifferencesSocial etiquette is an important consideration in recognizing and respecting cultural differences. Informal rules, which are learned through observation and inference, are the basis of how one is supposed to behave,

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nbut sometimes they are difficult to explain. This is where cultural sensitivity becomes an important consideration. Social rules may vary among cultures in the following areas:

Attitudes toward work and success Roles and status Use of manners Concepts of time

Nonverbal DifferencesNonverbal communication varies dramatically among cultures, and being able to interpret nonverbal signals is important in recognizing and accommodating culture differences in these areas: greetings, personal space, touching, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, formality.

Age DifferencesAge is treated differently in different cultures. Whereas in America young employees can openly disagree with older ones, in many Asian cultures this disagreement would not happen publicly.

Gender DifferencesGender perceptions also vary among cultures. Although women are considered the equal of men in America, in tradition-oriented cultures women have fewer opportunities. Whatever the culture, men and women tend to have slightly different communication styles.

Religious DifferencesReligion is a dominant force in many cultures and the source of many differences between cultures; it also has the potential for controversy is work setting. On the one hand, some employees feel they should be able to express their religious beliefs at work; one the other hand, openly expressed religious differences can cause friction. Expect to see this issue disc.

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