Business Communication Business Communication

Communicating Across CulturesCommunicating Across Cultures

Business Communication Business Communication

1.- The Increasing Importance of 1.- The Increasing Importance of Intercultural CommunicationsIntercultural Communications

Globalization of MarketsGlobalization of Markets Technological Advancements Technological Advancements Intercultural Force Intercultural Force

Business Communication Business Communication

1.- The Increasing Importance of 1.- The Increasing Importance of Intercultural CommunicationsIntercultural Communications

Business Communication Business Communication

2.-Understanding Culture2.-Understanding Culture

Characteristics of CultureCharacteristics of Culture a)a) Culture is learnedCulture is learned

b)b) Cultures are Inherently LogicalCultures are Inherently Logical

c)c) Culture is the Basis of Self-Culture is the Basis of Self-Identity and CommunityIdentity and Community

d)d) Culture Combiner the Visible Culture Combiner the Visible and Invisibleand Invisible

e)e) Culture is DynamicCulture is Dynamic

Business Communication Business Communication

DefinitionsDefinitions Stereotypes Prototypes Stereotypes Prototypes

Prejudices GeneralizationsPrejudices Generalizations

Business Communication Business Communication

2.-Understanding Culture2.-Understanding Culture

Dimensions of Cultures Dimensions of Cultures a)a) ContextContext Low High Low High

b)b) Individualism vs. CollectiveIndividualism vs. Collectivec.c. Formality: TraditionsFormality: Traditions

d.d. Communication Style: Style of wordsCommunication Style: Style of words

e.e. Time Orientation: Important/SubjectiveTime Orientation: Important/Subjective

Business Communication Business Communication

3.-Achieving Intercultural 3.-Achieving Intercultural ProficiencyProficiency

Avoiding Ethnocentrism (Definition)Avoiding Ethnocentrism (Definition) Bridging the GapBridging the Gap

1.1. ToleranceTolerance

2.2. Saving FaceSaving Face

3.3. PatiencePatience

Business Communication Business Communication

4.-Improving Communication with 4.-Improving Communication with Intercultural AudiencesIntercultural Audiences

Adapting Messages to Intercultural Adapting Messages to Intercultural AudiencesAudiences

a)a) Non Verbal CommunicationNon Verbal Communication

b)b) Oral Messages (7 suggestions when Oral Messages (7 suggestions when English is used as a second English is used as a second language)language)

Business Communication Business Communication

5.-Written Messages (for 5.-Written Messages (for intercultural audiences)intercultural audiences)

1.1. Adopt local formatsAdopt local formats

2.2. Use short sentences and short Use short sentences and short paragraphsparagraphs

3.3. Avoid ambiguous expressionsAvoid ambiguous expressions

4.4. Strive for clarityStrive for clarity

5.5. Use correct grammarUse correct grammar

6.6. Cite numbers carefullyCite numbers carefully

7.7. Accommodate the reader in organization, Accommodate the reader in organization, tone and styletone and style

Business Communication Business Communication

6.- Capitalizing on work force 6.- Capitalizing on work force DiversityDiversity

Dividends of DiversityDividends of Diversitya.a. ConsumersConsumersb.b. Work TeamsWork Teamsc.c. Business OrganizationBusiness Organization

Divisiveness of Diversity Divisiveness of Diversity TIPS: Seek training, Understand the value TIPS: Seek training, Understand the value

of differences, don’t expect conformity, of differences, don’t expect conformity, learn about your cultural self, make learn about your cultural self, make fewer assumptions, build on similarities, fewer assumptions, build on similarities, adapt communication styleadapt communication style