Cross Cultural Communication

© Prentice Hall, 2008 Business Communication Today, 9eChapter

3 - 1

I wanted to welcome you ASAP to our little family here in the states. It’s high time we shook hands in person and not just across

the sea. I am pleased as punch about getting

to know you all and I for one will do my level

best to sell you on America.


3 - 2

Diversity Individual characteristics Individual experiences

Intercultural communication Cultural backgrounds Cultural differences


3 - 3

Language, nonverbal signals, perception patterns, values and beliefs Communicating with employees

Motivating employees

Promoting harmony and cooperation


3 - 4

Understanding the concept of cultureOvercoming ethnocentrism and

stereotypingRecognizing variations in a diverse

world.Adapting to U.S. business culture


3 - 5

Shared system Beliefs Symbols Attitudes Values Expectations Norms


3 - 6

AutomaticCoherentComplete


3 - 7

EthnocentrismXenophobiaStereotyping


3 - 8

Avoiding assumptionsAvoiding judgmentsAcknowledging distinctions


3 - 9

ContextualLegal and

ethicalSocialNonverbal

AgeGenderReligionAbility


3 - 10

Greetings and touchingPersonal spaceFacial expressionsEye contactPostureFormality


3 - 11

Facilitate communicationPromote business relationships


3 - 12

Degree of formalityLevel of directnessWriting or speaking


3 - 13

Use simple, clear language Be concise (brief) Use transitional elements Address correspondence properly Cite numbers/dates carefully Avoid slang, idioms, and jargon Avoid humor or popular culture

references


3 - 14

Speak slowly and clearlyRephrase as neededSeek feedbackDon’t patronizeDouble check for agreement


3 - 15

Learn vocal patternsShow respectAsk questions


3 - 16

Human beings Interpretation Cultural context Non-verbal cues

Software Translation Words and phrases Gist of the message


3 - 17

Speaking and listening Conference calls Face-to-face conversations

Reading and writing Intranet sites Email and instant messaging


3 - 18

Howdy comrades! Shouldn’t surprise anyone that we took a beating this year, given the insane pricing moves our knucklehead competitors have been making. I mean how those clowns can keep turning a profit is beyond me, what with steel costs still going through the roof and labour costs heating up – even in countries where everybody goes to find cheap labour – and hazardous waste disposal regs adding to operating costs too.


3 - 19

Documents

Cross Cultural Communication