Case

Your instructor will distribute in class, the case Intel in China. This case was written by Donna Everrat, Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. Purpose All business and personal interactions require effective written, verbal, and non- verbal communication behaviors. These behaviors vary according to an individuals learning history, and cultural background. As we have discussed so far in the course, there are a number of variables identified and used in the study of culture, to be more precise: cultural dimensions (e.g., Hofstede dimensions, GLOBE Project, Halls dimensions). The beginning of a profitable long lasting relationship, with a business partner from a different part of the world, requires cultural sensitivity in the business and communication processes. The purpose of this case analysis is to expose you to a a real life experience. This events are based on true facts! Instructions Read the case carefully, a few times, and take note about the different cultural dimensions, and communication patterns (verbal, and non-verbal); be analytical about those differences in Western and East Asian communication patterns, and dimensions. Once you have identified the key issues, in the case, answer the following questions: 1. Do you believe the incident with Li was indicative of cross cultural communication difficulties, and, if so, what could Tang do about it? (Hint: Low Context vs. High Context; Individualism vs. Collectivism, Power Distance, etc) 2. How would you have handled the situation with Li? (Hint: Western vs East Asian Values, and dimensions effect on communication approach) 3. Tang largely ignores his rank or his experience in the U.S., and hopes that by making it a non- issue, it perpetuates a feeling that he is one of a bunch of Intel employees, working hard to avoid dissonance in relationships. How realistic do you consider this attitude to be in dealing with the potential for cross-cultural conflict?

Communicating Across Cultures Case Assignment

 4. What communication strategy do you consider should be developed to improve the situation? Why?