CROSS-CULTURE COMMUNICATION

The reasonable person adapts himself to the world, while the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself

What is a culture?
Culture is the "lens" through which you view the world. It is central to what you see, How you make sense of what you see, How you express yourself.

"Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs." Tom Wolfe

Four Fundamental Patterns of Cultural Difference

What is different?
1. Communication Styles 2. Attitudes toward conflicts 3. Decision making style 4. Approaches to knowing

What is hidden below the surface?

1. Beliefs 2. Values 3. Expectations 4. Attitudes

Cross Culture Communication

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

Why Cross Culture Communication is important ?

Globalization: Cross border movement of people, goods and data brings more and more cultures into contact with one another and increases the potential of cross culture communication.

Business Opportunities Job Opportunities Improves the contribution of employees in a diverse workforce Sharing of views and ideas Talent improvisation An understanding of diverse market

Verbal Communication Differences

1.Words 2.Voice

High Context and Low Context Cultures

High Context Culture:- Cultures that rely heavily on nonverbal and subtle situational cues in communication. Low Context Culture:- Cultures that rely heavily on words to convey meaning in communication.

Non-Verbal Communication Differences

Case In Point : Eye Contact

In some cultures, looking people in the eye is assumed to indicate honesty and straightforwardness; in others it is seen as challenging and rude.

In USA, the cheapest, most effective way to connect with people is to look them into the eye.

"Most people in Arab culture share a great deal of eye contact and may regard too little as disrespectful.

In English culture, a certain amount of eye contact is required, but too much makes many people uncomfortable.

In South Asian and many other cultures direct eye contact is generally regarded as aggressive and rude.

Case in Point : Gesture

Gestures A motion of the hands, head or body to emphasize an idea or emotion. How can a Gestures distort the message..

Perfect! OK!

Zero! Worthless!

Rubbish!

USA=OK

JAPAN=MONEY

RUSSIA=ZERO

BRAZIL=INSULT

How can the same Gestures be treated differently in different cultures

Gestures Around the World

Western Brazil

- Do you have a telephone ? - Cuckold (Your wife is cheating to you)

Blocks to Cultural Communication

1. Ethnocentrism : Inability to accept another culture's world view; "my way is the best." 2.

Discrimination : Differential treatment of an individual due to

minority status; actual and perceived; e.g., "we just aren't equipped to serve people like that."

3.

Stereotyping : Generalizing about a person while ignoring presence

of individual difference; e.g., "she's like that because she's Asian all Asians are nonverbal."

4.Cultural Blindness: Differences are ignored and one proceeds as

though differences did not exist; e.g., "there's no need to worry about a person's culture

5.Cultural Imposition: Belief that everyone should conform to the

majority; e.g., "we know what's best for you, if you don't like it you can go elsewhere."

6.Tone Difference : Formal tone change becomes embarrassing and

off-putting in some cultures.

DEVELOPING CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

"Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves. Abraham Lincoln

Skills To Overcome Differences

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." Donald Laird

Skills To Overcome Differences

Respecting Differences and Working Together

Skills To Overcome Differences

Building Trust Across Cultural Boundaries

Skills To Overcome Differences

Connecting with people

Things To Remember While Interacting And Connecting With People

Business Attire

Selecting and Presenting

 Unwrapping gifts Saudi Arabia - Gifts are opened in private. USA - Gifts are opened in public Appreciated Gifts Indonesia - Gifts, such as tokens memento of your country or your company logo Turkey - Wine or liquor if you are sure your hosts drink alcohol, Candy, pastries & Roses, Glassware, such as a vase, goblet, or decanter make prized gifts Gifts to avoid UAE - Alcohol / perfumes containing alcohol and pork and pigskin products to be avoided China - Do not give anything in sets of four or gifts that carry the association of death, funerals such as clocks, cut flowers, white

How do you do it?

The handshake should be firm. While shaking hands establish eye contact and always smile The person who initiates the

Improving Cross Culture Communication

Welcome Topics & Topics to Avoid

Topics to Avoid: Indonesia: Politics, corruption, criticism of Indonesian ways, commenting on Indonesian customs that you find peculiar, religion

Saudi Arabia: Middle Eastern politics and International oil politics, Israel, criticizing or questioning Islamic beliefs, women/ inquiries or complimentary remarks about the female family members of your Saudi associates

South Korea: Korean politics/local politics, The Korean War, Socialism and Communism, Japan and your contacts in Japan, your host's wife, Personal family matters

TEN Pre-cautions in Cultural Communication 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Slow Down Separate Questions Avoid Negative Questions Take Turns Write it down Be Supportive Check Meanings Avoid Slangs Watch the humour Maintain Etiquette

Business in Todays Scenario is not a National Match but is a Olympics, where there are International Players. Only that Individual / Company can survive which has done its homework well & developed its uniqueness.

Faster Rapport Building

Success Success Rate will Rate Increase Increase