VEER NARMAD SOUTH GUJARAT UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT Assignment: Communication across cultures Subject: Business communication Class: MBA (EVE) SEM. I Guide: Mr. Ojas Bhatt

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Abstract: Compared to the last two decades a very large number of young Indian now communicating with people from other cultures. Especially American & European. Understanding the differences between our cultural values and those of the westerners .we need to learn about the values of the others cultures too. Such as Chinese & Japanese. A different language is not just a dictionary of words, sounds, and syntax. It is a different way of interpreting reality, refined by the generations that developed the language

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The Importance of Intercultural Communication:

 Global Markets  Global Connectivity  Intercultural Workforce Culture is the way we live, it is the air we breathe, it is the thoughts, we think .so it is natural that we see nothing strange about what we do. If some one does something, we think that they are foolish. Until few years a ago, before the globalization of the Indian economy, and before technology exploded, it was just a tiny few people who needed to communicate across cultures. But today even young executives, college students, sports men have to interact with people from the different cultures. Some peoples not go abroad, however have to communicate on phone, e mail with foreigners Attempting communication across cultures without enough preparation may land them in trouble.

Intercultural Communication Matters:

 Mergers, acquisitions, and buyouts stir growth beyond national boundaries.  American companies in global markets must adapt to other cultures.  New trade agreements, declining domestic markets, and middle-class growth drive global markets. There are two types of problems in communicating with people across cultures. (1) Inability to read and note symbol others cultures display (2) Symbols meaning derived from ones own cultures.

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Indian like title like Uncle, Bhai etc, if others do not use, we get upset. But western believe in title only if real relation. Anyone who wants to deal with people from a particular country should prepare themselves by studying its culture and history so that they can avoid more serious problem due to different culture. We should follow western because western values and practice are being adopted all over the world .understanding USA Cultural values and those of the west in general will therefore help us communicate with the rest of the world as well.

Heart & Mind:

we Indian are driven more by the heart than by mind. We have short time plan, we do not invest heavily in planning, we sacrifice the future at the alter of present. But western are vice-versa i.e. Westerns are long time planner, following rules & regulations, Rules must be obeyed and seen to be obeyed. Like ISO 9000 system, they write down SOP, and then they insist that the procedure be followed in all respect around the world. Western gathers huge data, analysis data, they do not leave anything to chance, they made any documents like legal documents, while Indian start with temporary data, rough work. We happy with oral communication while westerns dont.

Personal & professional life:

Western culture is compartmentalization, Friends is friend, neighbor is a neighbor, and not necessary friend .work & personal life are separated too. In contrast, our relationship with the people is diffuse. We can work for Boss house.

Characteristics of Culture:

Learned behavior

Dynamic and evolving

Inherently logical

Culture
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Shapes us

Dimensions of Culture: Time Orientation:

 Time is seen as unlimited and never-ending in some cultures. Relaxed attitude toward time

 Time is precious to North Americans. Correlates with productivity, efficiency, and money.

Dimensions of Culture: Formality:

Some cultures may prefer greater formality in dress, speech, and social interaction. North Americans place less emphasis on tradition, ceremony, and social rules.

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Making Ethical Decisions across Borders:

 Broaden your view of other cultures.  Avoid reflex judgments.  Find alternatives.  Refuse business if options violate your basic values.  Conduct all business openly. Dont rationalize shady decisions

Bibliography -Business communication strategies: by Matthukutty M Monippally.

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