Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)

WUC106/05

Communication Skills for the Workplace

(TMA 1)

Name: Loke Phaik Foon Student ID: 041100356 Phone No: 016-4886515 Class Code: 4CSK1 Email: lpf1_PG@student.wou.edu.my Submission Date: 24 February 2012 (Before 2400) Tutors Name: Mr. Norrizal Bin Abdul Razak Pages: 8 pages (included this page) TMA 1 Page 1

Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)

Cross-cultural Communication INTRODUCTION Cross-cultural communications are very important in our lifestyle today, regardless of what we do be it commercial or business dealings. Cross Culture Communication refers to the Cultural Communication with people from different cultures or different backgrounds in the world. In fact, cross-cultural communications improve the effectiveness of business negotiations and also helps in avoiding misunderstandings, mistakes, suspicion and communications breakdown. Most importantly a company which makes the effort to study the culture of its business partner will have a competitive advantage over its competition.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)

Pakistan, Karachi is known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and is a country that is strategically located at the cross roads of the important regions of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan borders Afghanistan, China, India and Iran. Pakistans capital is Islamabad and it is a predominantly Muslim nation with 97% of the population practicing Muslims. In business dealings, Pakistan has always had strong relations with Malaysia and both nations are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Commonwealth of Nations. There is a trade and cultural pact between both nations under which the import and export of various goods and services is done on a fairly large scale.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)
1. Dressing

In Pakistan business and the cultural dress code tends to be quite conservative for both men and women. For men you are advised to dress in a conservative manner. For example, dark coloured suits and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off if possible. For women, you are advised to dress in a conservative manner. Suits or dresses and blouses that are comfortable and not revealing in any way. Avoided tight fitting, short shirts, and sleeveless attire. The dress code is such that one should not reveal any part of the body. Jean and less casual attire are not recommended for meetings. It does not present a good impression to the customer.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)
Business casual attire may be appropriate in certain industries/areas. 2. Behaviour

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day, which is at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Friday is the Muslim holy day, so everything is closed. Therefore during the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, no drinking, no cigarette smoking, or gum chewing and other normal activities. Men should avoided giving flowers or chocolates to women, if the man must give a gift to a women, he should say that is from his wife, sister, mother or some other female relative. If you are invited to have dinner with Pakistanis, you will most likely have to remove your shoes. Check whether the host is wearing shoes? If not, remover your shoes at the door.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)
Usually Pakistanis use the right hand when they are eating.

3. Communication

Arrangement of meetings with Pakistanis: dont schedule during Ramadan which is a month of prayers and fasting. Avoid Fridays as these are days of prayer. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction. During meetings with Pakistanis, maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.

During the first several meetings, business may not be discussed at all as the relationship is still being developed.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356)
4. Taboos In Pakistan, dont show someone the palm of your hand with all fingers outstretched as it is considered that very rude. When communicating with Pakistanis, do avoid taking about religion and politics, these may only be discusses when you have established a strong relationship and friendship with them.

In conclusion Cross-cultural Communication is important in business dealings as it is for us to better understand the mindset and communications of international business partners, company or organization. By acquiring this skill when doing business abroad will increase the chance of a successful negotiation and improve our profitability. Finally by, showing the Pakistani side that, we as Malaysians have taken the time and effort to respect their culture and traditions will go a long way in building the relationship that will lead to future benefits for our company.

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Wawasan Open University

Communication Skills For The Workplace TMA1 Loke Phaik Foon (041100356) References:
http://www.cpcpc.org/197/doing-business-across-cultures-and-borders (Accessed 2 February 2012) http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=19&CID=157 (Accessed 2 February 2012) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/pakistan.html (Accessed 3 February 2012) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/pakistan.html (Accessed 3 February 2012)

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