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?
Customary beliefs, social norms, values, material traits and behavior patterns Transmitted from generation to generation Distinguish groups of people Influences productivity, attitude and action

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

COMMUNICATON
Communication is the sending of a message from a source to a receiver with the least possible loss of meaning.

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

The speaker sends a message that is in some kind of code. The listener decodes the message and responds, thereby giving the speaker feedback.

CODES USED IN COMMUNICATION

Verbal Communication Words Voice Non-Verbal Communication Gestures Postures Facial Expressions Eye Contact Vocal Characteristics Personal Appearance Touch

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.

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 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 USA

- Do you have a telephone ? - Cuckold (Your wife is cheating to you) - Sign for the Texas Long Horns

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 Understanding Body Language

United States of America Americans tend to refrain from greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact. When sitting, U.S. citizens often look very relaxed. They may sometimes sit with the ankle of one leg on their knee. Arab Countries

The left hand is considered unclean in the Arab countries.

When sitting, keep both feet on the ground. The "thumbs up" sign is offensive throughout the Arab world. South Korea

Bows are used for expressing appreciation, making apologies and requests, as well as for greetings and farewells.
When the Japanese want to give the impression that they are in deep thought, they will sometimes fold their arms.

Skills To Overcome Differences

Connecting with people

Things To Remember While Interacting And Connecting With People

 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 Candy, prized

Turkey - Wine or liquor if you are sure your hosts drink alcohol, pastries & Roses, Glassware, such as a vase, goblet, or decanter make 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 objects.

How do you do it?

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

Improving Cross Culture Communication

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