Communicating in a World of Diversity Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Learning Objectives Discuss the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication Define culture and explain how it is learned Define ethnocentrism and stereotyping, then give three suggestions for overcoming these limiting mindsets Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Learning Objectives Explain the importance of recognizing cultural variations and list eight categories of cultural differences Identify the steps you can take to improve your intercultural communication skills List seven methods for writing clearly in multi-language business environments Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Communication in a Diverse World The concept of diversity Individual characteristics Individual experiences Intercultural communication Cultural backgrounds Cultural differences Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Opportunities in a Global Marketplace New customers New labor sources New job possibilities Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Advantages of a Diverse Workforce Connect with customers Expand talent pool Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Challenges of Intercultural Communication Motivating employees Communicating with employees Promoting harmony and cooperation Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Enhancing Sensitivity to Culture and Diversity Understanding the concept of culture Overcoming ethnocentrism and stereotyping Accepting variations in a diverse world Adapting to other business cultures Adapting to U.S. business culture Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

The Concept of Culture Shared system Priorities Behaviors Rules Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Characteristics of Cultures Cultural assumptions Automatic Coherent Complete Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Negative Cultural Attitudes Ethnocentrism Xenophobia Stereotyping Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

What Is Cultural Pluralism? Accepting multiple cultures Avoiding assumptions Avoiding judgments Acknowledging distinctions Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Recognizing Variations in a Diverse World Contextual Legal and ethical Social Nonverbal Age Gender Religion Ability Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Cultural Context Decision making practices Problem solving techniques Negotiating styles Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Legal and Ethical Behavior Seek common ground Withhold judgment Send honest messages Respect differences Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Social Behavior Differences Work and success Roles and status Use of manners Concepts of time Future orientation Openness and inclusiveness Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Nonverbal Differences Greetings and touching Personal space Facial expressions Eye contact Posture Formality Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Differences in Age Youth-oriented Senior-oriented Multi-generational Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Gender Differences Existing workplace cultures Communication styles Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Religious Differences Personal beliefs Workplace issues Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Ability Differences Assistive technologies Customers Colleagues Employees Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Adapt to Other Cultures Acknowledge your biases Ignore the “Golden Rule” Be tolerant, respectful, and flexible Practice patience and keep a sense of humor Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

U.S. Business Culture Individualism Equality Privacy and personal space Time and schedules Religious beliefs Communication styles Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Improving Intercultural Communication Study other cultures and languages Respect communication styles Speak and write clearly Listen carefully to others Use interpreters or translators Help others adapt to your culture Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Studying Other Cultures Social customs Clothing and food Political patterns Religion and social beliefs Economics and business Ethics, values, and laws Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Learning Languages Facilitate communication Promote business relationships Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Respecting Communication Preferences Degree of formality Level of directness Writing or speaking Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Writing Clearly Clear Language Transitional Elements Numbers and Dates Humor and Culture Conciseness International Addresses Slang, Jargon, or Idioms Audience Expectations Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Speaking and Listening Intercultural conversations Speaking with others Listening to others Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Translators or Interpreters Human beings Interpretation, cultural context, non-verbal cues Computers Translation, words and phrases, gist of the message Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International

Helping Others Adapt Business communication Offer useful advice Simplify the process Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education International