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

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 Four Fundamental Patterns of Cultural Difference

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 ? ◦ 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 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.

Verbal Communication Differences 1.Words2.Voice

High Context and Low Context Cultures High Context Culture:- Cultures that rely heavily on non- verbal 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.

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.

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.

Things To Remember While Interacting And Connecting With People

Business Attire

Selecting and Presenting Business Gifts

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 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

Welcome Topics & Topics to Avoid during Conversation

Welcome Topics of Conversation: Indonesia: Family, travel/tourism, sports, praising the local cuisine, future plans and success of the group or organization Germany: Sports--particularly soccer, tennis, current events, politics, among those who imbibe, beer is often a good topic of conversation

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 Germany: World War II, personal questions,

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

Business in Today’s 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.

Success Rate will Increase