International Communications Chapter 3 International Business

Understanding Communications The Importance of Communication Effective communication holds things together People must be able to reach and understand each other to overcome differences, get along and accomplish goals Communicating Across Cultures Business and International relation must have effective communication when trying to send and receive messages

Understanding Communication Verbal Communication Communication: Transmitting, receiving, and processing information Interpersonal – one to one Organizational – business setting Language: The medium of communication through words, symbols, numbers, characters or nonverbal cues Verbal Communication: Sending messages by using words that are spoken or written.

Understanding Communication Language and International Business Language and Word Gender Every language has unique features/differences Differences make learning new languages more difficult Business people can learn a few basic terms and phrases to promote courtesy and show interest Using Nouns and Verbs Complications in learning sequence & order of nouns and verbs English = Noun before verb, most of the world = verb before noun

Understanding Communication Using Alphabets and Characters Many languages have different alphabets with different characters and letters Using English Many companies choose to use the English language when doing Business Most used language on the internet Outside of Business?

Understanding Communication Verbal Communication Challenges How People Speak Speak very quickly in native language Learn phrase for “Please speak more slowly” Slang: Type of speech used in recreational settings Can be confusing and frustrating Technical Terms Unique names for computer parts, nath symbols Important to learn these terms

Understanding Communication Time for Translation Translations cause pauses or time lapses in communication Focus on speaker, not translator Social Behavior and Communication Difference in behavior between high and low context High = More figurative (Japan) Low = Words taken more literally (U.S.) Other Challenges Noun-Verb Agreement Singular-Plural Issues Imprecise Translation ESL: Slow down pace/speed, look for clarification, ask for confirmation

Understanding Communication Learning Communication Strategies Learning Key Phrases Know what language best serves the business relationship (Many countries have more than one language) Learn how to use key words and business phrases Using Names Know how/what to address someone Name, title, rank Using Business Cards Study culture before handing out Business cards

Understanding Communication Other Differences to Consider Time Zone Difference Know the time of day you are calling from and too Currency Differences Know the exchange rates The Metric System Know meters, liters, and Celsius Trade Documentation Papers and documents used to legally export and import goods Use experts or software systems to help

Nonverbal Communication Sending a message without the use of words Can focus on facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture Other signals can relay nonverbal messages All nonverbal expressions are influenced by: Cultural factors Methods of Communication Specific Business Activities 3.2

Nonverbal Communication Cultural Factors Numbers Look for significant #’s in certain cultures 13 is unlucky in U.S. (No 13th floor), 11 is the same in Asia Ground Floor not considered 1st floor in Europe Emblems (Symbols) Jewelry Use in advertising Personal Appearance Different customs for shaving What must be worn (women must cover faces, men covering heads) U.S. men remove hats while eating or entering an office

Nonverbal Communication Colors Different meanings depending on the nation Be careful about choosing acceptable colors to wear Smells Be aware of different responses to smells Foods Customs vary in different cultures

Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Methods of Communication Time Punctuality, work days, work weeks Dining and resting times Silence Has different meaning Quiet room indicates lack of life, rude to sit quietly Can indicate respect or attention Personal Space Standing far apart or close together Body and Eye Contact Touching has different effects throughout the world Looking someone in the eye or looking away

Nonverbal Communication Business Behaviors in Other Cultures Major Holidays Holidays involve more than just taking a day off Religious Holidays and Secular Holidays Need to be acquainted with customs of holidays Dining, dress, gifts Giving and Receiving Gifts Knowing what to give is important Never embarrass the person giving the gift, even if you don’t like it. Gift – An item given to convey good will Bribe- An item or money offered to entice the receiver to do something illegal or unethical Expatriate – Person that relocates to a foreign country to live and work Acculturation – The process of understanding, adapting to and operating in a foreign culture

Nonverbal Communication Business Behavior and Communication Business Protocol The steps for receiving business visitors are a major part of business protocol Learn as much as possible about the person and their culture Be prepared Conducting a Meeting Steps on P. 67

Nonverbal Communication Business Entertainment Goals – Set goals for the event Location Small event – restaurant, private venue, office Large event – hotel, convention center Special Arrangements Music or performances Golf, tickets to sporting or entertainment events The person must have an interest in this Choosing a gift Choose something appropriate for the occasion

Conducting a Meeting Choose a country that you will do business in: Research business etiquette for this country Research each of the ten steps listed on page 67 for conducting a meeting Also research non verbal communication factors Numbers -Colors Emblems -Smells Personal Appearance -Foods Write a short Report on your findings