4.4 Globalisation and intercultural business communication
Activity 4c
- What is globalisation?
- How is globalisation affecting workplace communication?
As stated in the overview to this chapter, the task of communicating and working with other cultures is not easy because people tend to judge others from their own cultural standards. As you read through this chapter and the text you will begin to understand the importance of knowing something about the other culture so that you do not inadvertently cause offence. Holding on to our beliefs about what is 'right' in our culture and always acting on that, no matter where we are, may cause us to make a poor impression on people of other cultures. Sensitivity to local beliefs and customs, coupled with flexibility in our own attitudes, will help us to communicate effectively with others internationally.
Two main issues to be aware of in intercultural business communication are appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication. Your textbook does not go into these in any great detail. However, many other texts do (see for example, Lahiff & Penrose 1997); Reading 4.2 covers many of these issues too. Below is a summary of these two issues.
1. Verbal communication
Verbal communication involves the words or language people use to communicate with others. It refers to both the written and spoken word. In terms of written communication, we must remember that what we write, unlike what we say, is in hard copy and remains as a record. A careless word here or there may be forgiven by our international counterparts in the context of a friendly meeting, but with written communication you are not there to explain any misunderstandings, nor can you instantly gauge a reaction and modify your behaviour. What we write conveys not only the facts of the message but also an impression of what we are and our attitude to the person to whom we write. We need to pay attention to the cultural needs of our international colleagues and avoid idioms, acronyms and jargon. We also need to be aware of any ambiguity in the language we use: for example, does a word have several meanings? Is it clear as to which meaning is relevant to the document?
As with written communication, the spoken word can be easily misinterpreted by those from other cultures. In addressing others we must be aware of differences in tone, formality, delivery and response time (for example, some cultures value silence between message and reply). Also, it is important to consider differences in humour and the use of slang or colloquialisms.
2. Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication is considered in more detail in chapter 6. In intercultural communication we must be aware of such differences as perceptions of space, time, possessions, relationships, customs and business etiquette.
Business people who travel abroad or who are in contact with different cultures within the workplace need to expect change, not resist it. They need to learn how to open their senses to new experiences and to listen to both the thoughts and feelings of others.
Activity 4d
Search the Internet for references on international business etiquette. Did you find any practices with which you were previously unfamiliar?
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