Business Intercultural Communication - Research Paper Example

Business Interculture Communicating IBM is intending to expand its computer hardware production unit to the United Kingdom in order to meet the consumers’ rising demand with regard to such products. The report aims to provide an understanding about the business communication related variations that might be faced by IBM in order to successfully operate its production unit in the new foreign market destination. The research based report is designed in order to provide the concerned hierarchical management with pertinent information regarding the aspects such as communication style, business practices and business culture in the UK business market. Business intercultural communication is an effective tool for the organizations in order to achieve their objectives along with attaining various accomplishments with regard to performing the international business operations. The effective use of communication within the organization and identification of various cultural norms of the country of operation are the basic elements for the organizations in terms of trading on a global basis (US Department of State, “Intercultural Business Communication Tips”). Communication Style The verbal and non-verbal communications are the important aspects of conveying information. The communication style incorporated in the business activities in the UK can be considered as an explicit form of conveying information through utilizing both the verbal as well as non-verbal communication. The communication style employed in the UK has been observed as to be simple and uncomplicated while conveying any information to others. The sense of humor of the British people is also a major element in terms of making justification about any proposal or in terms of decision making process. From the perspective of non-verbal communication, the British people are especially undemonstrative with regard to keeping their emotions concealed from other people by not making anyone uncomfortable for their own problem (s). The reserve nature among the people within the British culture highlights their respect to the person to whom they are communicating with (Kowol & Szumiel, “United Kingdom: communication, negotiations and cultural background”). With this concern of communication style that are followed by the British people are the major concerns for the IBM US employees. Therefore, it is important for the employees of IBM to make use of straightforward communication style along with using a minimum number of physical gestures. The undemonstrative nature of hiding the personal feelings is also an important element to be recognized by the IBM employees of the US in terms of communicating with the British people (Kowol & Szumiel, “United Kingdom: communication, negotiations and cultural background”). Business Culture in the UK Hofstede’s Model of Cultural Dimension Power Distance Index (PDI) The power distance index can be determined as a preliminary model in the approach of Hofstede’s cultural dimension. In this context, the index represents the value of hierarchical relationship along with admiration for the authorized person or group. The model refers to the measure of inequality that exists within the culture or country. With this concern, the UK scores low in this index and organizations in the UK believe in innovative and creative strategies rather than following the traditional business approach (Hofstede, “National Culture”). Individualism (IDV) The individualism dimension within the workforce can result in higher productivity along with providing strengths to each individual in a community. However, the high level of individualism dimension can bring about a poor connectivity or deficiency in interpersonal communication with people outside close friends or family members or groups. The culture within the UK entails high individualism that signifies higher valuation on individual time along with their measure of liberty. With this concern, the employees of IBM should focus on individual ideas and expressions on their individual views in the UK market (Hofstede, “National Culture”). Masculinity (MAS) The masculinity driven society signifies the measure of male dominating culture within the organization. Masculinity refers to the value of men employees as compared to the female workers within the company. The value of masculinity in the UK is moderately higher which consigns male preference in terms of making decisions and in distinct working roles (Hofstede, “National Culture”). Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) The uncertainty avoidance index in the Hofstede’s model can be defined as the degree of reaction of the people in terms of handling the unknown or uncertain situations. A higher score in the uncertainty avoidance index signifies to higher measures in terms of avoiding ambiguous conditions or situations within the workplace. The workforce of IBM in the UK should be transparent and concise with regard to their job related expectations and job roles. The employees should reduce their emotional response along with keeping peaceful mind and considering situations before expressing own view or self proposal (Hofstede, “National Culture”). Long Term Orientation (LTO) The fifth dimension of Hofstede’s model refers to sustained endurance of the social values and norms. In this context, the long-term orientation presents the amount of traditional beliefs and values in order to accomplish any job role. The low amount of LTO in the UK depicts availability of higher opportunity for making innovation and demonstrating creativity and low LTO also refers high individualism among the employees of the organization (Hofstede, “National Culture”). Business Practices The business practices in the UK market for IBM need to follow the legal procedures in terms of conducting any business plan due to the presence of universalistic culture among the British. In the context of universalistic culture, the personal relationship is often ignored by the British people while doing business and negotiator does not dedicate a longer period of time to counterfeit close relationship with their corresponding persons and is likely to commence the business without much delay. Hence, it is important for IBM to keep a track by these aspects while conducting business operation in the UK market (4 Business Limited, “Doing Business in the UK”). Conclusion and Recommendations An increasing pace in the international business practices frequently generates various challenges with regard to performing successful business activities for an organization. With this concern, intercultural business communication is one of the major aspects for the modern organizations in order to achieve significant position within the immensely competitive business scenario (US Department of State, “Intercultural Business Communication Tips”). The UK market provides a genuine growth prospect for a company such as IBM. However, IBM should be focused on the various business communication aspects and business culture of the nation by considering different issues with regard to communication and cultural norms of the UK. The training for the employees of IBM who would be working in the UK market should be incorporated with diversity management strategies. Straightforward communication method and universalistic approach in business culture need to be inculcated among the employees in order to efficiently operate the production functions in the UK (4 Business Limited, “Doing Business in the UK”). Works Cited 4 Business Limited. Doing Business in the UK. n.d. Web. 04 Jul. 2012. Hofstede, Geert. National Culture. Countries, n.d. Web. 02 Jul. 2012. Kowol, Adam. & Szumiel, Edyta. United Kingdom: Communication, Negotiations and Cultural Background. Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication. n.d. Web. 4 Jul 2012. US Department of State. Intercultural Business Communication Tips, n.d. Web. 02 Jul. 2012. Read More