Challenges of Communicating Across Cultures - Assignment Example

Cross-cultural communication requires us to use clear language. What are some of the other challenges of communicating across cultures? As work environments get more various and organizations get more worldwide, the chances increase that we will be corresponding with individuals of numerous nations and back-grounds. Some individuals may not be native English speakers. In those cases, continue our writing and talking straightforward by utilizing short sentences and dodging idiomatic dialect, for example, "we are on the same page"—that may cause confusion. (Shwom, and Snyder 17) However, even individuals who are exceptionally adroit at English may hail from cultures that approach business and communication uniquely in contrast to we do. Culture alludes to the learned and imparted examples in a general public. Individuals exhibit their culture through values, plans, disposition and their methodology to communication. While it would be nearly impossible to retain an arrangement of cultural contrasts among nations (Shwom, and Snyder 17)viable communicators approach their errands with an open personality and are prepared to adjust to different cultural needs. A few cultures, in the same way as the Chinese, are more formal than others. Chinese businessmen take after an endorsed set of principles about how to show admiration to managers and other senior associates. Individuals from different cultures, in the same way as Germans, are all the more concerned with dependability, and may be irritated on the off chance that somebody touches base at a gathering 10 minutes late. (Shwom, and Snyder 17). By expanding our consciousness of cultural contrasts and keeping an open dialogue with our associates, we can adjust our conduct as required. The following scenarios focus on two communication challenges between a British and Chinese company doing business together. The challenges arise from one key difference between Chinese and British business cultures: Chinese businesses are very hierarchical, while British businesses are more egalitarian or democratic. (Shwom, and Snyder 17) That means in china, senior members of the company are accorded special respect and treated differently than their employees .by contrast in Britain everyone is accorded equal respect. An organization from Great Britain contracted a Chinese firm to go about as the deals representative for its items in China. The British provincial administrator accountable for Asia Pacific deals made an email dispersion rundown to communicate effectively with the entire assemble in China. The head of offers in China was offended at being included in the schedule with lesser associates. This strategy for communication does not show the head of offers enough respect (Shwom, and Snyder 17). Later in this organization, the British leader of the Chinese office welcomed a delegation of Chinese deals agents to Great Britain for a specialized gathering about the items they would offer. The gathering was held in the processing plant where the products would be generated. The British chief of offers and showcasing directed over the meeting and sat at the leader of the table. The Chinese agents sat around the table. Since the room and table were little, the British agents sat in chairs against the dividers of the room instead of forcing in around the table. The British chief made a short inviting discourse and then asked his staff members to present themselves. He then asked the Chinese staff parts to introduce themselves. The leader of the Chinese appointment looked befuddled and later conceded that he felt the British were deigning and impolite. The seating arrangements proposed that this was not a gathering of equivalents, and the speaking roles made him feel he was not given satisfactory appreciation as an equal. As we can see from these two scenarios, basic communication decisions that seem normal in our own cultural context may offend colleagues from another culture. The British manager could have avoided miscommunication by learning more about Chinese corporate culture. In the first scenario, the manager could have sent the communication only to the Chinese director who then could decide how to communicate the information to his employees. In the second scenario, the British manager could have shared an agenda in advance with the Chinese director, found a bigger room, requested that the Chinese director sit next to him at the head of the table, and introduced the Chinese director immediately, giving him an opportunity to speak and express appreciation. Cultural affectability does not allude just to universal communication. Individuals who contrast in age and in sexual orientation might additionally be differentiated by cultural contrasts. Indeed inside the same nation, more youthful individuals are prone to be less progressive and formal than their more established partners. While the more established leader of the Chinese designation may have been offended that the British presented themselves first and foremost, the more youthful parts of the appointment may have reacted in an unexpected way. They may have recognized more with their more youthful British partners and felt that admiration must be earned as opposed to concurred by progressive system. (Shwom, and Snyder 22). Although we wont have the capacity to anticipate each intercultural issue regardless of the fact that we lead exhaustive research on the culture with which we are meeting expectations, we attempt to oblige the cultural contrasts will communicate professionalism and appreciation. In some cases people simply dont get along well, and they dont work to beat their differences. You may have heard the old aphorism, “We like those most who are most like us." (Shwom, and Snyder 44) In a workplace setting, this implies that the greater part of us want to work with people whose styles take after our own. For example, on the off chance that you are thorough, you no doubt feel great working with other meticulous people. In the event that you get a kick out of the chance to settle on speedy choices, you delight in working with other conclusive people. Styles that contrast from our regularly make strain they damage our safe places and we may put a negative mark on that conduct. We might additionally start to treat the other individual gravely, which prompts clash. A more beneficial viewpoint is to understand that distinctive styles may supplement one another and help a group attain the proper balance. In the case study mentioned, there is a direct conflict between Ricardo and me. I do not support his lackadaisical attitude toward the work assigned to us. Moreover, my co-interns in New Delhi too seem to not share the exuberance I believe I have toward this project. With conflicting views on the project, the remaining team members are not really interested. Roberto seems to believe that the project work is below him, and that it is just a way to ““Let’s just get this meeting over with. No one needs a handbook. This project is just more busy work for interns.” (Shwom and Snyder 61). More than a cultural issue, there is a case for a lack of communication with my co-interns in New Delhi, especially Anant. He seems to think that the handbook is more about the technical aspects of programming rather than about the contents of the handbook for developing interns, which requires the current interns to be interviewed. Anant and Manasi seem to be lost in the technical aspects more than anything and believe that the contents can be taken from the current handbook. The problem with Roberto seems to be competition. We both know that some interns will be chosen amongst us for full time employment. Maybe, he senses a threat to his chances from me, whereas all I intend to do is focus on my current task at hand and try to do the best possible job. Manasi and Anant, as mentioned before seem to have a communication gap between them and us. What is required for us a team to succeed is proper and coordinated collaboration. (Shwom, and Snyder 49) What is the purpose of the message and what do I want the outcome of this communication to be? The purpose of this communication would be to request the store manager to lend me twelve outfits (six fir men and six for women) for my upcoming fashion event. Moreover, I would also request the store manager to assign a representative to help me advice the attendees on the clothes. For example what should be the ideal length of a tie or skirt etc? Who are my audience and what do they need to know? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) For the purpose of the communication, my audience is the store manager or any concerned authority. They need to know the details and reasons of my request. That is, how many clothes required and for how long. What do I need to say or write in order to meet audience needs and achieve the desired outcome? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The store manager would need assurance that his clothes would not get damaged in way. Moreover, I would also tell him that this arrangement could prove to be mutually beneficial to both his store and my event. As a lot of people will attend the show, this would mean free advertisement for his store and its products. Where can I get additional information if I need it? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The store itself would be a good place to request any additional information from. However, sources from the internet can also be used to review current fashion trends and arrive at a decision as to which outfits would I ideally require. Colleagues and professors too could prove to be useful in this case. •What is the best medium for this message based on the audience and content? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) Ideally, an oral communication, including maintaining proper integrity of the clothes lent to me would be the best way to support my endeavor. How can I organize the message logically? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The message needs to be adequately and positively conveyed to the store manager. The logic for the use of his store clothes must be pointed out to him. This must include why his store has been chosen (For example as it would serve the purpose of our target audience who want inexpensive business or formal wear). Where should I state the main point: at the beginning (direct organizational plan) or at the end (indirect organizational plan)? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The main point should immediately precede the explanation of the reason why his store was indeed chosen. How can I make the organization clear using topic-specific headings and good paragraphing? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) Not applicable as the message is basically oral. How should I format this message to support my purpose and be professional? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The communication would need to be properly explained as to how this agreement could benefit both his store as well us my event. Is the information complete, concise, clear, and correct? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) The information included in the communication is complete, concise and clear as well as correct to the best of my knowledge. Have I anticipated and addressed my audience’s questions and concerns? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) I have tried to anticipate any concerns the store manager could have, and I have addressed them accordingly. However, in case of any additional concerns that may arise, it shall be addressed accordingly. For example, a written assurance can be provided regarding the maintenance of the clothes lent to me. Is the tone appropriate? (Shwom, and Snyder 99) I have used an active voice in my communication. The communication is direct, brief and to the point. SCRIPT for the Communication: Good Morning Sir, My name is _______________________ and I come from _______________________University. We are hosting a business-dress fashion show for students on our campus. We have chosen your store to be part of this event by showcasing the store’s products in our fashion show by borrowing a dozen outfits and accessories (six for men, six for women) that will be modeled during the show. Further, we would like a representative from the store to participate in the fashion show by explaining the appropriate fit of clothing, such as the right length of a tie and the position of a cuff for men, and the height of a heel, length of a heel, length of a skirt and appropriate jewelry for women. The show will be attended by students from the campuses who are interested in purchasing the type of clothes your store sells. This is a great way for your store to increase its business and gain some free publicity. I am sure you will agree that this will be a good opportunity for your store to gain publicity, as it is the right fit for the people who will attend this event. Moreover, your representative can also pitch sales after the show is over to specific people who may interact with him for advice. I can assure you that your clothes will remain in good hands, and if required, I am prepared to give you the same assurance in writing. I will make sure that no clothes lent to us shall be abused or damaged in any way and that proper care would be maintained at all times. To All: The employee parking area will be repaved next week for improvements in the long-run. The crew will pave the north half of the lot on Monday and the south half on Tuesday which shall ensure that some portion of the parking is accessible at all times.. Although half of the employee lot will be available at all times, arrangements have been made with the volunteer transportation services unit to run shuttles every 10 minutes from the overflow parking area to the main hospital entrance in case some of you may feel that the commute would be too long. We realize this is a mild inconvenience for you, however, it would lead to better facilities for the future and its just a short-term pain for a long term gain. Thank you for your cooperation —HR Dept. What should be the specific purpose of your communication? What specific outcome do you want? Will you ask for a specific amount of money or will you have some other message? The purpose of the communication would be to ask Mr. Dinsmore for some financial assistance for my trip to China. I would expect Mr. Dinsmore to hear what I have to say and in the end oblige me with some financial assistance. I would like to ask him for a specific amount of money, which I think would be reasonable and cover the expenses. b. What information will Mr. Dinsmore need? Mr. Dinsmore, I think would need the basic details of the trip for example, dates, expenses and purpose of the trip. Moreover, he would need to know how donating money to my trip could benefit him or his business. c. What reasons or benefits can you offer Mr. Dinsmore to sup-port why he should donate? I would assure him of providing sufficient and valid information with the learning’s of my trip and which would interest him as his production is based out of China. Moreover, I would try to appeal to the fact that in the past he too attended the same school and is an alumnus of the institution. d. What objections do you anticipate? Prepare possible responses for each objection. Mr. Dinsmore would obviously be concerned regarding the nature of help or feedback I could provide him with. Moreover, he may not be entirely convinced with the purpose of the trip. However, I will need to clarify my stance clearly with regard to the nature of the trip being a learning one for me personally and not a leisure trip. Moreover, I would enquire about his production process and ask him if he requires any specific information from China. I would also try and visit his production place or workshop and try and gather any information he could want me to gather. e. What medium should you use to communicate with Mr. Dins-more? Should you make your request by letter, email, or should you ask to meet in person? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Personally, I would like to meet Mr. Dinsmore in person and present my case for his assistance. I think this would be the best way as it would be persuasive and appeal to his emotional side (of belonging to the same school as I go to). A letter or an e-mail would be too impersonal to ask for a favor, especially one which is not economic or business in nature. Mr. Dinsmore will basically be doing me a favor, and he needs to see my gratitude first hand, which can only be possible with a one-to-one meeting. REFERENCE: Shwom, Barbara and Lisa Gueldenzoph Snyder, Business Communication. London: Prentice Hall, 2012 Read More