Business Communication - Coursework Example

Business Communication Discuss how differing frames of reference affected this misunderstanding. How could such misunderstandings be averted? Cultural barriers to communication occurred during the undertaking of the Indo-Japanese bridge-building project because the firms involved were from different parts of the world, hence had differing cultures. Unlike India and USA, Japanese prefers having an input of every individual involved in a project, a factor that automatically causes delays. The decision making process in Japan is lengthy because all top management staff involved are to be consulted. In India and USA, decision making process is fast because the senior most executives are incharge of making decisions(Guffey & Loewy, 2010). Such misunderstandings can be averted can be avoided by making an effort to slightly learn the culture of all the parties involved in a project. The Indian engineers could not have panicked if they could be aware of the long protocol and decision making process involved in Japanese business organizations. Chapter Two (a) Analysis of the above case confirms that Andrea and the other employees are taking advantage of Ashton because she is not married and has no children. The best solution to this issue is to come up with a strategy whereby all the employees would be representing the company in shifts. This would be the fairest solution. Alternatively, the company can start giving allowances to persons who represent the company in evening charity events so that all workers can develop interest of being the representatives. (b) Brian does not give any solid reason why the employees should sign the company policy manual electronically. Erika on the other hand pin points that having the employees sign the policy on a paper form would help the company keep better records. Therefore, employees should sign the paper form policy so that the company can keep a better record, unless Brian proves that the company will still keep better records when the employees sign the manual electronically. (c) The management should recommend use of the new uniforms because they are preferred by the majority of the employees. Employees in favor of the old uniform are only two while all the others are in favor of the new uniforms. Moreover, the new uniform is said to offer a wide range of options unlike the traditional uniform. (d) The best solution to the disagreement between the two management team members can be solved by introducing a policy that blocks websites such as online game, pornography, and shopping sites. The management needs to consult IT experts who would help in blocking such websites. However, banning personal e-mail totally would be a primitive action that should not be practiced in the 21st century. (e) The assistant manager should understand that there is no way an assistant manager can represent the senior manager not unless the senior manager is committed elsewhere. The assistant manager should give the presentation to the senior manager and help him or her understand it in an effective way. Assistant managers are meant to be representing the senior managers in their absentia or when they are busy. (f) The best thing to do in this case is to tell Alexa to vacate so that Jackie can sit at Workstation 2 where she used to. This is because Jackie is used up to the environment around Workstation 2 and instructing her to use another workstation can affect her productivity. Moreover, there could be some personal details that may be contained in the devices such as laptops or desktops that may be situated at workstation 2. Subsequently, Alexa should vacate and use the workstation she is uses during the other times. Chapter Three a) In Saudi Arabia an American businessman sat down and crossed his legs, so that the leather soles of his fine dress shoes were showing. He then refused an offer of a cup of coffee from his Saudi Individuals involved in this case can be made to understand that difference in culture was the root cause of their misunderstandings. The American business person is obsessed with the western culture which is viewed by some eastern countries as arrogant and boastful. This is the reason why he was crossing his legs, so that the leather soles of his fine dress shoes could be seen. At the same time, refusing a cup of coffee from his Saudi friend was normal in the western culture unlike Arabic culture. b) How do people greet each other in Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, and Spain? Shaking hands when people meet is a common form of greeting amongst people living in Australia. Women at times greet each other by making a kiss on the cheek while the tourists usually use the term "G'day" to mean "hello"(Cyborlink.com, 2014). In India, shaking hands is the most common way through which people greet, though men are not supposed to touch women. People in Japan greet each other by bowing, though nowadays some Japanese greet by shaking hands. Koreans greet by bowing followed by a handshake(Cyborlink.com, 2014). In Spain, men who are close friends exchange a hug while female close friends exchange a small hug when they meet and when they are parting ways. Dutch people shake hands and one is supposed to say his or her last name. c) In what countries is it important to keep a certain distance from the person you are greeting? In countries such as ‎Bahrain, ‎ Poland, Belgium, and ‎Brazil people are expected to keep a reasonable distance when greeting each other either through a handshake or any other means of greeting. d) In what countries is a kiss appropriate? Kisses are common in the western countries and countries dominated by whites. Kisses are acceptable in countries like Haiti, Kenya, USA, UK, and France among other countries. In India, a kissing is acceptable for close family members(Cyborlink.com, 2014). In Egypt, it is acceptable for women to kiss. Reference Cyborlink.com. (2014). India Business Etiquette, Vital Manners, Cross Cultural Communication, and Geert Hofstede Analysis. Retrieved November 30, 2014, from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/india.htm Top of Form Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2010). Business communication: Process and product. Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Bottom of Form Read More