Cross-Cultural Communication - Essay Example

Cross Cultural Communication Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Introduction Cross Cultural Communication Communication is a significant part of day-to-day life of any individual. The success of any business enterprises depends largely on the communications competence embraced by the enterprise. It is therefore important that any organization that deals with other external organizations learn to communicate with them. The process of communication, however, is complex if the people involved are of deferent cultures and nationalities. It is therefore important to understand the dynamic of this type of communication. These dynamics of any intercultural communication that should be taken into account include the factors discoursed below. This includes a close study and analysis of the cultural background of the other party. Discussion Moreover, the pace and style of communication should be considered if the communication is to be successful. Trust is important for the success of any communication and therefore those involved should endeavor to build such trust with their counterparts in the process of communication. In cases where language is a barrier, very experienced, trusted, and skilled communicators should be employed. Patience and tolerance to the culture of other people is also important in the success of any cross-cultural communication (Guy, & Mattock, 1991, p.51). Difference in culture has a significant influence on effectiveness of communication among deferent groups of people. Different cultures have different decision-making approach, communication styles, business etiquette, as well as acceptable cultural protocol. This paper aims at bringing out the effect of culture in communication among groups of people or companies from deferent cultures. It will focus particularly on the importance of assessing and analyzing deferent cultures before commencing any intercultural communication in either business or other social aspects (Cardon, & Scott, 2003, p.44). Moreover, the paper will highlight the importance of any intercultural negotiator to be trained in inter cultural communication order to develop desirability to achieve cultural synergy. International negotiations refer to the process of seeking agreement between people of varying nationalities by use of dialogue on an agenda that is agreed. In any process of communication, a phrase or word that means something in one culture may mean a very deferent thing in another culture. Moreover, a show of politeness in one culture may be misinterpreted in another culture to show rudeness and disrespect. The receiver does not get the idea being communicated but rather the meaning or code attached to the exact words that the speaker used (Kameda, 2001, p.12). Any person who intends to be effective in cross-cultural communication must endeavor to develop certain skills to that that effect. The person should have proper listening skills. He or she should be sensitive enough to differences in culture and be oriented toward other people. The person should be willing to get team assistance. Moreover, he or she should have high aspirations and self esteem. Finally, the person’s personality should be attractive. All these qualities need not to be inherent in the person, but through training and experience, the person can develop the skills (Williams, Inscoe, & Tasker, 1997, p.72). Low High Context Communication This refers to the tendency of a culture to make use of low context messages in communication. The expectations and circumstances within a communication scenario lead to this case of loc high context communication. Different sets of individuals and groups make use of low and high context communication. In many cases, it is imperative to translate and know that communication without use of low high context communication does not meet the innate desires of a particular group of people in the society. Choice of a language Of importance in inter cultural communication is the choice of a language that in the communication process that can be understood by both parties involved. Understanding is made easier if communication in carried out in the same language understood by the parties involved. English, in most cases is considered a universal language that is used in most cross-cultural communication. A barrier, however is encountered when one of the parties do not speak English. Although it is true that English has grown to become the first language in the world, there are societies and cultures where English is not spoken (Adler, 1991, p.55). Moreover, the complexity of English language together with its diversity in vocabulary and sometimes confusing colloquialisms and metaphors hinders its use among groups of people were it is not commonly used. Guy and Mattock (1991), describe international English as “The English language as spoken by people with other first languages who have learned it as adults for practical rather than academic purposes.” Language in most cases is a major barrier in cross-cultural communications. Most people may not be able to express themselves properly in languages that are considered universal. They majorly use the languages that are commonly in their cultures. Communication across such cultures requires the use of an interpreter. The choice of an interpreter depends on the ability of the interpreter to understand both cultures. The person needs to be qualified and have experience in intercultural communications and negotiations. In the event that the intended intercultural communication has to do with a particular field, the interpreter to be employed should possess specialized professional linguistic ability (Cardon, & Scott, 2003, p.66). The interpreter should be provided with a summary of the main points in both languages before the negotiation begins. This way the interpreter is able to figure out the best way to communicate these important points to both parties. In delivering this communication, the interpreter should be able to emphasize the main ideas through repeating them in deferent ways in order to create emphases. In this way, the interpreter is able to eliminate misunderstanding among the communicating groups (Kasper, 1997, p.58). Cultural review For a successful cross-cultural communication to occur, it is important that both parties involved take time to review the cultures of their counterparts. This is important as it helps one to understand the cultural sensitivity of the other party and consequently avoid any cultural nuances in the process of communication. Such reviews need to take into account the cultural, history, and the sensitivity of the culture ion question as well as their style of communication; whether direct or indirect. Their preferred language of communication and their style of decision-making should also be put into consideration. This review must also include the analysis of the emphases placed on time. In this regard, one must seek to know whether the counterpart culture is monochromic or polychromic. The implications of non-verbal signals such as facial expressions, silence among others in the cultures in question should be examined. Finally, one should seek to know the attitude of hierarchy embraced by the other culture. This cultural review will help greatly in coming up with an effective mode of cross-cultural communication (Adler, 1991, p.79). Shared experience In order to be effective in any intercultural communication it is important to appear in such a way that you are not too deferent from the person you are communicating. In an attempt to achieve this fact one should figure out some common experiences in both cultures that will serve to unite rather than divide. Such topics may include sports that are enjoyed by both cultures (Guy, & Mattock, 1991, p.53). Introducing a discussion on a favorite sport to both cultures before the topic of discussion will help create a rapport and make the communicating parties fell more at ease with each other. This way, the intercultural communication becomes more effective and the goals of communications are achieved. Topics, however, that will bring controversies such as politics, contrasting religious view and issues that are sensitive to the cultures in question should be avoided. The parties involved in the intercultural communication should endeavor to show respect for the cultural heritage of their counterparts. Any show of disrespect for the culture of the other party is likely to disrupt the communication process (Lewis, 1999, p.26). Humor Using humor in an intercultural communication may help a great deal by being an “Ice breaker.” This, however posses a great disadvantage in that it may be miss interpreted by the other patty. In the event there is a possibility of causing any offence, embarrassment, confusion by use of humor in intercultural communication then it should be avoided. Of importance in the use of humor is the ability to choose the type of jokes that can be appreciated by both parties without misunderstanding (Kasper, 1997). Agenda The main topic decided before hand to be the topic of discussion should be maintained in any cross-cultural communication. This helps to structure and provide sign posts in the course of communication. In cases where language is a barrier, maintaining the agenda of discussion ensures that the communication process does not stray out of the topic of discussion. Moreover, consistency in the topic of discussion that had been agreed beforehand helps to create trust in the other party. Listening skills In any cross-cultural communication, listening skills is of great importance if the communication is to be successful. This will help participants that are communicating across cultures to understand subtle cultural nuisance. Moreover, listening helps one to understand the point of view of the other party in a communication process. One should avoid interrupting the other party when speaking at all costs. This serves to show respect for their opinions in the discussion. One should not be in a hurry to reply even when the other party raises a controversial point. Pace of intercultural communications In some cultures, the process of coming to a consensus is normally slow at the initial stage. Some cultures, like the American for instance, like the type of a discussion that is on to the point. They like it when the topic of discussion is clearly dealt with without deviating to other topics. This kind of cultures are very analytical in nature and are likely to explore in depth the issue at hand as well as the advantages and disadvantages of available alternatives. They then make conclusions depending on this analysis. The French on the other hand like take an intellectual approach in cross-cultural communication, in which they either disapprove or defend a given hypothesis. Maters of deadlines are given weight by the Japanese, Arabs, and the French. It is, therefore, important to understand the pace at which various cultures take in a negotiation to avoid being discouraged in the process of communicating across cultures (Kasper, 1997, p.25). Time The issue of time keeping is of paramount importance in any cross-cultural communication. Some cultures referred to as monochromic cultures highly regard time. Such cultures like the North American, Germans among others like to restrict themselves to a predefined time schedule. Other cultures referred to as polychromic cultures, on the contrary have no regard for time. They may arrive late and take time discussing other topics that are not part of the main topic of discussion. This may be irritating to monochromic cultures. A cross-cultural communication between the monochromic cultures and polychromic cultures requires tolerance and above all patience if the communication is to be effective (Cohen, 1999, p.39). Socializing As already been highlighted, Socializing prior to the discussion is very important as it helps one to understand the other party’s cultural details. Such details may include the details such as the weight given to gifts is a given culture as well as the preferred color of the wrapping papers. All this details will help in identifying activities that will not cause disagreement among the communicating parties. While giving gifts is of paramount importance in some cultures, it may be considered unacceptable by another culture. It is, therefore important to understand such details in any intercultural communication and socialization helps build this understanding. Decision-making The ease with ease with which a decision is made and the entire decision making process depends on characteristics of the cultures involved. In distance high power cultures, such as Latin American and Greece, the team leader of the cross-cultural negotiations is responsible for making the ultimate decision. In some cultures, like the Japanese for instance, the tem involved in cross-cultural negotiation reports to a higher authority that is responsible for making decision. In some cultures, a systematic approach is normally adopted in the process of decision-making. These diverse methods in decision making among cultures requires that those who engage in cross-cultural communication understand the approach that their counterparts take in decision-making. This will help to avoid frustrations in the entire process (Lewis, 1999, p.16). Communication environment The environment in which intercultural communication is taking place is of paramount importance for the success of the communication. Some cultures take communication involved in intercultural negotiations as being formal and as such requires one to consider factors such as venue, hospitality, timescale, participants, as well as protocol. All these when viewed as a whole creates a favorable environment over which cross cultural communications can take place. Training Given the complexity attached to cross cultural communication, if is important that those who engage in this type of communication get equipped through training to handle the various challenges that comes with it. This training includes how to involve the other culture in a successful discussion as well as critical incidences and cultural assimilators. This training should emphasize on understanding the attitude, perceptions and sensitivity of deferent cultures in order to compromise and accept a middle road in the negotiation and communication process. Training helps to understand the other culture well (Hurn, 2007, p.28). For a successful cross-cultural communication to occur, it is important that both parties involved take time to review the cultures of their counterparts. This is important as it helps one to understand the cultural sensitivity of the other party and consequently avoid any cultural nuances in the process of communication. Such reviews need to take into account the cultural, history, and the sensitivity of the culture ion question as well as their style of communication; whether direct or indirect. Their preferred language of communication and their style of decision-making should also be put into consideration. This review must also include the analysis of the emphases placed on time (Cardon, & Scott, 2003, p.67). In this regard, one must seek to know whether the counterpart culture is monochromic or polychromic. The implications of non-verbal signals such as facial expressions, silence among others in the cultures in question should be examined. Finally, one should seek to know the attitude of hierarchy embraced by the other culture. This cultural review will help greatly in coming up with an effective mode of cross-cultural communication (Hofstede, 1991, p. 38). Guidelines The success of any intercultural communication should take into account the factors discoursed above. This includes a close study and analysis of the cultural background of the other party. Moreover, the pace and style of communication should be considered if the communication is to be successful. Trust is important for the success of any communication and therefore those involved should endeavor to build such trust with their counterparts in the process of communication. In cases where language is a barrier, very experienced, trusted, and skilled communicators should be employed. Patience and tolerance to the culture of other people is also important in the success of any cross-cultural communication (Cohen, 1999, p.76). Conclusion Since communication is a significant part of day-to-day life of any individual. The success of any business enterprises depends largely on the communications competence embraced by the enterprise. It is therefore important that any organization that deals with other external organizations learn to communicate with them. The process of communication, however, is complex if the people involved are of deferent cultures and nationalities. It is therefore important to understand the dynamic of this type of communication. These dynamics of any intercultural communication that should be taken into account include the factors discoursed below (Williams, Inscoe, & Tasker, 1997, p.72). Bibliography Adler, N.J. (1991). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior, 2nd ed., Boston, MA: PWS-Ken Publishing Cardon, P.W. and Scott, J.C. (2003), ‘‘Chinese business face: communication behavior and teaching approaches’’, Business Communication Quarterly, Vol. 66 No. 4, December. Cohen, R. (1999). Negotiating across Cultures: International Communication in the Independent World. Washington, DC: US Institute of Peace Press, Guy, V. and Mattock, J. (1991). The New International Manager – An Action Guide to Cross- cultural Business. London: Kogan Page, Hofstede, G. (1991), Cultures, and Organizations, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Europe Hurn, B.J. (2007), ‘‘Pre-departure training for international managers’’, Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 39 No. 1. Kameda, N. (2001), “The implication of language style in business communication: focus on English versus Japanese”, Corporate Communications, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 144-9 Kasper, G. (1997), “The role of pragmatics in language teacher education,” in Bardovi-Harlig, K. and Hartford, B. (Eds), Beyond Methods: Components of Second Language Teacher Education, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Lewis, R.D. (1999), When Cultures Collide, 2nd ed Dictionary of Applied Linguistics, London: Blackwell Nicholas Brealey Publishing Williams, J., Inscoe, R. and Tasker, T. (1997), “Communication strategies in interactional context: the mutual achievement of comprehension”, in Kasper, G. and Kellerman, E. (Eds), Communication Strategies: Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Perspectives, London: Longman Read More