Intercultural Communication - Book Report/Review Example

? Intercultural Communication NUR 3668 Nursing Leadership in Global Health Care July 25, Communication plays a vital role in business as well as in social life. Proper communication and knowledge of a culture creates cordial relationship across the border. Many concepts are vital while communicating across the world. Beliefs, values and social practices need to be analyzed before going globally; otherwise conflicts may arise and may result in failure to accomplish the assigned goals and objectives. Cultural diversity can be understood by discussing the prevailing cultures in many countries. Different countries have diverse cultures and the organizations that want to operate their business globally must shape themselves according to the culture of the host country. Introduction Organizational culture is an assortment of values, beliefs, norms, customs and traditions that exist in an organization, which are shared by the affiliates of the organization and has an impact on the organizational goals, strategies and policies (Naicker, 2008). International business is growing at a tremendous speed due to globalization policies adapted by countries. Globalization is one of the major factors, which has led to this indispensable expansion of the business. Today, the success of international business depends on the effectiveness of the intercultural communication and how the business persons handle the cultural diversity to communicate their thoughts and business deals. These expansions have created a need for the organizations to have effective communication practices with their clients, suppliers and employees worldwide. Thus, the effectiveness of intercultural communication can be realized in nearly all the operational aspects of an organization such as: marketing, advertising and customer assistance, on a global scale. Employees from different countries and different cultures work collaboratively, which requires the organization to understand the cultural diversity. Lack of proper cultural understanding may create a hurdle for the organization and may cause failure of the business on one hand and on the other hand, the appropriate knowledge of the culture may facilitate the organization to create an edge over its competitors and lead the business towards a successful horizon (Diplo Interactive, n.d.). Intercultural Communication There is no single definition for the term, intercultural communication. However, broadly speaking, intercultural communication signifies an effective communication between people, workers, clients and suppliers. Understanding cultural dissimilarity is no longer an option, but rather a necessity. Effectual intercultural communication serves to improve organizational communication of an institution, both internally and externally. Cultural differences can be overcome by examining the cultures that prevail on a global scale. The knowledge of intercultural communication helps to minimize social misinterpretations while respecting each other’s values. It prevents conflicts and resolves problems of the organization and on an individual basis (Diplo Interactive, n.d.). Cultural Beliefs in Europe Cultural beliefs are an outcome of past observations, experience and learning. Cultural beliefs represent an individual’s perception of reality. Belief is a vital element of a culture that has a positive or negative impact on the culture of an organization. Cultural beliefs tend to influence the communication practices and philosophical standpoints of employees. Large organizations predominantly possess a prevailing culture which is shared by the majority of the organization, represented by groups and individuals with unique beliefs that may either be consistent or inconsistent with the existing culture in an organization. At times, conflicts may arise from the distinctions in key beliefs among individuals that can result in the disruption of the communication system in an organization. Beliefs are held firmly by the individual – thus, he/she will resist any change to it (Diaz, 2008). Cultural Beliefs Influence in Greece Greek culture is one of the oldest prevailing cultures in the world. About 98 % of its entire population speaks Greek, which is the authorized language of the country. Though English is widely spoken, it is a misconception that all business clients will be fluent in English. For instance, Greeks place greater value on the spoken word as opposed to the written word. Therefore, it is imperative for an individual who wants to do business in Greece not to depend on written words only but to allow sufficient time for verbal communication, as well. Consequently, it would be advantageous to have face-to-face negotiations when working with Greek counterparts. Furthermore, emotions are openly expressed in the business setting. Greeks are very efficient communicators who enjoy close proximity and strong eye contact, during the communication process. As a result, if a person establishes great physical distance and avoids eye contact, this will send the wrong message, when negotiating with an individual from this area. Greeks generally intend to avoid risk-based and uncertain business dealings. They also show greater attention towards their business deals and meetings (Itim, n.d.). It is important to create good personal relationships in order to build lasting business relationships. Unlike other European nations, in Greece, business is conducted at a slower pace; Greeks believe in co-operation and respect the age and position of a person (Kwintessential, n.d.). Cultural Value in South America Cultural values are the acceptable standards about what is wrong or right, which is held by an organization and/or an individual. It may act as guiding principles for the members in the organization. It should be noticed that the values of employees are related to their emotions and feelings, thus it is quite difficult to shape organizational cultural values (Diaz, 2008). Cultural Values Influence in Brazil Brazil is the largest country in the South American continent and its culture is also diverse. Brazilians believe in collectivism and place their family at a primary position in their life (Itim, n.d.). It is common to find family members doing work in the same company. As with the people of Greece, Brazilians also depend on relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to build suitable relationships with Brazilian colleagues in order run business appropriately. The communication system in Brazil is not quite rigid or hierarchical but a person should avoid any confrontation and should not show frustration while communicating with Brazilian host. Brazilians do not like to take advantage of the advancements in technology when conducting business, but rather give priority to oral and face-to-face communication. Time factor plays an important role while conducting business with Brazilian colleagues and any delay in meetings may create bad impression on the Brazilian host. Brazilians usually favor to deal with a person and not with a company (Kwintessential, n.d.). Cultural Norms in Africa Cultural norms usually are the patterns of behavior that pass from one generation to another. Understanding cultural norms in an international business is vital from the organization’s point of view. The organization has to learn the prevailing and diverse cultural norms of the host nation for successful business operation (Diaz, 2008). Cultural Norms’ Influence in Kenya Kenya is divided into seven ethnic groups and has different cultural norms prevailing in the country. Kenyans generally do not prefer direct or informal communication pattern in the business hours while conducting business with their colleagues. They often use phrases and metaphors in their communication styles. Kenyans usually speak in soft tones but loud voices can be heard in times of disagreement. Generally, Kenyans like to be greeted in their meetings and a handshake is the preferred way to great each other. They also like to be called with by title and/or surname, rather than by first name. Kenyans prefer to become familiarized with a person before commencing any business related discussion. Gender inequality still prevails in Kenya and women are not considered to be on equal footing with their male counterparts. Kenyans are able to control their emotions (even in tough circumstances) and tend to expect the same from others (Kwintessential, n.d.). Social Practices in Asia Social practices are considered a combination of social goals and cultural practices. These usually comprise the skills and the understandings that an individual holds in community, private and working lives. Social practices have a remarkable impact on the business culture and business must function, keeping the aspects of the society and culture prevalent in that environment (Schatzki, 1996). Social Practices Influence in Singapore Singapore possesses a different set of customs and values. Nearly, three-fourth of its overall population is comprised of Chinese heritage (Quintessential, n.d.). Unlike Kenya, business is performed in more formal ways and a strict set of rules are followed while negotiating business deals. A collective culture is observed in Singapore and a person must adhere to the rules prescribed by the group or an association (Itim, n.d.). The most important element in the communication pattern is silence; preference is given to non-verbal or written words over verbal or spoken words. Punctuality is considered to be a vital part of the culture, in business and in social circles. Therefore, it is good to be on time while doing business in Singapore. Women play an active role in the professional arena, as well as in social life. People of Singapore speak in gentle tones and loud tones are considered to be ill-mannered. It is not considered good to make direct eye contact. A gentle handshake is accepted as a greeting in a business occasion and gift giving – especially to government employees – is considered bribery and is prohibited by the government officials (Kwintessential, n.d.). Conclusion It is a well-known fact that different countries in the world have distinct beliefs, norms, values and practices. These factors are often reflected in the communication process of the country in one or the other way. Therefore, an organization planning to expand its business must be able to adapt their organizational culture according to their destination. Managers and employees performing jobs in different countries must make themselves familiar with the social practices, values and norms of the particular country and should be able to shape the organization according to the prevailing culture of the country. References Diplo Interactive. (n.d). Intercultural communication. Retrieved from http://www.diplomacy.edu/language/intercultural-communication Diaz, R. (2008). Values, beliefs and norms of the Mexican family. Retrieved from http://lectureseries.oucpm.org/?p=183 Itim. (n.d.). Greece. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/greece.html Itim. (n.d.). Brazil. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/brazil.html Itim. (n.d.). Singapore. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/singapore.html Kwintessential. (n.d.). Doing business in etiquette and protocol guides. Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-in.html Naicker, N. (2008). Organizational culture and employee commitment: a case study. Retrieved from http://ir.dut.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10321/475/Naicker_2008.pdf?sequence=1 Schatzki, T. R. (1996). Social practices: A wittgensteinian approach to human activity and the social. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. Read More