StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
In the present day context the world is fast becoming a global village and numerous opportunities for international travel and business are available to man. In this scenario it is imperative that each global citizen becomes aware of his/her own as well as others cultural…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER96.8% of users find it useful
Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix"

Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix [Insert [Insert In the present day context the world is fast becoming a global village and numerous opportunities for international travel and business are available to man. In this scenario it is imperative that each global citizen becomes aware of his/her own as well as others cultural identity, cultural values and stress points so that they become skillful communicators. There is a common belief that all humans are equal and hence all have similar feelings and behavior patterns.

That is however, not entirely true. If an individual who needs to do international business treats people in another country and from a different culture, in the same way as he does people in his own country and from his own culture, he may not be as effective as he would like to be. In order to become cross-culturally competent one needs to be aware of the different layers of culture, both visible and intrinsic, of the country they are visiting and have the skills to adapt their own behavior to be a better communicator and a culturally sensitive and competent person.

CountryPreferred Communication StyleNon-Verbal Communication PracticesBusiness Communication NormsStrategies to Increase Cross-Cultural Communication*United States of AmericaDirect: Americans prefer a direct, open, unambiguous approach to communication. Circuitous or elaborate language is usually seen as a waste of time or as suspicious behavior. An impasse is usually confronted directly and the consequent debate is “seen positively and as a sign of definite progress.” (“American Communication Styles”, n.d.).

Low-Context Culture: According to Edward Hall’s definition a Low-Context (LC) culture is one where “the mass of information is vested in the implicit code.” (Hofstede, 2001, p.30). This essentially means that instructions, directions and other such information are likely to available in direct written or oral forms (like bulletins, billboards) without dependence on non-verbal indicators.Eye Contact: In the USA, maintaining eye contact, handshakes and so on are seen as positive markers of trust.

Same-Gender Interaction: Men are not usually seen to kiss or hug each other in professional or business settings. Short-Term: Goal orientation is usually short-term. Task-oriented planning. Deadlines are important. Automated situations are not threatening. Most Americans are more comfortable with written instructions. Independence:Decisions are made on an individual basis. Speaking one’s mind is a positive trait. Low PDI:The Power Distance Index (PDI) in the US is low. Equality in society is usually an ideal to be reached.

Time: It is important to remember that the adage “Time is Money” is believed quite literally in the USA. Relationship building is done through basic, perfunctory gestures and does not need elaborate or long-term rituals.JapanRhetorical: The truth of the statements is often a little obscured by the use of rhetoric. Also the number of people who speak fluent English and Japanese are very few. It’s usually one language or the other that they can speak.Tatemae and Honne: There is a distinction between what the Japanese say out loud and what they truly feel.

Sometimes these can even be contradictory. (“Japanese Communication Styles”, n.d.).Minimal Body Language: The Japanese do not believe in displays of emotion during business meetings. They may also show confusing non-verbal signals like laughing when they are actually worried or sad.Punctuality: At social events, punctuality is not expected. Slurping down noodles, however, indicates your enjoyment of the meal. (Butler, n.d.)Long-Term: Planning is on the long-term. Priority given to relationship-building over immediate deadlines.

Collectivist: Decision making is a group activity. Interdependence is high. Being frank and upfront, speaking one’s mind, can be seen as rudeness. However, Hofstede points out (2001, p. 237) that Japan is viewed as a collectivist society only by Westerners. Asians perceive the Japanese as individualistic.Power Distance: Japan has a middle level PDI. Clarification: The need for repeated clarification is of the utmost importance. “Everything should be questioned in order to ensure that clear understanding has been achieved.

” (“Japanese Communication Styles”, n.d.).Awareness of Etiquette: Manners and social customs are intrinsic parts of establishing business relations, so it is imperative that these are mastered first.Saudi ArabiaHyperbolic: Business relations are established on the initial praising and flattering of each other’s assets and cultures. This first stage of one party complimenting the other and vice versa is an intrinsic part of Arabic protocol and must be maintained to ensure opening up of business channels.

Indirect: Residents of Arabic societies are often reluctant to share bad news. It is important therefore to keep in touch with ground facts while receiving feedback from Arabic businessmen on any issue.Eye Contact: Good, stable eye contact is a positive sign. “A mans sincerity and honor can be judged by their ability to look you in the eye.” (“Saudi Arabian Communication”, n.d.).Courtesy: Shoes are usually expected to be removed before entering a building. The thumbs-up sign is considered rude.

The left hand should not be offered for handshakes or used to eat.Same-Gender Interaction: Men often kiss each other on the cheek or embrace, even in business settings. This is a sign of acceptance and welcome. “Men walking hand in hand is a sign of friendship.” (Butler, n.d.). High Power Distance: Saudi Arabia falls among the countries with high PDI. This means there is greater formality in business or professional settings. Bosses and employees are not to be treated as equals.Trust: The Arabic countries value the trustworthy businessman very highly.

Trust should be built carefully and maintained throughout the business dealings.Religious Awareness: Being aware of Islamic rites, beliefs, customs is of the utmost importance. Declaring one’s atheism, for instance, could be fatal to establishing business relations.*The strategies are written from the perspective of the guest in the host country.In conclusion, it is not only important to be able to recognize and appreciate differences in cultures but also to be flexible and adaptive when dealing with persons from a different culture than our own.

When adapting to somebody elses culture it is important to remember that one must only be adaptive and modify ones behavior and not try and change ones core beliefs and values. Recognizing and appreciating other peoples cultural values and traditions is the first step to becoming cross-culturally competent.References: American Communication Styles. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/American-Business-Communication-Style.htmlButler, P. (n.d.). Japan. International Business Centre.

Retrieved from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/japan.htmButler, P. (n.d.). Saudi Arabia. International Business Centre. Retrieved from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/saudi-arabia.htmHofstede, G. (2001). Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations, 30-39; 237-238.Japanese Communication Styles. (n.d.). World Business Culture. Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Japanese-Business-Communication-Style.htmlSaudi Arabian Communication Styles. (n.d.). World Business Culture.

Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Saudi-Arabian-Business-Communication-Style.html

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper”, n.d.)
Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1571396-cross-cultural-communication-matrix
(Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper)
Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1571396-cross-cultural-communication-matrix.
“Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix Research Paper”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1571396-cross-cultural-communication-matrix.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication Customer Name Tutor Name Unit Name INTRODUCTION communication is an essential aspect of human interaction.... Without communication, it will be very hard for people to do anything.... communication can be broadly categorized into verbal and nonverbal communication.... hellip; Though verbal communication seems to be important at the surface than nonverbal communication, the later form has often been said to be more powerful....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper

Globalization of Trade and Commerce

In the essay “Globalization of Trade and Commerce” the author analyzes trade barriers coming down the political boundaries.... The world has become a Global Village.... People and goods are moving across the countries more freely and more frequently than ever before.... hellip; The author states that globalization of trade and commerce leads to expansions....
12 Pages (3000 words) Essay

Understanding Cultural Values

On the same pretext, an organizational culture is a set of values, morals, beliefs, traditions and norms which come from the industry specific regimes as well as that from the society under which it exists in the… Thus it would not be wrong here to suggest that the organizational cultures are dependent on the society's undertakings and the industrial influences at the same time....
14 Pages (3500 words) Essay

Cross-cultural communication and negotiation, strategy formulation and implementation

Some of these issues are to do with culture shock, which occur when one is moved away from cross-cultural communication and Negotiation, Strategy Formulation and Implementation While formulating and subsequently implementing a given strategy in negotiation, it is always good to consider the aspects that affect the cross-cultural issues that different people believe in.... Management communication Systems (1997): 1-7.... While formulating and subsequently implementing a given strategy in negotiation, it is always good to consider the aspects that affect the cross-cultural issues that different people believe in....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

International Business Communication

The following essay will provide an overview and a basic understanding of Intercultural Business communication and Business Etiquette.... Thus, the paper "International Business communication" reviews a research article regarding the present topic in order to analyze the theme.... hellip; At present, the world is illustrated as a place where people belonging to different cultural backgrounds interact with each other to have effective communication do that they can exchange their ideas, thoughts and feelings (Bhardawaj, 2010)....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

International Business Communication

In particular, the cultural dimensions are considered for their possible impact on cross-cultural communication, being important elements of inter-cultural… The two cultures are analyzed on different grounds and how they impact communication within their societal contexts.... His theory on cultural dimensions explains the various bipolar variables or aspects of a particular culture that impacts cross-cultural communication, including power distance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance, pragmatism versus normativeness, and indulgence versus restraint (The Hofstede Centre 2014; Hofstede 1993, p....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Economic Anthropology

nbsp;Globalization enhances the inception of technology, communication and trade across the world, being a common village.... This assignment "Economic Anthropology" argues for or against the statement that globalization does more harm than good for people of developing countries and the question of whether globalization causing the world's cultures to merge into a single global culture....
6 Pages (1500 words) Assignment

Intercultural Communication

hellip; Despite being of significant importance, social media also has its negative implications as far as cross-cultural communication is concerned.... This report "Intercultural communication" discusses Intercultural communication as a tool in the present world that plays a very significant role in the day to day life.... communication is an essential ingredient of such diversity, and though it is defined as the allotment of meaning and understanding, culture has had its effects on such a phenomenon and as such, a new terminology has evolved which is referred to as intercultural communication....
8 Pages (2000 words) Report
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us