Intercultural communication is of importance to international businesses as it examines how people from different cultures, beliefs and religions come together to work and communicate with each other.
With more businesses going global or international the demands for intercultural communication skills are increasing. The realization is that there are barriers and limitations by going global or international. Without understanding the importance of intercultural communication many businesses unknowingly cause confusion and misunderstandings among company lines. It is imperative for businesses to fully understand that cultural differences exist and how to prevent damaging business relations due to intercultural communication gaps.
Understanding Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication in its most basic form refers to an academic field of study and research. It seeks to understand how people from different countries and cultures behave, communicate and perceive the world around them. As businesses becomes more and more international, many companies need to know how best to structure their companies; manage staff and communicate with customers. Intercultural communication gives companies an insight into the areas that need to be addresses and understood.
Additional information on intercultural communication:
The Intercultural Communication Institute - http://www.intercultural.org/
The Centre for Intercultural Training and Research - http://www.intercultural.org.uk/
SIETAR - http://www.sietar.org.uk/
Although the term "intercultural communication" is often used in reference to communication issues that arise with an organization composed of individuals from different backgrounds.
Businesses that facilitate effective communication (both written and verbal) have a greater chance to succeed in the business world. The importance of effective intercultural communication can hardly be overstated.
An important factor in intercultural communication is language. Language can ultimately be considered the cornerstone of Intercultural Communication. Differences in culture reflect themselves in a variety of ways. For example, one cultural norm may have a significantly different conception of time than another, or a different idea of what constitutes appropriate body language and personal space when engaged in conversation.
“Language issues are becoming a considerable source of conflict and inefficiency in the increasingly diverse work force throughout the world…. No corporation can be competitive if co-workers avoid, don't listen to, perceive as incompetent, or are intolerant of employees who have problems with the language. In addition, these attitudes could be carried over into their interactions with customers who speak English as a second language, resulting in disastrous effects on customer relations and, thus, the corporate bottom line."
Intercultural, cross-cultural, culture...
The importance of communication can not be underestimated by no means of the imagination. I had accepted a graduate assistance position at Marshall University while working on a master’s in Adult and Technical Education in Training and Development. I was assisting a professor in a classroom, for a course that I was taking online. Part of the course assignment was to develop a training program and present the program either by video or in the classroom. While assisting the professor in explaining to students the format for the assignment, my professor assigned me to two students that were having difficulties in developing their program. Little did I know that I was going to learn more regarding communication among cultures. One team member was from Japan and the other China. Not only was there the language barrier, also the presentation style. All in all, the assignment was successful and I had gained some wonderful friends from the experience.
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Inter cultural communication is important to international business for many reasons. This is what brings individuals of different cultures, beliefs, and religions to come together to work and communicate with each other.
ReplyDeleteAs society progresses as does the intercultural communication skills. These communication skills are necessary so companies can get the full understanding of what a company is all about. Cultural differences, verbal and non verbal norms, and how they communicate in the workplace is very important for success. This merges the intercultural communication gaps, and this is great for corporations all over the world.
One very important factor is non verbal and verbal norms. If these norms are not interpreted to the companies that are in communication this can end in a disaster. Researching and knowing companies’ history is what can make or break a business deal.
This intercultural communication is what needs to continue to grow and with this there will many businesses that encounter success.
As was previously stated, intercultural communication has become important in the globalization of business. While this is very true, another aspect of intercultural communication that we are all participating in within the arena of higher education.
ReplyDeleteWhile in college, you bring your own specific viewpoints, values, and beliefs from your hometown to a melting pot at the university. There are local students, those from states across the country, and international students coming from all corners of the globe. In addition, we also will encounter instructors and professors who are equally as diverse. We must learn to communicate between the different cultures that are present in our environment to be the most efficient communicator possible.
Even working in this team for the semester has been a lesson in intercultural communication. Each of our team members has a very different background and brings various cultural aspects of communication to the table. We've had to learn the best ways to communicate with each other to have the best outcomes possible.
http://www.diplomacy.edu/Language/Communication/default.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247
http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Tips-for-Cross-Cultural-Communication&id=2196
According to the 21st century trend globalization intercultural communication is becoming an issue that needs to be addressed within business. Each culture communicates differently, through verbal and nonverbal communication different words and body movements mean different things across cultures. Before communicating or attempting to communicate across cultures it is important that companies do sufficient research on the customs and culture of the people they are communicating with. Most companies will hire an outside firm or a consultant to train their employees how to communicate with the specific culture. Intercultural communication is challenging because it’s not just about learning another cultures language. As Alicia stated personal space, and body language are important but other things such as when to speak, where to sit and how to greet people are also involved. Tone of voice and dress must also be consider because different cultures communicate with dress and tone of voice differently then we do. The most important thing to remember when communicating across cultures is that we can not be culturally egocentric and we must consider the audience of our communication.
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