Chapter 4 Communicating across Cultures Power Point by

Chapter 4: Communicating across Cultures Power. Point by Hettie A. Richardson Louisiana State University © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Opening Profile: Keeping Your Foot out of Your Mouth n Small slips can be big errors: n “Hello, wife of the boss” n “Thank you for your hostility” n Patting someone on the head n Do you shake hands, bow, hug, or kiss when meeting someone? 2 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Cultural Noise Behavior American: “How long will it take to finish this report? ” Attribution American: I asked him to participate. Greek: He is the boss. Why doesn’t he tell me? Greek: “I don’t know. How long should it take? ” American: He refuses to take responsibility. Greek: I asked for an order. 3 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Trust in Communication n Business transactions based on long-standing vs. arm’s length relationships n High propensity to trust: Nordic countries, China, Canada, US, Britain n Low propensity to trust: Brazil, Turkey, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia 4 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

The GLOBE Project and Communication n High performance orientation (e. g. , US) present objective information directly and explicitly n Low assertiveness (e. g. , Sweden) two-way discourse and friendly relationships n High humane orientation (e. g. , Ireland) avoid conflict, be supportive 5 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Cultural Variables in Communication n Attitudes n Stereotyping n Social organization n e. g. , United Auto Workers (UAW) n Thought patterns n The meaning of double lines 6 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Cultural Variables in Communication n Roles n Language n “Come out of the grave with Pepsi” n When “yes” doesn’t mean “yes” 7 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Cultural Variables in Communication n Nonverbal communication n Kinesic behavior (e. g. , sticking out the tongue in China) n Proxemics (e. g. , the corner office, closeness when talking) n Paralanguage (e. g. , the sound of silence) n Object language (e. g. , monochronic vs. polychronic) 8 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Management Focus: Oriental Poker Face n “Oriental poker face” and “idiotic Asian smile” n American mask of confidence 9 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Comparative Management in Focus: Communicating with Arabs n Arabs are quick to “sound off” n Communication is built on friendship, honor, hospitality n Arabs are high-contact communicators n Time is key in communication process 10 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Communication Channels n Information systems n Speed of information flow and use n Informal sources of information n Ningensei vs. adversarial 11 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Information Technology n Global reach does not necessarily mean global business n The web is impersonal, but may require greater cultural sensitivity n There is a predicted annual growth rate of 70% for non-English-language cites and usage 12 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Managing Cross-cultural Communication n Develop cultural sensitivity n Anticipate the meaning the receiver will get n Careful encoding n Use words, pictures, and gestures n Avoid slang, idioms, regional sayings 13 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Managing Cross-cultural Communication n Selective transmission n Build relationships face-to-face if possible n Careful decoding of feedback n Get feedback from multiple parties n Improve listening and observation skills n Follow-up actions 14 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall

Facilitating Intercultural Communication n Openness n Resilience 15 © 2008 Pearson Prentice Hall