1. Chapter 5 Intercultural Communication
Universitas Ciputra
Business Communication: Pocess & Product, 8e
Guffey & Loewy
Business Communication
Even Semester 2014/2015
International Business Management

2. Increasing Importance of Intercultural Communication
Globalization of markets
Technological advancements
General global interconnectivity
Multicultural workforce

3. Characteristics of Culture
Culture is learned
Culture is inherently logical
Culture is the basis for individual and community identity
Culture is dynamic

4. Dimensions of Culture Context Working style Time orientation Formality
Communication style

5. Characteristics of High and Low-Context Cultures
High Context Cultures
Relational
Collectivist
Intuitive
Contemplative
High Context
Japanese
Arab
Latin America
Spanish
English
Italian
French
N. American
Scandinavian
German
Swiss
Low Context Cultures
Logical
Linear
Individualistic
Action-oriented
Low Context

6. Dimensions of Culture WORKING STYLE
High-context : value group membership/decision/discussion
Low-context: value individualism
Formality
High-context: place more emphasis on tradition,
ceremony, and social rules
Low-context : place less emphasis on such
activities

7. Dimensions of Culture Communication style Time orientation
High-context : rely on non-verbal cues to communicate. Meanings are embedded at many socio cultural levels.
Low-context : emphasize words, straightforwardness, and openness.
Time orientation
High-context : Time is money. Value punctuality.
Low-context : Take time to decide. More relaxed.

8. Improving Intercultural Oral Communication
Learn foreign phrases
Use simple English
Speak slowly and clearly
Observe eye messages
Encourage accurate feedback
Check frequently for comprehension
Accept blame
Listen without interrupting
Remember to smile
Follow up in writing

9. Improving Intercultural Written Communication
Adjust your writing style and tone
Avoid humor to prevent misunderstandings
Use short sentences and short paragraphs
Mind titles and ranks
Avoid ambiguous expressions
Strive for clarity
Use correct grammar
Cite numbers carefully

10. Improving Communications In A Diverse Workplace
Seek training
Understand the value of differences
Don’t expect conformity
Make fewer assumptions

11. Proverbs Reflect Culture
What do these proverbs tell us about a culture and its values?
US Proverbs
“He who holds the gold makes the rules”
“The early bird gets the worm”
Chinese Proverbs
“A man who waits for a roast duck to fly into his mouth must wait a very, very long time”
“A man who says it cannot be done should not interrupt a man doing it”

17. Customs & Habit Yellow blooms signify deceit
1. Giving Flowers in Russia
Yellow blooms signify deceit
or a relationship break-up.
Skip red carnations.
Traditionally, red carnations
are placed on the graves of
the dead, or are offered to
surviving war veterans.

18. Customs & Habit Clocks, handkerchiefs, straw
2. Giving Gifts in China
Clocks, handkerchiefs, straw
sandals and flowers are all
associated with death and
funerals in China.

19. Customs & Habit When tucking into a meal in
3. Adding Salt in Egypt
When tucking into a meal in
Egypt, try to avoid using the
salt-shaker. It’s insulting to
your host to sprinkle salt on
your food. If you have to
season your plate, it means
that you find the meal’s taste
repulsive.

20. Customs & Habit Here’s one place where being
4. Being Punctual in Venezuela
Here’s one place where being
early or on time is viewed as
being rude. If you are invited
over to someone’s home for a
meal, it’s recommended that
you arrive mins late.
Early or on time guests are
viewed as being too eager,
even greedy.

21. Customs & Habit Gift giving should be a happy,
5. Giving Gifts in Netherlands
Gift giving should be a happy,
positive experience. When
selecting a present for
someone in the Netherlands,
don’t purchase fancy kitchen
knives or scissors. Giving
sharp, pointy objects as gifts
is considered unlucky.

22. Customs & Habit This old custom dates back to
6. Clinking Glasses in Hungary
This old custom dates back to
the 1849 war with Austria.
After defeating Hungarian
forces and savagely killing
thirteen of their military’s
leaders, Austrian generals
were celebrating by smugly
clinking glasses and drinking
beer.

23. Customs & Habit It’s rude to discuss business
7. Talking Business in Bolivia
It’s rude to discuss business
during social occasions, such
as a wedding, or dinner party.
If you’re attending a business
lunch or dinner, wait until your
host brings up the subject of
work. They may want to talk
about family first before going
into business.

24. Customs & Habit When doing business in Turkey, it’s the custom for
8. Dining in Turkey
When doing business in
Turkey, it’s the custom for
your host to pay for your meal.
Requests to split the bill will
be viewed as a polite gesture,
but won’t be accepted. If you
would like to pay your fair
share, Turks recommend
inviting your host to a follow-
up meal.

25. Customs & Habit Be mindful of your pen’s ink
9. Using Red Colour in Korea
Be mindful of your pen’s ink
colour. Scrawling a person’s
name in red ink traditionally
signifies that the person is
deceased – an important point
to remember when giving a
birthday card.

26. Customs & Habit In Finland, sauna is a popular
10. Sauna Invitation in Finland
In Finland, sauna is a popular
way to relax and socialize with
family and friends. Don’t be
surprised if your business
meeting is followed up with an
invitation to the sauna. If you
receive such a request, rest
assured that your business
meeting went well.