PANHA CHIET UNIVERSITY Bachelor Programs – Year 4 Intercultural Communication in The Global Workplace Fifth Edition Iris Varner & Linda Beamer

Businesspeople will be well served to understand the symbols of authority and power such as nonverbal behavior, position, and appearance signal level of authority and power. -Authority: The moral or legal right or ability to control. -The United Nations has used its authority to restore peace in the area. -Power: Ability to control people and events -Ex: I've no power over him - he does what he wants to.

Signals of Respect The nonverbal signal of respect can be obvious or subtle, and can be different from culture to culture. For example, The Japanese bow, the depth of bow clearly indicate who rank higher. The subordinate must bow lower. In the Western cultures, younger people hold the door open for the older people, subordinates open the doors for supervisors, and men open the door for women.

Positions of Authority In all cultures, certain positions and professions enjoy a high level of authority. For example: -In many societies, medical doctors have prestige because they can help the sick. - The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean students would not think of talking with or questioning their professors because they think the teachers are persons who commend respect.

Dress as a Symbol of Authority The standard business dress around the world is the suit, shirt and tie for men, and some sort of suit or dress for women. Sometime businesspeople must be aware of local customs and traditions.

Understanding where a culture rank on the power distance scale can be helpful when one is working with a businessperson from other cultures. The use of language is an indicator of authority. Tone and Behavior of Power and Authority – Claims to democracy and equality are symbols of power and authority, especially everywhere in the United State. – The size and location of an office and type of furniture indicate power. – Business relies on relationships and trust, so agreements take time and can not be rushed.

Language as an Indicator of Power and Authority in Most Cultures – Japan provide a good example of the way language is used to establish authority. The language subordinates differs from the language supervisors use. For example, a boss talk to a subordinate man, he use the suffix kun, Nakasone-kun, and a subordinate talk to a boss, he use The last name and title or the title and san, Abe-kacho or kacho-san – In Western cultures, people use only pronoun I and You, referring their parents, spouse, friends, co- workers, or bosses. NameSuffix Name of boss Title (chief) Suffix

Family and Societal Structures as Indicators of Power So far we have discussed the tone and language of power, but in most cultures power also is conveyed by social groupings and structures of groups. Most Arabs are used to this structure and accept the authority of a person as long as if is clear that person is officially in charge.

-Assertiveness: describing someone who behaves confidently and is not frightened to say what they want or believe -Harmony: Being peaceful and agree with each other, or when things seem right or suitable together -Assertiveness versus peacekeeping (Harmony). Businesspeople from assertive cultures may lose out on contacts partners who come from cultures that emphasize harmony

-U.S. Businesspeople believe in assertiveness training (a way of teaching people how to communicate confidently and get what they want without annoying others ). -In contrast to Western assertiveness stands the concept of peace and harmony in Asian cultures.

monetary reward Rewards for performance are based on cultural priorities. In some cultures, the major sign of success is a monetary reward. In other cultures, nonmonetary rewards may be a more significant recognition of performance. Monetary Recognition Cultures that emphasize relationships over individual achievement, such as a salary. In the United State, for example, recognition of achievement is reflected in one’s salary.

Nonmonetary Rewards Appropriate recognition must be based on cultural motivators and culturally acceptable norms, such as recognition by powerful people. The culture that do not put high value on individuality. Nobody alone can reach the top and as the result, companies tend to reward every one. For example, everyone get a bonus – everyone get to go on the a trip.

Conventions for Extending Invitations – The invitation is a gesture of welcome and goodwill and do not necessary mean that the person issuing the invitation to become a close friend. – The invitation is similar to the social question “How are you?” which do not require an answer other than “Thank you.”

– Open hospitality is not universal. – Guests in Japanese homes must follow certain custom such as taking off one’s shoes and some family provide slippers for guests. – Arabs may invite outsiders into their home more easily than the Japanese do, but the outsiders will be only permitted in the official or public place of the house, and women are typically not present while the outsiders are in the house.

Mixing Social Engagement and Business – The host sets the agenda and guides the visitor, and will determine where to met for lunch or dinner such as a bar, nightclub, restaurant or at home. The host will also invite the appropriate persons and the arrangements may be fairly easy. – No culture is right or wrong; cultures are different and we approach business communications differently. – Businesspeople should learn how the other side approaches business and what the principles of hospitality are.

Appropriate Behavior for Hosts and Guests – If you follow the custom of hospitality in a particular culture, your foreign business partner will look at you as sensitive and respectful behaviors. cocktail party – A typical U.S. symbol of hospitality is the cocktail party. The goal of cocktail party is to meet as many people as possible. For example, in Canada and the United State, guests may linger after the meal or dinner, whereas in Japan and China the host and guests will get up shortly after the meal is over and say their good-byes.

Gift Giving – Companies have specific rules for gift giving in a business context. – In many cultures, it is appropriate to take small gifts when one is invited to join or enjoy the hospitalities. For example - In Northern Europe, a fitting gift is flowers or chocolates for hostess. - In France, a bottle of wine - In japan, gifts are very important. – In the United State and German, the recipient of the gift is expected to open the gift immediately. – In japan and China, never open the presents while the giver is around.

Holiday Greeting Many companies in Western countries send Christmas cards or season’s greeting to their suppliers, customers, business associates, and government contacts. The Japanese send New Year’s card; Taiwanese send Lunar New Year’s card. The timing of greeting also is very important. Holiday greetings in most countries are expected to arrive on time, preferably before the holiday. In France, however, season’s greetings can be sent until the end of January.

Different cultures have different views of what is ethical. What is consideration ethical behavior depends at least to some extent on cultural priorities and philosophical viewpoints.

Mid-Term Examination Mid-Term Examination will be held on July 9, 2014 – at 6: 30 – 8: 00 PM Someone absent on the exam time will be penalized in zero