Communication & The Global Context Chapter 3 Business Communication & The Global Context by Syed Maqsood Ahmed Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Concept of Culture Culture refers to the behavioral characteristic typical of a group. Intercultural communication is a process of sending & receiving messages B/W people whose cultural background lead to interpret signs differently, verbally or nonverbally. Effective intercultural communication opens up business opportunities around the world & improves the contribution of employees in a diverse workforce. Examples: IBM, Telenor, Microsoft, SEIMENS…… Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Advantages of Multicultural Workforce Communication among people of diverse cultural backgrounds & life experiences is not always easy but doing it successfully can create tremendous advantages. Even if you never visit another country or transact business on global scale, you have to interact with co-workers from different cultures. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Advantages of Multicultural Workforce Employees form different cultures offer broader spectrum of viewpoint & ideas help companies to understand & identify with diverse markets. Your skill to recognize different cultural can open up business opportunities through out the globe. It enables a company to have a broadest possible pool of talent from around the globe. Like every country opens its immigrations. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Cultural Differences Hello style in different countries and even in different areas within the country. Bow down, hand shake, hugs, kisses, Thanks styles. Offer to eat something styles Date style Name style Syed Maqsood Ahmed

National Cultural Variables Education Law & Regulations Economics Politics Religion Social Norms Languages Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Education Management education including training in business communication is more prevalent in the United States than in other countries of the world, some countries have no academic courses in communication courses TQM courses is a must in Japan. In Europe certificates & Diplomas. In Pakistan & India Degrees. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Law & Regulations In developed and developing nations various government law & regulation affect business communication & sale of products. Example, advertising directed at children is restricted in United States, Canada. like cigarettes is restricted in Europe and money spent on advertisement is limited. Use of foreign languages in advertisement is restricted in France, Quebec & Mexico. Iran Scarf's,. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Economics Availability of capital & the standard of living per capita vary from nation to nation. The opportunity to borrow money, interest rates, rate of inflation and the exchange rates influence business & country’s ability to communicate concerning that business. Like prices of Oil set by OPEC in some countries while others set their own prices. UAE free ports. Others have barriers . Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Politics Politics also effects business communication A company’s willingness to do business in an unclear political environment, or in country like where government is instable difficult. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Religion In connection with religion there is great need for tolerance. One should be very careful religious beliefs in foreign countries . Although some basic beliefs overlap, there are major differences that if not understood can result even in personal harm. Alcohol, concept of Halal & Haram, Religious holidays, Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Social Norms Beyond the immediate family a bond may exist between persons, based on caste, class, age or even special interests. One should be aware of a nation’s social norms. A nation’s social norms affected in various ways through environmental constraints that are Education Law & Regulations Economics Politics Religion Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Language Everyone agreed on the point that the knowing of the language of your host country is the most significant contributor to effective & improved communication, on an individual & business level. Both the sender & receiver have to understand the common language for successful communication. English is world knowing language but it would be a great edge if you know the basic vocabulary of native language of country you are visiting for business or job purposes. Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Individual Cultural Variables All people value their individual freedom. Often this personal freedom is expressed in one’s own ethic diversity. Thus within each culture there are individual differences in verbal & nonverbal communication. These differences can be expressed through Time Space Food Acceptable Dress Manners Decision Making Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Time Knowing cultural perceptions of time helps you understanding personal responses Pakistan, India: You may wait an hour & your host will not show disrespect UK, Germany: English are time precise rarely you have to wait for an appointment. Middle East: people take afternoon naps close business Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Space Food: Pakistan 2. China Saudi Arab Europe That means how close may strangers stand to you Saudi Arabia or UAE: Stay close and even breath brushes you in conversation Pakistan or India: USA, Europe: Want more room while talking to each others if you stay close they consider you as rude, pushy or overbearing. Food: Pakistan 2. China Saudi Arab Europe Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Acceptable Dress It is better to ask about the mode of dress for an occasion in your host country than to risk making any mistake Pakistan: Colours or Types of dresses Europe: Middle East: China & Japan: Scotland: Syed Maqsood Ahmed

Manners Some cultural researchers suggest that you observe children in foreign cultures because by watching them you can learn the behavioural habits of elders. Pakistan: Europe: Middle East: Decision Making :So decision making may differ from individual to individual in various countries. We can look in example of following countries. America: Middle East: Syed Maqsood Ahmed