1. LECTURE 10: COMMUNICATING ACROSS CULTURES
BUS 251
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

2. THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Businesses are becoming increasingly global in their operations.
Being able to communicate across cultures is necessary in these operations.
Specifically, it helps in satisfying customer needs, gaining additional business, getting along with co-workers, hiring good people, and avoiding misinterpretations.

3. THREE MAJOR FACTORS THAT AFFECT CULTURE
What is the topography of the country you are studying?
What is the country’s history?
What role does religion play in the culture?

4. ETHNOCENTRISM
The tendency to see only your own cultural programming as “normal”.
Remember that businesspeople the world over share many of the same goals.
Learn about others’ cultures to avoid ethnocentrism and to enhance your cross cultural communication.

5. BODY POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTS
How people use body positions and body movements varies across cultures.
How people walk, gesture, smile, and touch differs from culture to culture.
Understanding others’ body movements is important in cross-cultural communication.

6. VIEWS AND PRACTICES CONCERNING FACTORS OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
Different cultures differ in their ways of relating to people.
Specifically, they differ in their practices and thinking concerning
time,
space,
odours,
frankness,
social hierarchy,
workplace values,
social behaviour,
Expression of emotion.

7. VIEWS AND PRACTICES CONCERNING FACTORS OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
We should not use our own culture’s practices as standards for interpreting and evaluating the practices of those from other cultures.
Instead, we should try to understand other cultures and adapt our communication styles accordingly.

8. PROBLEMS OF LANGUAGE Lack of language equivalency
Difficulties with English
Slang and Colloquialism

9. SLANG 8

10. PROBLEMS OF LANGUAGE Lack of language equivalency.
Difficulties with English.
Slang and colloquialisms

11. ADVICE FOR COMMUNICATING ACROSS CULTURES
Do your research.
Know yourself and your company.
Be aware-and wary-of stereotypes.
Adapt your English to your audience.
Be open to change.