1. International Communications
Chapter 3
International Business

2. Understanding Communications
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication holds things together
People must be able to reach and understand each other to overcome differences, get along and accomplish goals
Communicating Across Cultures
Business and International relation must have effective communication when trying to send and receive messages

3. Understanding Communication
Verbal Communication
Communication: Transmitting, receiving, and processing information
Interpersonal – one to one
Organizational – business setting
Language: The medium of communication through words, symbols, numbers, characters or nonverbal cues
Verbal Communication: Sending messages by using words that are spoken or written.

4. Understanding Communication
Language and International Business
Language and Word Gender
Every language has unique features/differences
Differences make learning new languages more difficult
Business people can learn a few basic terms and phrases to promote courtesy and show interest
Using Nouns and Verbs
Complications in learning sequence & order of nouns and verbs
English = Noun before verb, most of the world = verb before noun

5. Understanding Communication
Using Alphabets and Characters
Many languages have different alphabets with different characters and letters
Using English
Many companies choose to use the English language when doing Business
Most used language on the internet
Outside of Business?

6. Understanding Communication
Verbal Communication Challenges
How People Speak
Speak very quickly in native language
Learn phrase for “Please speak more slowly”
Slang: Type of speech used in recreational settings
Can be confusing and frustrating
Technical Terms
Unique names for computer parts, nath symbols
Important to learn these terms

7. Understanding Communication
Time for Translation
Translations cause pauses or time lapses in communication
Focus on speaker, not translator
Social Behavior and Communication
Difference in behavior between high and low context
High = More figurative (Japan)
Low = Words taken more literally (U.S.)
Other Challenges
Noun-Verb Agreement
Singular-Plural Issues
Imprecise Translation
ESL: Slow down pace/speed, look for clarification, ask for confirmation

8. Understanding Communication
Learning Communication Strategies
Learning Key Phrases
Know what language best serves the business relationship (Many countries have more than one language)
Learn how to use key words and business phrases
Using Names
Know how/what to address someone
Name, title, rank
Using Business Cards
Study culture before handing out Business cards

9. Understanding Communication
Other Differences to Consider
Time Zone Difference
Know the time of day you are calling from and too
Currency Differences
Know the exchange rates
The Metric System
Know meters, liters, and Celsius
Trade Documentation
Papers and documents used to legally export and import goods
Use experts or software systems to help

10. Nonverbal Communication
Sending a message without the use of words
Can focus on facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture
Other signals can relay nonverbal messages
All nonverbal expressions are influenced by:
Cultural factors
Methods of Communication
Specific Business Activities
3.2

11. Nonverbal Communication
Cultural Factors
Numbers
Look for significant #’s in certain cultures
13 is unlucky in U.S. (No 13th floor), 11 is the same in Asia
Ground Floor not considered 1st floor in Europe
Emblems (Symbols)
Jewelry
Use in advertising
Personal Appearance
Different customs for shaving
What must be worn (women must cover faces, men covering heads)
U.S. men remove hats while eating or entering an office

12. Nonverbal Communication
Colors
Different meanings depending on the nation
Be careful about choosing acceptable colors to wear
Smells
Be aware of different responses to smells
Foods
Customs vary in different cultures

13. Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Methods of Communication
Time
Punctuality, work days, work weeks
Dining and resting times
Silence
Has different meaning
Quiet room indicates lack of life, rude to sit quietly
Can indicate respect or attention
Personal Space
Standing far apart or close together
Body and Eye Contact
Touching has different effects throughout the world
Looking someone in the eye or looking away

14. Nonverbal Communication
Business Behaviors in Other Cultures
Major Holidays
Holidays involve more than just taking a day off
Religious Holidays and Secular Holidays
Need to be acquainted with customs of holidays
Dining, dress, gifts
Giving and Receiving Gifts
Knowing what to give is important
Never embarrass the person giving the gift, even if you don’t like it.
Gift – An item given to convey good will
Bribe- An item or money offered to entice the receiver to do something illegal or unethical
Expatriate – Person that relocates to a foreign country to live and work
Acculturation – The process of understanding, adapting to and operating in a foreign culture

15. Nonverbal Communication
Business Behavior and Communication
Business Protocol
The steps for receiving business visitors are a major part of business protocol
Learn as much as possible about the person and their culture
Be prepared
Conducting a Meeting
Steps on P. 67

16. Nonverbal Communication
Business Entertainment
Goals – Set goals for the event
Location
Small event – restaurant, private venue, office
Large event – hotel, convention center
Special Arrangements
Music or performances
Golf, tickets to sporting or entertainment events
The person must have an interest in this
Choosing a gift
Choose something appropriate for the occasion

17. Conducting a Meeting Choose a country that you will do business in:
Research business etiquette for this country
Research each of the ten steps listed on page 67 for conducting a meeting
Also research non verbal communication factors
Numbers -Colors
Emblems -Smells
Personal Appearance -Foods
Write a short Report on your findings