Transcript Slide 1

Chapter 2
Communicating
Across Cultures
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material
solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or
distribution in any manner. This document may not be copied,
scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a
website, in whole or part.
Chapter Overview
• Why cross-cultural communication is critical to
business
• Dimensions of cultural difference
– Body positions and movements
– Factors of human relationships
• Problems of language
• Advice for communicating across cultures
• Enhancing cross-cultural communication skills
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Why Cross-Cultural Communication?
• Technological advances, such as interactive and
mobile communication, have fueled globalization.
• Effective international communication helps you
design products that meet global market needs
and win business.
• Successful communication with international
coworkers improves workplace productivity.
• Communicating with those from other cultures
enriches your business and personal life.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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What Is Culture?
“The collective programming of the mind
which distinguishes the members of one
category of people from another.”
--Dutch sociologist Geert Hofstede’s
definition of culture
Do you agree? How would you define
culture?
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Culture: Questions for Discussion
• What is culture?
• What kinds of factors have influenced national
cultures?
• How have the Internet and increasing global
trade affected cultural differences?
• Why are people able to do business across
different cultures? What do businesspeople have
in common the world over?
• What is ethnocentrism and how does it impair
cross-cultural business relations?
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Factors Impacting Culture
• Topography
• History
• Religion
Sensitivity to these factors helps you avoid
ethnocentrism.
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not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Different Meanings of Body Language
• The body (bowing, standing)
• Did you know squatting is a very common
business practice in some countries?
• Head movement
• Shaking the head “yes” or “no” means little in
some cultures.
• Hand gestures
• The “peace” sign is considered vulgar in Australia,
and the “OK” sign is insulting in Russia, Germany,
and Brazil!
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Handshakes Across Cultures
• Americans—firm, 5-7 pumps
• Germans—brusque, firm single pump
• French—light, quick, not offered to
superiors, may include a double kiss
• British—soft, 3-5 pumps
• Arabs—gentle, long-lasting, sometimes
with kisses on both cheeks
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Factors of Human Relationships
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Time
Space
Odors
Frankness
Social hierarchy
Workplace values
Expressions of emotion
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not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Three Theoretical Frames
• Edward T. Hall
• High-Context vs. Low-Context
• Geert Hofstede
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Power Distance
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Masculinity vs. Femininity
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation
• Richard D. Lewis
• Linear-Actives, Multi-Actives, and Reactives
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Business Communication Differences
• Your textbook was written for U.S. readers.
• Guidelines for writing messages may not apply
to all cultures:
• The British prefer a direct approach to negative
messages.
• Asian cultures may view our communication style
as too direct.
• Even social networking preferences vary from
culture to culture.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Problems of Language
• Lack of Language Equivalency
• Difficulties with English
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Multiple meanings of words
Two-word verbs
Slang and colloquialisms
Culturally derived words/phrases
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not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Multiple Meanings of Words
Possible meanings of run:
• To move fast
• To compete for office
• A score in baseball
• A break in a stocking
• A fading of colors
Can you think of more?
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not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Two-Word Verbs
Two-Word Verb
Substitute
act out
demonstrate
keyed up
excited, nervous
live down
remove, overcome
go after
pursue
get around
prevent, avoid
tie down
hold, secure
track down
search, find
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Tips: Communicating Cross-Culturally
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Do your research.
Know yourself and your company.
Be aware—and wary—of stereotypes.
Adapt your English to your audience.
– Talk or write as simply and clearly as possible.
– Word questions carefully.
– Use continuous confirmation.
• Be open to change.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any manner. This document may
not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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