United Kingdom: communication, negotiations and cultural
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Transcript United Kingdom: communication, negotiations and cultural
United Kingdom
communication, negotiations
and cultural background
By Adam Kowol and Edyta Szumieł
Presentation outline
Cultural background
Verbal communication
Non-verbal communication
Practical tips for negotiators
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Dimensions of culture
Universalism (versus particularism)
Individualism (versus communitarianism)
Specificity (versus diffuseness)
Status by achievement (versus ascription)
Sequential (versus synchronic)
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Universalism
Universalist approach:
Implications:
„What is good and right can be defined and always
applies”
contracts are very important, always in writing, „a deal is a
deal” (unwilling to renegotiate deals)
lawyers are introduced into the process of negotiation
personal relationship often ignored, negotiators tend to get
down to business quickly
rational and professional arguments
uniform procedures imposed by the head office
transparency and consistency
4
Individualism
People regard themselves primarily as
individuals rather than as part of a group
Implications:
more frequent use of "I" form
a single representative feels comfortable taking decisions
personal responsibility, no need to consult with superiors
consensus is not deemed necessary (no need to convince everyone)
the decision-making process is short
risk: delays in the implementation phase, disparity between decision
and implementation
during negotiations the translator is supposed to be neutral
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Specificity
Low-context culture:
Implications:
not much background information is required for effective
communication
not afraid of losing face
do not take things personally
straightforward communication, open criticism
work and private life are sharply separated
don't mix business with pleasure
personal questions are not welcome
they get straight to the point (from specific to general)
importance of specific, measurable objectives
meetings have clear structure (timing, agendas)
only relevant titles and skills are worth mentioning
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Achievement-oriented
culture
You are judged on what you have
accomplished:
status is not attributed by birth, kinship, connections,
gender or age
Implications:
the first question is likely to be "What did you study?", not
"Where did you study?"
academic titles are often considered irrelevant in business
environment
importance of data and technical considerations
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Time as sequence
Time is a series of passing events
Implications:
importance of schedules
preference for following initial plans
it is rude to be even a few minutes late
time is money
8
A commanding social
presence
Desired qualities of a gentleman:
grace
good style
sense of humour
eloquence
composure
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Other cultural
characteristics
the British prefer talking over doing
form is very important
they pay more attention to numbers
(e.g. financial data) than material
products
preoccupied with abstract ideas
public debates and discussions are
out of touch with reality
10
Verbal communication
Content
Form
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Content
Low-context:
concentrate on the subject matter
Topics:
the English are generally open-minded
welcome topics:
the weather, sports, current affairs, British
history, culture and popular music
avoid personal questions and topics such as
politics or religion
12
British humour
Often used to release emotions
General features:
puns
nonsense
smut and innuendo
black humour
eccentricity
satire and sarcasm
understatement and irony
13
Form
Do not interrupt anybody
Speak in complete sentences
Avoid sloppy language
Phrase sentences correctly
14
Non-verbal communication
Kinesics
Oculesics
Haptics
Proxemics
Paralanguage
Object communication
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Kinesics
Gestures:
British gestures are restrained
excessive gesticulation can come across as
aggressive behaviour
Facial expressions:
emotional displays, positive or negative, are
frowned upon
the British "keep a stiff upper lip"
facial expressions are kept to a minimum
16
Oculesics
Prolonged eye-to-eye contact can be
interpreted as impolite behaviour
17
Haptics
Touching is avoided, only handshake
is acceptable
Backslapping and hugging are not
welcome
18
Proxemics
Do not intrude into their personal
space
Keep your interlocutor at arm’s
length
Stand next to each other rather than
opposite
19
Paralanguage
Definition
part of nonverbal communication
how something is said rather than what
is said
Talk in a monotone
Speak in low, measured tones
without raising the voice
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Object communication
Clothing
conservative dress is the norm
a dark suit is recommended
extremely informal clothing is not
considered appropriate
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Practical tips
Make appointments a few days in advance
Exchange business cards
Be polite and friendly, even under stress
"How do you do?" is a greeting, not a question
Smile a lot
Make sure you have clean shoes and fingernails
Remember names
Do not overstay your welcome
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