Podcast
Questions and Answers
Explain how relying too much on one language in international business can be risky.
Explain how relying too much on one language in international business can be risky.
Relying too much on one language can lead to miscommunication and less sensitivity towards other cultures.
Describe a key difference in communication style between high-context and low-context cultures.
Describe a key difference in communication style between high-context and low-context cultures.
Low-context cultures, such as those in the USA and Europe, tend to say what they mean directly. High-context cultures rely more on implied meanings and context.
How might the Japanese respond to a business pitch, and how is it typically interpreted?
How might the Japanese respond to a business pitch, and how is it typically interpreted?
Japanese negotiators may say, 'We are going to study your proposal and get back to you.' In their high-context culture, this often implicitly means 'no.'
Negotiating in Japan typically involves building trust. How is this achieved?
Negotiating in Japan typically involves building trust. How is this achieved?
Identify at least two potential barriers to communication that can arise when businesses communicate across borders, as mentioned in the text.
Identify at least two potential barriers to communication that can arise when businesses communicate across borders, as mentioned in the text.
Flashcards
High-Context Culture
High-Context Culture
Communication where meaning is conveyed through context and non-verbal cues, common in Asian cultures.
Low-Context Culture
Low-Context Culture
Communication where meaning is explicitly stated in words, common in the USA and Europe.
Gestural Miscommunication
Gestural Miscommunication
Using gestures common in one location which may have different meanings in other locations.
Socializing in Negotiations
Socializing in Negotiations
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Barriers to Communication
Barriers to Communication
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Study Notes
Language and Unintended Meanings
- Understanding languages facilitates international business communication and relationship building.
- Over-reliance on one language can cause miscommunication and cultural insensitivity.
High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures
- Communication extends beyond language, cultural context influences interpretation.
- Low-context cultures (USA, Europe) value directness and literal interpretation.
- Low-context cultures prioritize business before socializing, formal documentation is key.
- High-context cultures (Asian) communication implies more than what is said.
- In high-context cultures "yes" may not indicate agreement.
- In high-context cultures initial meetings build trust, socializing precedes negotiations.
- Socializing builds relationships for further negotiation stages in high-context cultures.
- Japanese negotiators may say "We are going to study your proposal and get back to you" which often means "no."
- Japanese culture avoids using "no" in negotiations.
- Verbal and physical communication can cause challenges, gestures vary across cultures.
Gestures
- Thumbs-up gestures are offensive in Australia, Greece, and the Middle East.
- The 'OK' sign can be offensive in Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and Russia.
- Pointing with the index finger is offensive in China, Japan, Indonesia, Latin America, Africa, and parts of Europe.
- Curling the index finger to indicate "come here" is offensive in Greece, Pakistan, parts of Africa, and Asia.
- Using the left hand to give/receive items or eat is offensive in India, Nepal, and the Middle East.
- Clicking fingers is offensive in Latin America.
Overcoming Communication Barriers
- Avoid unclear communication from poorly written/spoken messages.
- Ensure technological communication methods are functional.
- Train staff in communication skills.
- Avoid jargon.
- Use appropriate communication medium.
- Minimize distractions during communication.
- Maintain an efficient chain of command.
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