Cross-Cultural Communications
Intercultural Communication
Steven A. Brown
Excelsior College
Business Communications
BUS 501
Albert J. Mays Ed. D (ABD)
September 29, 2012
Intercultural Communication
Introduction
According to Hynes (2011), in 2008 over 30 percent of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was attributed to international trade. Many American companies trade internationally. In addition, many international organizations are headquartered in the United States. Also, many foreign businesses have operations within the United States or import products into the United States. In order to be successful in any business environment, one must be able to communicate effectively. When dealing with global business, one must be an effective intercultural communicator. It is important for those involved in intercultural communication to avoid ethnocentrism, which is “the belief that one’s own cultural group is superior” (Ober, 2003, p. 50). One must embrace ethno-relativism, which is consists of acceptance of acceptance, adaptation, and integration of other cultures. Although, language is important, effective intercultural communicators have to focus on nonverbal communication (Hynes, 2011 & Ober, 2003).
Nonverbal Sensitivity Communicating effectively in intercultural business environments is more than just speaking the language. As is true in all communication, nonverbal communication makes up the majority of communication in intercultural communication. Intercultural communicators must be nonverbally sensitive. When communicating cross-culturally one must pay special attention to greetings, dress, space, touch, posture, gestures, and food (Hynes, 2011).
Greetings
Greetings may vary from culture to culture. It is important for a cross-cultural communicator to understand the implications of their greetings to the other culture. In most cultures, a handshake is an acceptable greeting. However, the meaning of the grip of a handshake varies from culture to
Steven A. Brown
Excelsior College
Business Communications
BUS 501
Albert J. Mays Ed. D (ABD)
September 29, 2012
Intercultural Communication
Introduction
According to Hynes (2011), in 2008 over 30 percent of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was attributed to international trade. Many American companies trade internationally. In addition, many international organizations are headquartered in the United States. Also, many foreign businesses have operations within the United States or import products into the United States. In order to be successful in any business environment, one must be able to communicate effectively. When dealing with global business, one must be an effective intercultural communicator. It is important for those involved in intercultural communication to avoid ethnocentrism, which is “the belief that one’s own cultural group is superior” (Ober, 2003, p. 50). One must embrace ethno-relativism, which is consists of acceptance of acceptance, adaptation, and integration of other cultures. Although, language is important, effective intercultural communicators have to focus on nonverbal communication (Hynes, 2011 & Ober, 2003).
Nonverbal Sensitivity Communicating effectively in intercultural business environments is more than just speaking the language. As is true in all communication, nonverbal communication makes up the majority of communication in intercultural communication. Intercultural communicators must be nonverbally sensitive. When communicating cross-culturally one must pay special attention to greetings, dress, space, touch, posture, gestures, and food (Hynes, 2011).
Greetings
Greetings may vary from culture to culture. It is important for a cross-cultural communicator to understand the implications of their greetings to the other culture. In most cultures, a handshake is an acceptable greeting. However, the meaning of the grip of a handshake varies from culture to
References: Hynes, G. E. (2011). Managerial Communication: Strategies and Applications (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Ober, S. (2003). Contemporary Business Communication (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.