The Importance of Culture in Business Communication
Today's global marketplace emphasizes the importance of culture in business communication. For American business professionals, communicating in a way that values your co-worker's or customer's culture can mean the difference between your business flourishing or faltering.
Cross-cultural communication encompasses your interactions with people of varied cultural backgrounds both in America and outside U.S. borders.
Cross-cultural communication encompasses your interactions with people of varied cultural backgrounds both in America and outside U.S. borders.
Languages
- According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 47 million Americans ages five and above--almost one-fifth of the U.S. population--speak a language other than English at home.Yet far too many businesses fail to emphasize hiring and training employees in foreign languages. According to Echo International, by showing an understanding of a business partner's language, you're also communicating commitment and respect that could prove invaluable to your business and its image.
Nonverbal Communication
- The saying "Actions speak louder than words" is especially true in cross-cultural communication. Learn the dos and don'ts of nonverbal communication to establish positive, respectful interactions.Train your employees to recognize that gestures, eye contact and personal space issues that Americans take for granted can seem rude or insulting to other cultures. For example, in most of the Arab world, pointing is considered an offensive gesture.
Cultural Implications
- International businesses must respect the values and beliefs inherent within the cultures in each of the countries or regions it serves. While paying your employees a cash bonus is accepted and welcomed in the United States, other cultures regard this as a form of bribery. Still other countries may expect baksheesh--what Americans call bribes -- before they will do business with you. Shaking your boss's wife's hand is a normal, acceptable greeting in the United States, but in China, it is considered highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.
Business Travel
- Before you take an international business trip, research the area and culture in which you're about to be immersed. Learn the cultural tips galore in the book "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands," by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway.
Creating a Diverse Workforce
- If you don't already have a no-tolerance harassment policy in place, now is the time to create one. Follow EEOC-enforced workplace harassment laws, especially those prohibiting workplace discrimination based on a person's race, national origin and religion. Post EEOC-mandated documents to promote a harassment-free workplace.Positive cross-cultural business communication means respecting one another across the board and showing it in every level of your business. If you're going to celebrate Christmas at the office, then you must also celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year.
Cross-Cultural Training
- Consider hiring a cross-cultural communication expert to review your company's policies, procedures, and messages, and to help train you and your employees in the intricacies of the importance of culture in business communications. Experts help employee practice cultural sensitivity through role play, games, and online training.
References
Resources
Read more: The Importance of Culture in Business Communication | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5421479_importance-culture-business-communication.html#ixzz1NvIs3Dwu
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