Abstract This paper discusses the barriers to interculturalcommunication especially in multi-ethnic companies or in companies employing foreigners. The paper discusses the barriers to interculturalcommunication and how to overcome these barriers. The focus of the paper is on the global market, companies, races and individuals who have to interact constantly with other individuals or companies from other cultures with different beliefs, values, norms, languages, or traditions. The paper also defines the differences in several cultures and provides hints as to how to avoid any unpleasant situation that may occur due to cultural incompetence.
From the Paper "As Woody Allen once said, "I'm astounded by people who want to know the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown". Since people interact daily with each other in the interest of successful business there are high chances that cultural barriers like stereotyping will become a history one day. The advantages of these relationships are not only seen in business, but also in medicine, science or education as well. Even though people are unique and their cultural beliefs set them apart we all are humans with the same interest and basic beliefs. Therefore, overcoming crisis is what brings all cultures together".
Abstract This paper identifies the main barriers to interculturalcommunication and suggests how barriers might be overcome in order to be an effective international manager. It identifies the main barriers as including misperception, misinterpretation, and misevaluation.
From the Paper "There are certain barriers to intercultural communication. More specifically there are barriers to effective intercultural communication that prevent people from communicating effectively. Learning what these barriers are and how to overcome them will make individuals better communicators and will make international managers far more effective..."
Tags:interculturalcommunication, effective international manager, misperception, misinterpretation, misevaluation, overcoming barriers misperception cultural accommodation stereotyping, subconscious cultural binders, lack of cultural self-awareness, projecte
Abstract The subject of interculturalcommunication has become not just a politically correct topic in today's increasingly diverse societies, but a matter of necessity given the spread of the global economy and the degree of economic integration. Interculturalcommunication within the business climate implies a degree of acceptance of another culture and language vis-a-vis its business and cultural customs and practices. This paper notes that, while developing interculturalcommunication skills can be considered a valuable core competency in the contemporary business climate, the development of such skills should be approached in a manner that is not necessarily purely an academic pursuit, but one that is also necessary, personally enriching, and fun.
Abstract This paper examines how effectual interculturalcommunication has become an increasingly significant topic in the American workplace and how the corporate environment is made up of a miscellaneous group of individuals who bring their own unique talents and cultures with them. It looks at how whenever cultural consensus in the workplace breaks down, it tends to be a result of differences in values, morals and ethics. It evaluates how it is important to realize that few aspects of organizational life are more important than interculturalcommunication and how one of the most valuable skills that a manager can possess is the ability to communicate effectively with others. This communication must bridge the gap that exists between workers who are from different races and cultural backgrounds.
From the Paper "Differences between co-workers are more apparent when we deal with people who are easily identified as being different from us i.e. they are from another country. But when these differences are subtle, it is easy to see how misunderstandings, confrontations, and serious conflicts may arise at work. ?Despite surface appearances, real differences remain, some of them more important than ever. ?Globalization,? as we're finding out, does not at all imply homogenization; quite the reverse. It means that we now have to deal with difference directly, instead of at a distance.? Like other aspects of culture, workplace differences should not be viewed as bad or good in and of themselves. There is no one "right" way to deal with any particular situation?but a managers actions will have consequences, and as he or she understands the connection between what they see, what they do, and the results they get, managers will be able to devise appropriate strategies."
Abstract This paper addresses the significance of intercultural sensitivity in secondary education, with particular emphasis on teaching mixed cultures. The paper presents the writer's personal experiences as a teacher facing multicultural classes. The paper contends that interculturalcommunication and associated intercultural sensitivity, whether taught in a middle or high school, may be defined as the ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs, morals, and cultures in a manner that is meaningful and encourages knowledge-sharing.
From the Paper "As an experienced teacher teaching students of many different cultures, I have found that the challenges of intercultural communication include fostering an environment that is supportive and understanding despite complex differences in communication styles and understanding. I have also learned that by creating an environment that fosters intercultural communication one will build a healthier educational environment and reduce conflict in the classroom, particularly with regard to middle and high school students who are more prone to outbursts. However it has also become apparent to me that the initial lack of understanding that results from intercultural communication differences will present a barrier to communication and understanding that needs to be broken before effective communication can occur (Neulipe, 2003). This is the primary job of the teacher, to help foster communication understanding and sensitivity."
Abstract This paper examines an imaginary instance of interculturalcommunication. The various elements present in this communication, the goals and objectives for the communication of those involved, as well as techniques used in the communication are all examined.
Abstract Intercultural management in Scandinavia is often underestimated. The Scandinavians seem to be located so close to Germany, that similarities in culture, behavior and business are assumed. The paper examines the reasons behind the conflict-ridden end to cooperation between Danes and Germans at Scandlines and why the European discount supermarket chain Lidl, which is of German origin, made losses of about 40 million Euros in Sweden. After examining these events, the paper then discusses the most significant differences of doing business in Scandinavia as compared to doing business in the rest of the world. The paper includes a number of tables and graphs.
Table of Contents:
List of Used Abbreviations
List of Tables, Figures and Illustrations
Preface
Introduction
Economic and Political Background
Basic Indicators in Comparison
Economic and Political Structure
Socio-Cultural Background
The Importance of the Scandinavian Welfare System
The Scandinavian Way of Life
The Cultural Life in Scandinavia
Family Influence
"The Law of Jante"
Models of Culture Specific Issues
Basic Assumptions of the Scandinavian Culture
The 4-D-Model of Hofstede
InterculturalCommunication Verbal Communication The Greeting
The Exchange of Business Cards
Topics of Conversation
The Value of Gifts
The Working Environment
Para-Verbal Communication Non-Verbal Communication The Smile
Body Distance
Gestures
The Scandinavian Dress Code
Punctuality
Leadership and Decision Behavior
The Hierarchical Structure
The Decision-Making Process
Dealing with Criticism
Questionnaire: Intercultural Management in Scandinavia
Executive Summary of the Questionnaire
Selected Results of the Questionnaire
Conclusion
Appendix
References
From the Paper "In Scandinavia the nuclear family is the centre of social structure. Most Families are small and nowadays marriage is not prerequisite to starting a family. There are many couples that live together without legalizing it with a marriage. In Sweden couples even get social or financial advantages when they live together as so called "sambo". Scandinavians raise their children to be independent and equally to the other sex. At the age of one they are mostly put into day care centers. Most of the Scandinavian parents work. On the one hand it is considered to be better for the children to learn how to socialize and to make friends instead of staying home, but on the other hand there are only few families in Scandinavia that could afford to maintain their lifestyles with only one salary. Later children mostly attend preschool classes and at the age of six or seven they are in full time compulsory schooling."
This paper explores the effectiveness of promoting English as the official language of the United States in order to improve interculturalcommunication.
Abstract The paper discusses how many different languages are spoken within the United States' borders. The paper examines whether this makes communication and hence understanding between these cultures difficult. The paper investigates racial overtones in the Rodney King beating, the O.J. Simpson trial and the U.S. Patriot Act. The paper shows how language is not at the root of the cultural divide in the country; rather the problem is one of deep-seated communication and understanding. The paper contends that the funds and effort should be channelled into events and legislation that would encourage different cultures to truly communicate with each other, regardless of the language they use to do so.
From the Paper " The United States of America has been home to an increasingly multitude of cultures since the first immigrants came to its shores during the 1600's. The pursuit of the "American Dream" concept has furthermore made the country attractive for immigrants from many diverse countries. The result is that many different languages are spoken within the country's borders. This often makes communication and hence understanding between these cultures difficult. Phenomena such as racism and hate crimes are often blamed upon this lack of understanding. It is true that racism often arises in criminal and other cases heard in American courts."
This paper focuses on the communication lessons learned from the film "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan".
Abstract The paper discusses the film "Borat" that portrays a series of encounters between an individual, Borat, and people in the United States. The paper looks at issues of interculturalcommunication, how sex, gender and power are manifested in verbal behavior and how gender or culture influence non-verbal behavior. The paper also shows how the film illustrates the communication problems and cultural errors that result from using a second language. Additionally, the paper discusses how the film reveals that communication is affected by the tendency of people to hear what they want to hear and to only approve of what they want to hear.
From the Paper "Intercultural communication is a major issue in the literature on communication and is emphasized in part as a way of training people to understand one another and to communicate in a way that is accepted by others. Many parts of the world today are becoming more alike because of the prevalence of media that exposes everyone to elements of different cultures, though even then, misunderstandings can abound because of a failure to understands and account for real differences in perception and meaning. Some of these problems can be seen illustrated in the film Borat."
Abstract This paper is a summary of the article "The Effect of Stimulus Presentation Mode", on the topic of interculturalcommunication. It looks at how it explains the patterns of the causal attribution of participants in an interculturalcommunications situation.
From the Paper ""The Effect of Stimulus Presentation Mode" by David C Thomas and Bruce M Meglino presented a research study that examined the patterns of the causal attribution of the participants in an ..."
Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis regarding interculturalcommunication between African Americans and Caucasians. This paper will attempt to explore the root of intercultural miscommunication as well as provide examples of its effect on interpersonal relationships.
Abstract In this case study, the author examines the history of Kmart from its humble beginnings to how it blossomed into one of America's largest discount stores today. Particular attention is drawn to the marketing skills of the Kmart stores in attracting all of the different communities it serves. The paper concludes with additional suggestions of how to improve Kmart's marketing to the wider communities.
A Brief History
The Key To Success: Connecting With Cultures
Another Key To Success: Connecting With Communities Recommendations For Improving InterculturalCommunication
From the Paper " In August 1998, Kmart announced Giselle Blondet, co-host of Despierta America, Univision's lively early morning entertainment program, would debut as the Kmart Pharmacy spokesperson in two new television commercials targeting Hispanic mothers. A new commercial promoting the fun, Sesame Street children's clothing line, also debuted, targeted for Hispanic mothers, through children. (Kmart Debuts New Commercials Touting Convenience And Fun For Hispanic Moms 1)."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the topic of interculturalcommunication and discusses that this is an academic field of study that aims to look at how people from different cultures interact with each other. The writer notes that culture can simply be considered as the basic values, attitudes and behaviors of a certain group of people most of the time. The writer maintains that as there is a significant influence of the different cultures on human interaction, it is no longer affordable for the ordinary American to remain ignorant of these cultural diversities. Therefore the motivation to learn more about global cultures was never greater than it is today. The writer concludes that for this very purpose many universities in America and elsewhere are today offering inter cultural communication programs whose objective is to enable people, groups, and organizations to function effectively across borders and cultures, to respect other cultures, and to be more sensitive to the values and attitudes that they hold dear, and at the same time, to be better able to communicate with each other.
From the Paper "There are various examples of cultural filters in the corporate environment and beyond. Attitudes to the labor market form an important cultural filter. Some cultures prefer lower pyramids of management, where the employees are prepared to take more responsibility for their own work, and management is considered to be a facilitating, rather than imposing presence. In other cultures, relatively higher pyramids of management are acceptable, thus resulting in the employee giving less importance to self-responsibility. Taking the example of employee training, it would be essential for the trainer to be aware of the cultural leanings of the groups in question in order for the training to achieve its objectives. The trainer can elicit reactions such as unwillingness or disinterest if his training methods assume a personal responsibility towards the learning process, whereas the employee is used to being "managed". This confrontation can be avoided through better cultural understanding."
Abstract This paper discusses the human ability to communicate and cites recent research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life.
Outline:
Introduction
Communication Theory and InterculturalCommunication Communication Through Symbolism and Ritual
Complex Ideas and the Limits of Nonverbal Communication Across Cultural Barriers
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to contemporary anthropologists and evolutionary biologists, the essential element of humanity that differentiates us from our nearest evolutionary cousins is our ability to communicate, and in particular, our ability to do so verbally. Some authorities believe that verbal communication is a natural result of our large cranial capacity while others suggest the reverse, characterizing the latter as one beneficial consequence of the former (Poole, et al 2007).
"In recent years, research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life has led to a different possible conclusion altogether, in that human communication may differ much more in degree than in kind from other mammals and from our closest Simian relatives. Despite the fact that human communication may
represent the pinnacle of intraspecies communication, whales, for just one example, may have equally complex varieties of sounds that lie much closer to human language than previously suspected.(Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005)."
Abstract This paper discusses the theories found in "Arts of Contact Zone" as seen in the communication style of Malcolm X. Pratt's concept of a 'contact zone' is introduced and then defined in terms of Malcolm X. Examples of his leadership and communication style are given as they fit with the theories of Pratt.
From the Paper ""Arts of the Contact Zone." By Pratt, Mary Louise, states the art of conversation, and communication depends upon varying cultures, their dominance over one another and the perspective that one sees the other from its own. Malcolm X's autobiography published shortly after his murder in 1965, relates in the matter of communication, and "contact zone" so highly accomplished with his group of people that only a physical gesture of a finger was sufficient enough to silence a crowd of millions, in a public gathering."
