The document discusses barriers to cross-cultural communication in business. It outlines fundamental cultural differences between countries, including communication styles, decision-making, and attitudes. Specific barriers covered include stereotypes, relationship building, greetings, gift giving, dress codes, and using language appropriately. Unlocking these barriers is important for successful international business. To communicate effectively across cultures, one must acknowledge assumptions, recognize invisible cultural differences, respect individuals and cultures, and listen without judgment.
2. Road Map
Introduction
Why it is Important
Fundamental Understanding of Culture
Cross culture- Countries
Barriers
Summary
Call to Action
MET Institute of Management
3. Introduction
“ The reasonable person adapts himself
to the world, while the unreasonable
one persists in trying to adapt the world
to himself”
– George Bernard Shaw.
MET Institute of Management
1 of 24
4. Introduction contd..
Globalization has brought dramatic change in
frequency of communication world wide
Key areas for success in international trade
Language
Ways of working in particular country
Cultural values
Life style
Views & ideas for business growth
MET Institute of Management
2 of 24
5. Why it is IMPORTANT
To avoid Problems such as:
Loss of Client
Poor staff
Motivation
Lack of Team
building
Low
Productivity
MET Institute of Management
3 of 24
6. Fundamental Understanding
Cultural Difference
Visible Cultural Differences:
Different communication style
Different attitude towards conflict
Decision making style
Invisible Cultural Differnces:
Beliefs
Values
Attitude
MET Institute of Management
4 of 24
7. Cross Culture - Countries
MET Institute of Management
5 of 24
8. Barriers
Stereotype
Stereotype
Gift Giving
Gift Giving
Business Cards
Business Cards
Greetings
Greetings
Relationship Building
Relationship Building
MET Institute of Management
Before Meeting
Before Meeting
BARRIER
S
Dress Code
Dress Code
During Meeting
During Meeting
Communication
Communication
6 of 24
10. Barriers- Relation Building
Role Play Highlights
Indians prefer to do
business with those they
know
No personal relationship
with whom they do
business
Less use of Polite
Language
Americans are direct
Time is not big issue
Americans are often
uncomfortable with
silence
MET Institute of Management
8 of 24
11. Barriers- Before Meeting
CHINA:
Appointments- in writing
One to two months in
advance
Punctuality is Virtue
Send Materials
UAE:
Appointments- One month
in advance
Time- In Morning
Relationship Building
Be present in country
MET Institute of Management
INDIA:
Appointments- by letter
Confirm your meeting
Time- Late Morning or Early
afternoon
Send Materials
USA:
Punctuality is Virtue.
Agenda must be forwarded
well in advance
Small talk before getting
down to business
9 of 24
13. Barriers- During Meetings
Greeting ways
Don’t get too close
Don’t be too friendly to women
Time is money
Cultural research is must !
MET Institute of Management
11 of 24
14. Barriers- Communication
CHINA:
Face-to-face meetings
Email go to the main
subject directly
Collective terms
“ us , we , partnership “
UAE:
Use Arabic language
“Yes” usually means
“possibly”
MET Institute of Management
INDIA:
Telephonic communication
Never use word “NO”
Oral reply or SMS reply
is common
USA:
Are direct
Use of telephone
Spell names correctly and
have correct titles
12 of 24
15. Barriers- Communication
Language
“ If you speak to a man in a language he
understand, you speak to his Head, If
you speak to a man in his own
language, you speak to his Heart.”
– Nelson Mandela.
MET Institute of Management
13 of 24
18. Barriers- Gift Giving
To decline a gift up to 3
To decline a gift up to 3
times before accepting
times before accepting
it.
it.
Do NOT Present
Do NOT Present
Gifts are not usually
Gifts are not usually
opened in the
opened in the
presence of the gift
presence of the gift
giver
giver
MET Institute of Management
16 of 24
19. Barriers- Gift Giving
Gifts are not opened
Gifts are not opened
when received
when received
Do NOT Present
Do NOT Present
Gifts are usually
Gifts are usually
unwrapped immediately
unwrapped immediately
and shown to all
and shown to all
assembled
assembled
MET Institute of Management
17 of 24
20. Summary
Unlocking these barriers have become the need of
the hour
It is extremely necessary for one to understand the
importance of communication
Cultures are deep inside every individual a visible
behavior and words are only small part of a person
culture
Cultural & personal values dictate a person’s
behavior, showing respect for it without being
judgmental creates mutual trust
MET Institute of Management
18 of 24
21. Call to Action
10 Keys for Effective Cross Cultural Communication
Acknowledge Own Assumptions
Recognise “Invisible” Difference that exist
Welcome Change
Avoid using Slang and Idioms
Be sensitive to Non-Verbal Cues
MET Institute of Management
19 of 24
22. Call to Action contd..
10 Keys for Effective Cross Cultural Communication
Consider Alternatives
Respect the Individual
Be Patient and Tolerant
Remember Face
Listen
MET Institute of Management
20 of 24