The importance of Intercultural Communication
Communication is simply a process of exchanging various things such as information, ideas, emotions and feelings. The business communication is intercultural in present day world. The reason behind this statement is possible because of globalization in business and trade.
Today, one thing may be
produced in one corner of the world then traded into another corner and
consumed. Communication also becomes global in globalization.
The phrase Intercultural communication is combination of two terminology. The first, we attempt to
define here and join with the second to identify the concept well.
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| [Intercultural Communication] |
Culture is the overall
tradition, lifestyle, and value system as well as thinking pattern of people.
Intercultural communication refers to the process of exchanging messages from
the people of one culture to another culture.
Intercultural
communication is the byproducts of intercultural business.
People involving in the
business but are from different cultural background refers to the intercultural
business. The development of globalization has demanded the international business
at any cost.
The cultural values are reflected in the business role of the people.
It is prevalent when we take the example of Muslim culture where women are not widely exposed in business. The business role of women are in not to the public relation officers but in other side roles.
Another important impact of international business the business law.
Similar to the business
roles and business law, the intercultural business influences language and
communication.
In this regard, culture
and communication, although two different concepts, are directly linked.
Communication is not only the process but an ability to share each other’s
ideas and feelings is the basis of all human contact. Likewise in a very
general sense, culture is the overall value system and lifestyles which is learned,
acted out, transmitted, and preserved through communication.
Cultural diversity
doesn’t just involve differences in dress and language. Cultural diversity also
includes various ways of how people think, and engage in managing, and communicating.
Diversity is an idea which pawns discrimination and holds the inclusion of
people having various experiences and backgrounds created by education, family
status, geographic location, language, and culture.
Intercultural
communication is the reality. Ideally, there were some communities and nations
in the history where people used to believe the mono-cultural. If you look and
evaluate the present day world is multicultural. The United States and Canada
are the top intercultural countries. Both the developing and developed countries
are either by choice and compulsion becoming the multicultural.
Cultural Diversity is both opportunities and challenge
Cultural Diversity is a challenge
Most of the managers
and business persons in the eastern world perceive cultural diversity is more a
challenge than opportunity. They believe higher the opportunity many problems
and challenges. It is because there is the misunderstanding and conflict what
they think as the product of diversity.
Cultural Diversity is an opportunity
Diversity is the
situation and place where multiple talents, strengths can be beautifully
arranged and high level achievement becomes possible. The democratic attitude
and behavior flourishes in diversified world. This is more natural and
contextual in the sense that different colors make a beautiful picture.
The considerable
factors through which diversity can be utilized as the resources of
opportunity. They are
Contextual
Legal and ethical
Social
Nonverbal
Age
Gender
Religion
Ability
Cultural context, legal
and ethical behavior is one of the very important aspects to deal diversity in
culture, business and communication. It includes other sub aspects.
Cultural Context:
} Decision
making practices
} Problem
solving techniques
} Negotiating
styles
Legal and Ethical Behavior
} Seek
common ground
} Withhold
(refuse) judgment
} Send
honest messages
} Respect
differences
Similar to cultural context,
legal and ethical behavior, nonverbal and social aspects sometimes also called
the differences play pivotal role in intercultural context.
Non Verbal Behaviors Differences
Greetings
and touching
Personal
space
Facial
expressions
Eye
contact
Posture
Formality
Social Behavior Differences
Work and success
Roles and status
Use of manners
Concepts of time
Future
orientation
Openness and
inclusiveness
When a businessman or a
manager takes all those aspects seriously and treats them accordingly. Furthermore,
gender, religion and abilities are also important. If they are not treated
properly, the conflict and misunderstanding may easily erased.
Gender Differences:
Existing
workplace cultures
Communication
styles
Religious Differences:
Personal
beliefs
Workplace
issues
Ability Differences:
The people who work in
an organization obviously have different level of ability and proficiency.
How can be enhanced
intercultural communication by the creative use of diversity?
First of all, we should
clearly understand that now the world is diversified. Being diversified is the
reality of the present day market. We cannot be biased, prejudiced and
ethnocentric towards other people and their cultures.
To get promoted and
success, one has to enhance skill and practice to improve intercultural
communication skills.
By Adapting Other Cultures
Acknowledge your biases
Ignore the “Golden
Rule”
Be tolerant,
respectful, and flexible
You should practice and
should have patience and keep a sense of humor
By Improving Intercultural Communication
Study other cultures
and languages
Respect communication
styles
Speak and write clearly
Listen carefully to
others
Use interpreters or
translators
Help others adapt to
your culture
By
studying others culture and language
Studying Other Cultures:
Social customs
Clothing and food
Political patterns
Religion and social
beliefs
Economics and business
Ethics, values, and
laws
Learning Languages:
Facilitate
communication
Promote business
relationships
By Respecting Communication Preferences:
Degree of formality
Level of directness
Writing or speaking
By Writing Clearly
Clear language
Transitional
elements
Numbers
and dates
Humor
and culture
Conciseness
Slangs,
jargons and idioms
Audience
expectations
By using Speaking & Listening, Translator & Interpreters
Speaking
& Listening:
Intercultural
conversations
Speaking
with others
Listening
to others
Translator
& Interpreters
Human
beings
Interpretation,
cultural context, non-verbal cues
Computers
Translation,
words and phrases, gist of the message
Last
but not the least one can make diversity as opportunity by helping others to
adopt or learn his/her things.
Business communication
Offer
useful advice
Simplify the process
In
conclusion, cultural diversity in business sector has become the common and usual aspect. it is not better idea to wish for the avoidance of diversity.
Diversity is the reality. It is truth and grand opportunity. Use the diversity
for the betterment of the organization and self.
References
Timilsena (2020). Business Communication Today. Discussion Platform.
Similar Topics for Discussion
Verbal versus Nonverbal Communication
Group Communication Strategies
Communicating with Technology [Use of Technology in Communication]
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