Читать книгу Communication For International Business - Rus Slater - Страница 9

Biologically all humans may be the same but our cultures are different across the globe. When you are communicating with people from a culture different to your own you need to be constantly looking out for signs that a cultural difference may be getting in the way of the message you are trying to get across.

Consider the areas where there may be different expectations or levels of comfort:

▪ Forms of address. The practice of using people’s first or given names varies from country to country. There are also differences regarding the use of titles with family names. Try to check before you meet/talk/contact someone. If you can’t find out in advance, ask at the opening of the communication.

▪ Greetings. Culturally appropriate greetings are immensely diverse. Different cultures expect or eschew different forms of handshake, kisses and ‘air-kisses’ (one, two or three?), hugs and bows. The exchange of business cards at a greeting is also culturally important to many peoples but of little consequence to others – make a mistake and the whole relationship starts on the wrong foot.

▪ Physical contact. In some cultures it is a friendly gesture to pat someone on the back or touch their arm, elbow or shoulder during a conversation. In other cultures this is seen as overly familiar or invasive, either can lead to embarrassment.

▪ Self-aggrandizement. In many cultures self-confidence is a positive plus, but in others a more humble, self-effacing attitude is more acceptable.

▪ Taking an interest in a person’s private life. Seen as evidence of caring in some cultures, in others it is seen as prying until or unless you are well acquainted.

You will be less likely to make any cultural faux pas if you find out, in advance, about the cultural ‘norms’ of the people you are going to interact with.

Whether or not you do, look out for signs that you may have committed a potentially embarrassing boob:

▪ Someone frowning when you wouldn’t expect them to be.

▪ A sudden silence immediately after you say or do something.

▪ A physical reaction such as a person pulling away from you.

▪ Monosyllabic answers to questions that would normally elicit more response.

Don’t try to replicate the other party’s cultural style; this may come over as patronizing and mimicry. Simply be aware of the differences and avoid causing embarrassment.