Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix

The Cross-Cultural Communication Matrix provides detailed information about various countries, in this assignment will find important elements that will be helpful for the acquisition of knowledge about different cultures around the world, countries that are spoken in this project are China, Ireland, and Argentina.

Cross Cultural Communication | Country | Preferred communication style | Non-verbal communication practices | Business communication norms | Strategies to increase cross-cultural communication | China | In China, there are several languages and dialects, the most important are Mandarin and Cantonese, most of business people speak at least some English (Katz, 2008).Chinese is a family of closely related but mutually unintelligible languages. These languages are known variously as f¨¡ngy¨¢n (regional languages), dialects of Chinese or varieties of Chinese. In all over 1.2 billion people speak one or more varieties of Chinese.
All varieties of Chinese belong to the Sino-Tibetan family of languages and each one has its own dialects and sub-dialects, which are more or less mutually intelligible (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | The Chinese converse while standing around three feet apart, gestures are usually very subtle, it is advisable to restrict the body language; non verbal communication is very important, touching , crossing legs should be avoid, and hand gestures while speaking can distract the audience, eye contact should be infrequent but is important while meeting for the first time (Katz, 2008). | The Chinese don't like doing business with companies they don't know. Before arriving in China send materials that describe the company, its history, and literature about products and services. Business relationships are built formally. The Chinese see foreigners as representatives of their company rather than as individuals. Rank is extremely important in business relationships. Gender bias is nonexistent in business. Never lose sight of the fact that communication is official, especially in dealing with someone of higher rank. The Chinese prefer face-to-face meetings rather than written or telephonic communication (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | A strategy to increase cross-cultural communication is detailed information on the culture and country with which it is going to conduct the negotiations, is also important to know about the customs used to do business.
Another strategy is to listen carefully, ask questions if necessary and if the culture permits it, Also have an interpreter to avoid misinterpretations. ListenRead phonetically Dictionary - View detailed dictionary 1. adjective 1. one 2. article 2. a 3. an | Ireland | Irish (Gaelic or Irish Gaelic) is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish. Irish is now spoken natively by a small minority of the Irish population – mostly in Gaeltacht areas – but also plays an important symbolic role in the life of the Irish state. It enjoys constitutional status as the national and first official language of the Republic of Ireland and it is an official language of the European Union (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ).Irish people have the tendency to speak fast, and the communication is usually direct (Katz, 2008). | The Irish generally converse standing around two to three feet apart, gesture and body language can be lively, some physical contact with others of the same gender is permitted, eye contact should be frequent, but staring can be interpreted as rude. The basic greeting is a handshake and a hello or salutation appropriate for the time of the day. It is customary to shake hands with older children, Greetings tend to be warm and friendly and often turn into conversations (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | Company or organisational cultures differ widely in Ireland. In one setting the purpose of a meeting is to relay information on decisions that have already been made, whereas in another it may be the time to get feedback and input. Meetings may be structured or unstructured. It is customary to have a period of small talk before the actual meeting which is when a rapport is built to take forward into the meeting. Meetings may occur in several venues, not merely the office. It is quite common to conduct a business meeting in a restaurant or pub. Expect a great deal of discussion at meetings. Everyone is expected to participate and they do, often at great length. The Irish like to engage in verbal banter and pride themselves on being able to view a problem from every angle (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | | Argentina | Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Argentinean Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways, it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French. Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani, and Quechua (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | Emotions are usually shown very openly. Argentines generally converse in close proximity, standing only two feet or less apart. Never back away, Doing so could be read as a sign the person is uncomfortable around them.Communication in Argentina is generally quite direct. There is a tendency to use very pointed or exaggerated statements, Silence is rare and usually indicates that there is a Problem. Gestures and body language can be very expressive. There may be frequent physical contact with others of the same gender. A pat on the shoulder is a sign of friendship. When pointing at people or objects, use your open hand rather than a finger. Non-verbal communication can be extensive, Eye contact should be very frequent, and This conveys sincerity and helps build trust. | Argentina is a relationship-driven culture; Argentines maintain and use an intricate network of family and friends to call upon for help, favors or assistance. Name-dropping and nepotism do not have the negative connotations as it has in the West and can be used to your advantage. Argentines prefer face-to-face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing. Argentines do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect. When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more Informal. Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, preferably by e-mail or telephone. You should arrive on time for meetings (Kwintessential Ltd, 2010 ). | |

References
Kwintessential Ltd 2010 . (n.d.). Guide to Language, Culture, Customs, Doing Business and Etiquette. Retrieved November 27, 2010, from www.kwintessential.co.uk: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette.html

Katz, L. (2008). Negotiating International Business- the Negotiators's Reference guide to 50 countries around the world. In L. Katz, Negotiating International Business- the Negotiators's Reference guide to 50 countries around the world.