...Conference of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences 1(19): 121 – 129 (2009) CD-ROM. ISSN: 1943-6114 © InternationalJournal.org Business Communication between People with Different Cultural Backgrounds Livia Ablonczy-Mihályka, Széchenyi István University, Hungary Abstract At present every aspect of our social, scientific and mental life is subdued to accelerated development. In our globalised world, the amount of cross-national communication increases drastically and in recent years many researchers have emphasised the importance of awareness of different cultural norms as globalisation has brought about a growing trend to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. This paper argues for a revaluation of how we approach the topic of business communication and for greater emphasis on successful business communication as the goal of better understanding in global business setting. The ideas which are presented in this paper have been derived over a period of two years of our own research and through the reading of research literature. The research to be discussed in the paper is connected to one of the major research lines at Széchenyi István University, titled The dialogue of professional, organisational and national cultures. The purpose of the present paper is to present the results of a survey conducted with professionals who communicate with foreign business partners. The data were gathered by means of a questionnaire. At the root of the argument...
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...Communication barriers becomes more common problem within nowadays organisations as there is getting more and more international chains such as hotels, companies around the world, international trade always occurs between different countries, and many organisations’ work environment becomes more multicultural. Eubanks et al. (Samovar & Porter, 2010, p.137) illustrated that ‘cross-cultural or intercultural communication is between individuals and groups whose perceptions and symbol systems are distinct enough to alter communication event’. This assignment discusses what the potential communication barriers across cultures could be and what the solutions are to overcome these cultural challenges. Robbins et al. (2011) indicated that language could be the most common problem in cross-cultural communication, even people use same language could have communication problem because of different age and context groups could use words differently. Except language differences, problems relates to language difficulties, could be semantics, word connotations and tone differences. Semantics could cause communication barrier as there could be some uncommon words within different languages that might be difficult to translate, for instance, there is no direct Russian equivalents for the English terms – efficiency, free market and regulation. Connotations could be another reason to result in language difficulties. Individuals from various nations could imply words differently that incur misunderstanding...
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...Managemengt of International Teams EM Strasbourg Xu Yuwei Oct 6, 2013 Assignment #1 International teams: What makes their success? Introduction As we all know, globolization phenomenon is an inevitable trend in modern business work. International team management is another essential part in business. People come from different countries with various culture background could connect with world. When the international team work together, they will be able to maximize the effect and explore the potential ability of company market. However, if the management of international team be ignored, they will creat a variety of communication obstacles and disturb the deployment of the enterprise. Globalization and cultural diversity turn social fields and organizations into very dynamic places. Across borders, across cultures, cross-organizational collaboration on multiple levels there are many great challenges. Language and cultural differences sometimes cause communication difficulties, and some unexpected problems sometimes also can let a person off guard. There will be trouble in any teams which will make the team work uneffectively so that we need arrangement and leadership. In a word, we need to study some successful experience about international team management and learn to overcome the difficulties and solve the problems to creat more benefits. The assignment...
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...International Management Skills: The Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences 02 May 2012 by Diana Vanbrabant Awards & Events, Career Cultural differences and different languages can be challenging when leading a team remotely. Whether your team is based over different continents or all over the world, your communication skills will help you to keep your people motivated at all times. As a manager of a multi-cultural and international team of people your understanding of their culture, their clients and the way of doing business in their part of the world is your key to success. You may have come across 'lost in translation' situations where you have lost business, and you want to kick yourself because you didn't do your homework prior to closing the deal. Managing an international team and business can be a different ball game and at times may require a different skill set; however the satisfaction you'll get out of it will be even greater and it feels like the world is your oyster when you succeed. The best leader in the world will fail miserably if she is unable communicate to her team. The importance of the skill of communication lies in the fact that it is not a discrete skill. Communication is inextricably linked to all the other leadership competencies. With good communication skills you will raise your profile in all aspects of your leadership role. So, we look at how to hone the art and craft of language. We learn to speak clearly and to...
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...Managing cross-cultural staff." ABSTRACT Cross-cultural communication in business is a feature of study that looks at how people from dissimilar backgrounds converse, in comparable and different ways among themselves, and how they handle to communicate crosswise with cultures. In this investigation we will try to find which are the problems and what ways can we find in order to manage better employees from around the world. The plan of the essay is to expand a better understanding of the key points that control cross-cultural communication and international staff managing . 1. INTRODUCTION Anthropology includes all aspects of human behaviors and ideas. Anthropologists study diverse cultures to be more compliant and accommodating, more appreciative and to improve our own culture. Culture influences the business setting and management practices of a country and helps appreciate the differences between countries, it is difficult to determine and shows significant dissimilarity inside a country .A cultural approach does not accommodate transform and tends towards stereotypes. Besides every country has its own position of competitive improvement in its politico-economic ,industrial relations ,training and other requirements for firms and workers in their dealings with the state and culture. The resultant 'varieties of capitalism in different countries mediate the influences of global economy and multinational practices (Armit and Shoemaker ,1993).There is a challenge...
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...Techniques that Improve Communications Diversity training is important in today’s workplace. The ability to effectively communicate with employees with different cultural backgrounds is essential to having a successful business. Business organizations integrate diversity training to ensure maximum productivity. In order for diversity training to be effective, different techniques are used. Companies understand the importance of effective communication. Without such communication, it can be a drain on the company and its resources. Researchers have developed several different techniques to assist with achieving the goal of effective communication. The following techniques are recommended: Seek Training: This technique is important especially if an organization is experiencing diversity issues. Diversity issues can be viewed as an opportunity, not a threat (Fine, p 485). Organizations should develop a training program to aid with their efforts. A lot can be learned during diversity training. Researchers suggest training should focus on team building effectiveness. This allows the team the opportunity to bond. The second phase of training should focus on conflict resolution. This will allow management and employees different options when a dispute arises. Learn about your cultural self: This technique is often overlooked in the workplace. One must understand that your culture is not the only culture. Your culture happens to be one of many cultures within the workplace. Co-workers...
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...Vol. 3, No. 7 International Journal of Business and Management A Study on the Trans-Culture Management of International Hotel in China Chunwei Li Hotel Management, TUC-FIU Cooperative School, Tianjin University of Commerce Tianjin 300134, China E-mail: chunweifiu@yahoo.com Abstract Along with the integration process of global economy, cultural conflicts gains more and more attentions. After China’s entry to WTO, China economy is involved in world economy further. More and more international companies enter China. However, they encounter with an overall cultural impact. Trans-culture conflicts have already become a problem for international groups. Teams with different cultural beliefs challenge the effectiveness of traditional management theories. Differences between Chinese culture and western culture affect international groups’ management significantly. Trans-culture management gains attentions from international groups more and more. Therefore, it is meaningful to research this issue. This paper selects the international hotel industry in China as a subject to study the trans-culture conflict phenomenon with the hope of achieving effective trans-culture management. Keywords: International hotel group, Trans-culture management 1. Analyze the effect of culture from different levels of international hotel group 1.1 Founders Many companies have their “heroes”. Wilkins defines these people as “living or passing, real or virtual men who are models of behaviors in companies...
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...The Key to a Thriving Business: Internal Communication Presented to Mark Medicoff Lecturer John Molson School of Business Concordia University Prepared by Student Comm 212 Section F John Molson School of Business Concordia University October 21, 2008 Table of Contents Executive Summary............................................................................................................iii Introduction..........................................................................................................................1 Background..............................................................................................................1 Purpose Statement....................................................................................................1 Research Methods....................................................................................................1 Body.....................................................................................................................................1 Keys to International Success..................................................................................1 Internal Communication in Business.......................................................................2 Microsoft’s Success in the International Market.....................................................2 DHL’s Success in the International Market.............................................................3 ...
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...International Journal of Business and Management; Vol. 7, No. 16; 2012 ISSN 1833-3850 E-ISSN 1833-8119 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education Cross-Cultural Etiquette and Communication in Global Business: Toward a Strategic Framework for Managing Corporate Expansion Ephraim Okoro1 1 School of Business, Howard University, Washington, USA Correspondence: Ephraim A. Okoro, Department of Marketing, School of Business, Howard University, 2600–Sixth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20059, USA. Tel: 1-202-806-1545. E-mail: eaokoro@howard.edu Received: March 22, 2012 doi:10.5539/ijbm.v7n16p130 Abstract The expanding scope of business corporations in the first decade of the twenty-first century is drawing much scholarly attention, and the trend has been described as a fact of life that defies the stretch of human imagination. The concept of global economy has expanded consumer awareness, defined new standards and rules of operations, and increased the need for national and corporate interdependence. Multinational organizations are exploring opportunities around the world, demonstrating sensitivity towards cultural differences in order to gain from the proliferation and growth of international enterprise. Recent studies indicate that while some corporations compete successfully in the global marketplace, others have failed to sustain their competitive advantage because of cultural imperialism or inadequate acculturation of their managers on international assignment...
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...Larry Lacefield Global Multi-Product Chile Case Study Cohort 64 MSGL 503 Chile Case Study Multi-Products Inc. was a company founded in 1920 with a first ever waterproof sand paper. Since then they have expanded to over 55,000 different products around the world to include automobile, pharmaceuticals, and common household of office products. They manage to grow with the ability to meet the customer needs in every new area. Bob Thompson was getting ready to make a decision on possible changes for a branch office. His first thoughts where that everything was going great and the changes seem to be easily implemented. Bob soon realized his own leadership team was not happy with the changes made by the branch office. He now had to decide how to proceed. is in a dilemma on how to handle the situation and its impact on the Firm. Problem Statement Chile and the changing market. Chile’s market was expanding and Global Multi-Products was losing its share of that growing market. The Head Quarters wanted Bob to improve the Chile Multi-Products office. The office would have to change roles, responsibilities, programs, customer service, training, supply train and much more to compete with the large super store competitors. Despite the fact Multi-Products had more to offer Bob had to find a way to get the products on the shelves and a cheaper price than they were accustomed too and implement all the changes to make it happen. “We don’t sale just products anymore, we...
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...world is that the implementation of internet reduces the time for people to acquire information they need, previously, the learning of different culture only can be done via limited forms such as living in a foreign country, reading books and so on, they are both effective ways to learn different cultures but they are also not available for most of people, the implementation of internet provides an time saving method for spreading and learning different culture without going to the foreign country physically, most of the people can obtain and learn different culture even without leaving their home. The internet becomes an important force to push globalization and cultural harmonization; it provides the speed and convenience for people who are willing to learn and experiment foreign cultures which never exist before, and for instance, people can watch major events like Olympic game online and also learn knowledge about the host country. 2. Discuss the types of operational conflicts that could occur in an international context because of differences in attitudes towards time and individualism, give examples relative to specific countries. With the development of globalization, more and more multinational companies established their physical appearance in foreign markets, for that reason, the group work which involves people from different...
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...world is that the implementation of internet reduces the time for people to acquire information they need, previously, the learning of different culture only can be done via limited forms such as living in a foreign country, reading books and so on, they are both effective ways to learn different cultures but they are also not available for most of people, the implementation of internet provides an time saving method for spreading and learning different culture without going to the foreign country physically, most of the people can obtain and learn different culture even without leaving their home. The internet becomes an important force to push globalization and cultural harmonization; it provides the speed and convenience for people who are willing to learn and experiment foreign cultures which never exist before, and for instance, people can watch major events like Olympic game online and also learn knowledge about the host country. 2. Discuss the types of operational conflicts that could occur in an international context because of differences in attitudes towards time and individualism, give examples relative to specific countries. With the development of globalization, more and more multinational companies established their physical appearance in foreign markets, for that reason, the group work which involves people from different...
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...Bright Tech Consultancy Limited Case Study Report Figgie International Date: 11 August 2012 Prepared by: Student Name: Cheng Piu Keung Student No.: 3173465 Subject: GSBS6120 Managing Organisational Change DBA – HKMA - Hong Kong - 2012 Executive Summary This report summarizes the background information of Figgie International and identify the major problems in relation to the change initiative happened in Figgie International, explaining where and how the change initiative can be improved. The major problems are as following: • Poor Planning, Organizing and Project Management Skills • Objective - Unclear and Unrealistic • Mistrust and Inexperience of the Consultants • Conflicts between Consultants and Internal Staff • Power Balance Upset and No Authority Delegation to Employee • Resistance to Change • Poor Communication Channels • Insufficient Control and Evaluation • Poor Leadership • Poor Recruitment • Cost Reduction Strategy Limit Business Development in Long Term • Pleasing Culture The recommendations to address the major problems and concerns are as following: • Building Up the Proper Steps (Six Steps to Effective Change) for Change Management • SMART Objective • Identify Qualified Consultant • Reduce Conflicts and Political Behaviour • Reduce Change Resistance • Building up Two Ways Communication • Control and Evaluation • Leadership and Form a Powerful Coalition • Motivation ...
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...Is culture really all that International Human Resource Manager is about? * Introduction * Diversity Management * IHRM & Culture issue * Conclusion * References Introduction People have always been the driving force of business and management. This force is a challenge and if not addressed with the right skills, it will develop into disturbing elements that are very dangerous for the management of the company. The challenges of global talent selection and mobility of labor, established by a career concept that transcends national borders and organizational groups and the emergence of virtual collaboration on international projects requires companies to develop new skills in their employees to be effective in the complexity of today's contexts. The workforces are people, and as we are human, we are all different from various points of view. This paper aims to answer the question: “Is culture really all that International Human Resource Manager is about?” I’ve analyzed the differences between HRM and IHRM based on the concept of diversity, characteristics that influence both topics but in a different way. After this, the next stop is to define IHRM and the concept of culture to reach the conclusion that managing cultural differences in an international team is the major challenge to IHRM. Due to the movement of employees between foreign subsidiaries and headquarters and between foreign locales, HRM professionals are likely to...
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... Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is a full service voice and data communications company. The company is one of the world’s largest and successful telecommunications companies. Despite the success that Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. had experienced, the company will eventually face some cultural changes in the future. Also, a diverse workforce will have an effect on teamwork as well as communication. However, Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is not the only large company that will come across cultural changes. Nowadays, the trend for many companies is to expand into another country with the goal to gain a diverse workforce and to enter an international market. Although this trend is extremely beneficial for the company’s success and survival, there are some negative aspects as well. Possible Cultural Changes in Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. The world is becoming more diverse and most large companies are multicultural. Diversity definitely has brought new importance to the workplace. Because of the increase of diverse employees from all over the world, it is almost impossible for Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. to not counteract any cultural changes. Combining people from different backgrounds can cause tension in the workplace. People of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, genders, ages, etc. interact with each other differently and perceive things in different ways. In addition, the working environment and culture at Worldwide Telecommunications...
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