Intercultural communication is becoming increasingly important as our nations form a global economy. It is very common to be required to communicate with someone of a different culture, from a different part of the world, and with different beliefs. Whether it is via telephone, internet, or any other communication form, some communication guidelines need to be followed for effective intercultural communication.
According to Martin Hahn, Ph.D., the following commandments should be abided by during intercultural communication:
I. Be aware of differing social values. Understanding that people are different and they are surrounding by different social and economic environment helps to understand that their values are probably different from yours as well. What may be socially important to us does not mean that they may find it as important (i.e. celebrities, sports figures, etc.)
II. Be aware of differing status symbols and how to demonstrate them. In one country, being rich to them may mean that they are happy and healthy, whereas, in another country, being rich means that they have a lot of money. What may be considered high in status in one culture does not mean it is in all cultures and offense can be taken if not presented properly.
III. Be aware of decision making customs: not all people like to make decisions quickly and efficiently. Your organization may like that you think quickly and make decisions rapidly. However, different cultures may feel that taking the time to think things all the way through is important.
IV. Be aware of concepts of time: not all people like to see time as money. This can be related to commandment III. While you may think that getting the job done faster saves you and the company money may not be the same in other cultures, as they may think and act slower with certain tasks or decisions.
VI. Be aware of cultural context: people from certain cultures (called 'high-context cultures) rely less on verbal communication and more on the context of nonverbal actions and environmental settings to convey meaning. People from low-context cultures like theUSA
VII. Be aware of body language: learn the basic differences in the way people supplement their words with body movement. One common trait about body movement is that being uncomfortable shows in the body language. Other cultures may nod their head at you, but it does not necessarily mean that they agree or disagree with you.
VIII. Be aware of different etiquette rules or manners: what is polite in one culture may be considered rude in another. To you, staring may be rude. In some cultures, it may be OK. Understanding what is rude in their culture will prevent offensive actions on your behalf.
According to Martin Hahn, Ph.D., the following commandments should be abided by during intercultural communication:
II. Be aware of differing status symbols and how to demonstrate them. In one country, being rich to them may mean that they are happy and healthy, whereas, in another country, being rich means that they have a lot of money. What may be considered high in status in one culture does not mean it is in all cultures and offense can be taken if not presented properly.
III. Be aware of decision making customs: not all people like to make decisions quickly and efficiently. Your organization may like that you think quickly and make decisions rapidly. However, different cultures may feel that taking the time to think things all the way through is important.
IV. Be aware of concepts of time: not all people like to see time as money. This can be related to commandment III. While you may think that getting the job done faster saves you and the company money may not be the same in other cultures, as they may think and act slower with certain tasks or decisions.
V. Be aware of personal space: people from different cultures have different 'comfort zones'. Giving your grandmother a hug means that you love her, but giving someone from another culture a hug might be offensive and cause immediate tension. It is important to understand the space that is needed, as even something as simple to us as a handshake may even be too intimate for those of another culture.
VI. Be aware of cultural context: people from certain cultures (called 'high-context cultures) rely less on verbal communication and more on the context of nonverbal actions and environmental settings to convey meaning. People from low-context cultures like the
VII. Be aware of body language: learn the basic differences in the way people supplement their words with body movement. One common trait about body movement is that being uncomfortable shows in the body language. Other cultures may nod their head at you, but it does not necessarily mean that they agree or disagree with you.
VIII. Be aware of different etiquette rules or manners: what is polite in one culture may be considered rude in another. To you, staring may be rude. In some cultures, it may be OK. Understanding what is rude in their culture will prevent offensive actions on your behalf.
IX. Be aware of legal and ethical behavior. Ethics are ethics, but because their culture is different, their ethics may be different as well. It is always important, regardless of where you are, to become familiar with the laws.
X. Be aware of language barriers: English is the most prevalent language in international business, but it's a mistake to assume that everyone understands it. The rudest thing is to go to another country and expect them to know English because you do. You are in their country and should learn their language. If you want them to communicate with you in English, it is selfish of you to not want to learn their language to communicate with them.
Reference
Hahn, M. (2005, December 30). Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication. Retrieved October 28, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247
I like this!
ReplyDelete