OB ASSIGNMENT
The need for effective Cross Cultural Communication
By
Deepthi .J .Thomas
We as aspiring managers in an ever expanding global business environment should be aware of the importance and sensitivity involved in the way we communicate with different people from different cultures we encounter. Some of the behaviors in other countries might be strange to us, such as women not being allowed to drive a motor vehicle in Saudi Arabia. If I was not allowed to drive because I was a female I would be quite angry. Americans would probably be one of the first people to accuse someone of being homosexual, especially men, if they were to see two people of the same sex walking down the street holding hands. Those are things they need to accept because this is part of someone’s culture. If this was how they were raised, and the things that they believe to be OK, who are we to judge it?
Anthologists divide our actions and gestures into three broad categories: instinctive, coded and acquired.
· Instinctive gestures are those we do almost unconsciously. An example would be when we are suddenly shocked or surprised; we tend to slap the back of our heads.
· Coded, or technical, gestures are created by pre established agreement. For example hand signals used by TV directors, referees, umpires and brokers in the stock market.
· Acquired gestures, meaning our socially generated and acquired gestures. This grouping of gestures has been loosely and informally collected among separate societies. The acquired gestures come from different cultures. Each individual culture or sub-culture has its very own acquired gestures or mannerisms.
An example of the culture shock you may experience if an American were to enter a European home would be that they always keep the bathroom door shut, even when it is not occupied. As where an American home usually keeps its bathroom door partially open to indicate that it is unoccupied. So in Europe, they would always knock on the door first.
Touching is something that North Americans are not big on. They are not touch-oriented. With good friends, they may occasionally do some touching of the forearm or shoulder. They may even hug their good friends, but almost never do they hug casual acquaintances. Asians even join them in the shunning of such bodily contact. Latinos and Middle Easterners seem to dote on it with hearty embraces and warm pats on the back. In Asian countries we may see two male friends walking hand-in-hand down the street together, and all it signifies is friendship. If you were to see that on any street in the U.S. the first thing Americans would think is “Hey those guys are homosexuals".
The differences in culture are amazing, especially in the areas of gestures. A person lacking knowledge of this could find himself in trouble if he were to visit another country. One should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said
In Austria, Men rise when a woman enters the room. Chewing gum in public is considered inappropriate. Hands in pockets when conversing should be avoided. Placing your hands in your lap during a meal is considered rude.
In Japan, displays of emotion-fear, anger, exuberance- are rare because they are taught to suppress any such displays, especially in public. Standing with arms folded across the chest signals that the person is thinking intently. Women should avoid wearing high heels so as not to risk towering over Japanese counterparts. Periods of silence may occur during meetings, do not rush to fill the silent void, they are just stopping to contemplate. Displaying an open mouth is considered rude.
Active listening can sometimes be used to check what one thinks he or she heard, one can confirm that one understands the communication accurately. If words are used differently between languages or cultural groups, however, even active listening can overlook misunderstandings. We must learn that every culture has different types of values, beliefs, customs, norms and taboos. We have to except them and respect them for what they are and who they are. When going to other parts of the world and meeting people or when they come to our part of the world and we greet them it is very important to put ourselves in their shoes and not judge their traditions, values and ways of communicating. We must educate ourselves to their ways and except them for what they are. Our convictions and beliefs are no better than theirs, they are just different. As human beings we must learn to adapt to each others differences and learn to accept them, which is sometimes hard for people who do not understand them.
References:
http://www.orvillejenkins.com/whatisculture/gesturesnewcul.html
http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/AdvisingIssues/body-speaks.htm