Cross-Cultural Communication Issues

Presentation by Sal Trinchillo

Globalization• Increasing levels

• Cultural diffusion

• Shift toward an interdependent world economy

• Spread of cultural characteristics

• Cultural differences

Questions Addressed• What are the issues affecting cross-cultural

communications?

• Why are the issues increasing?

• What can the academic institutions do to improve the situation?

• Can cross-cultural communications be improved?

• What are the benefits of improvement?

Culture

The language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and even material objects that are passed from one generation to the next

Analytical Lenses• Power distance

• In-group collectivism

• Institutional collectivism

• Uncertainty avoidance

• Future orientation

• Gender egalitarianism

• Assertiveness

• Humane orientation

• Performance orientation

What are the Issues Affecting Cross-Cultural Communications?

• National culture

• Organizational Culture

• Culture shock

• Language barriers

• Linguistic relativism

Additional Issues• Miscommunication

• Misunderstanding

• Relational approach

• Empowerment

• Teamwork

• International conflict

Why are the Issues increasing?

Three interrelated factors:

o Global economic activity increase

• Foreign direct investment in 2000 = $1,271 billion

• Cross border share of M & A = 41 %

o Implementation of global business strategies

o Oversimplification of culture convergence

What can Academic Institutions do to Improve the Situation?

The major challenges:

• Tying the teaching of culture to business

• Avoid being blinded by static and traditional views of culture

• Recognize the role of the self-reference criterion

• Recognize the diversity within cultures

Can Cross-Cultural Communications Be Improved?

Areas of improvement:

• Organizational communication

• Employee management

• International conflict resolution

• Training

What are the Benefits of Improvement?

The major benefits:

• More effective knowledge transfer

• Competitive edge retention

• Additional competitive advantage

Summary

o Cross-Cultural communications are challenging because:

• Nations have divergent cultures

• Issues can have a complex nature

o Cross-Cultural communications can improve with:

• Additional studies and research

• Sensitivity to other cultures

• Establishing a common ground