As we have learned, leadership in each country is handled differently and not conducted in identical fashion from culture to culture. Culture directly affects the communication process in an international business setting through many variables. A few variables that affect cultures are language, environmental, context, face-saving, authority, nonverbal communication, and behavior and time conception. Moreover, the relationship between international businesses is only successful when management, sales, and personnel are trained in proper communications across the culture. Some major contributors to miscommunication between the U.S. and China are cultural differences, communication, and proper etiquette.
Business culture is related to behavior, ethics, diversity and more. A business culture will surround as organization’s values, visions, working style, beliefs and habits. A few common cultural difference between the US and Chinese are that the Chinese is a “yes we can” society. They don’t like to say no or infer they can’t complete a task. Also, Chinese uses role fulfillment that gives a role or title and expects the employee to perform the job without question or concern. (Moran Pg. 332) Middle managers and workers don’t make the decisions, they just do the work. If you want to get something done, it happens at the top.
Doing business in China requires careful interpretation of cultural differences. Chinese culture is non-confrontational and they are devoted to pleasantries until the real serious discussions begin. (Moran Pg. 332) Westerns don’t want to lose face with Chinese businesses. Once a business loses face, doing business with each other is no longer an option. To avoid losing face, when negating between Chinese and Western businessmen they will not overtly show their disagreement or displeasure. For example: they may use phrases like, “maybe or we will see”. Sometimes they even prefer to use intermediaries to negotiate. (Moran Pg. 332) In most cases, Chinese can read and write better English than they speak so whenever possible, it is suggested to use written communications.(Flatt, Berkeley.com) Most Chinese these days are given some written English classes in school.
The Chinese place high emphasis on proper etiquette. In china businesspeople dress formally and do not like to be touched. Moreover, they do not like even a simple handshake. Chinese businessmen consider a western businessman without a business card as a non-person. It is suggested to have one side in English and the other side Mandarin Chinese. (Moran, Pg. 336) Moreover, language barriers may present errors in communication and in these situations it is best to make light of the situation. Many times, you will have communicated perfectly, but when things don’t go according to plan, language is an excellent scapegoat by simply rewarding your sentence and asks the question in a different way. The cross-cultural issues can be avoided by asking the right question in the right way. Many of the communication barriers between people of different cultures can be anticipated and guided. Moreover, it is best to listen and ask questions only related to your particular business concern. When getting off topic it can be insulting or misconstrued as invading into their personal or private life. According to Berkeley Sourcing Group, he encourages not to get frustrated with how the communication is going but, to take a moment to think of what might be misinterpreted culturally and reword your sentences for better results. (No author, Berkeley.com)
As business has turned to the world market to meet its needs, the difficulties of communicating at a global level have become manageable with the proper knowledge. Many foreign companies are thriving in China, but they have only been able to achieve this success by having patience, cultural understanding, and perseverance. (Goh, Anthony Businessinsider.com) Lack of understanding can lead to conflict among differing cultures. The differences in culture, business practices, business etiquette and other cultural diversity demonstrate many areas where businesses can face challenges. Cross cultural understanding is an important tool for any international business person, company or organization.
Work Cited:
Anthony Goh and Matthew Sullivan, (2014) The 5 Biggest Challenges Businesses Face When They Expand To China. October 31, 2014. http://www.businessinsider.com/the-five-biggest-practical-challenges-for-foreign-smes-in-the-chinese-market-2010-12
Moran, R.T, Harris, P.R, Moran, S.V. (2011) Managing Cultural Differences Leadership Skills and Strategies for Working in a Global World. Oxford: Routledge
No Author, (2014) Cross-Cultural/International Communication. October 31, 2014. http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/encyclopedia/Cos-Des/Cross-Cultural-International-Communication.html
No Author, (2011) Communication Breakdown. October 31, 2014. Cross-Cultural/International Communication. October 31, 2014. http://www.berkeleysg.com/2011/05/communication-breakdown-it%E2%80%99s-always-the-same/
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