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MEMBERS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES ON CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

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MEMBERS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES ON CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

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6 Examples of Cultural Differences in Communication

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6 Examples of Cultural Differences in Communication

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Cultural Differences in Communication may cause several serious concerns that might affect your business and the working relationship.

You'll find hundreds of cultural differences in communication from country to country. Cultural diversity makes communication hard, and in business, it can be extremely delicate because people from different cultures might have diverse behaviors, language, signs, expressions, etc.

All modern businesses need to be aware of these cultural differences in communication to build professional relationships. Understanding these different cultural barriers in communication is vital to business success because of the multicultural work environment.

In this post, we'll guide you through them, along with examples.

6 Examples of Cultural Differences in Communication

In this section, we cover cultural differences in communication along with examples. (we covered both verbal communication and non-verbal communication barriers):

1. Body Language and Space

2. Addressing People

3. Cultural & Language Barriers

4. Cultural Barriers in the Workplace

5. Gift Giving

6. Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette

1. Body Language and Space

Body language and Space accounts for around 55% of communication. In situations where there is a language barrier, that percentage becomes even higher.

That's why it's important to be aware of the type of body language you use in cross-cultural communications. If you get it wrong, you can end up unintentionally sending the wrong messages.

In some cultures, eye contact is important, whereas in a few cultures eye contact is disrespectful. For example, in the US, it's common decency to look someone in the eye when they're talking to you. In Indonesia, the opposite is true. In fact, maintaining direct eye contact is seen as disrespectful.

Certain hand gestures can be offensive in different countries, too. While a thumbs up or a victory sign may seem innocent to you, it can be extremely rude to others.

This principle also applies to greetings. Not everyone likes to be greeted with a handshake. In some cultures, it's completely inappropriate.

For example, for Muslim women, shaking hands with the opposite sex is forbidden. In Sweden, a woman won a lawsuit against a company that discriminated against her for this reason.

Be aware of how you take up space, too. In some cultures, it's polite to leave a certain amount of distance between people, while in others this may make people uncomfortable.

2. Addressing People

First impressions are everything, so it's essential that you get things right from the first point of communication.

That means addressing people in an appropriate manner. Find out whether it's more acceptable to use someone's first name, surname or title before reaching out to them.

Some cultures do this more formally than others. For example, in Thailand, it's common for workers to address their bosses as 'father' or 'mother' when business relations are particularly good.

3. Cultural & Language Barriers

Effective communication can be difficult when parties don't share a common language. As a result, companies often hire translators to mediate communications between the two to solve the language barriers. However, this doesn't solve everything.

When speaking to people across different cultures, you need to be aware of few words and phrases can't be directly translated into other languages.

It would be best if you were especially careful when using idioms in business communications. While their meanings may seem obvious to you, they can be entirely baffling for non-native speakers.

In any case, it's polite to try and learn at least a few words, like and ' in the other party's language. They're bound to appreciate the effort.

4. Conflict in workplace

Dealing with conflict can be a complex and delicate issue in any case if you're dealing with people from different cultures. When you add language or cultural barriers, they become even more difficult.

It's important to be aware of how different cultures respond to these types of situations.

For example, in many Western cultures, it's common to approach someone directly about a problem or disagreement you may have with them. However, Asian cultures can be very different.

In Thai, Japanese and Chinese business meetings, many subordinates wouldn't dream of disagreeing with their superior. This is because it would cause their boss to lose face.

This concept may be new to some, but in Asia, it's an underlying thread across all communications.

In these settings, if someone disagrees with you or is unhappy with your performance. You might not hear about it directly from them. To avoid causing either of you to lose face, they might talk about it with your boss, instead.

5. Gift Giving

In some business relationships, it's common to give gifts. For example, when you're visiting a customer or supplier abroad, you might want to bring them a token from your country, or something to thank them for hosting you.

Before you do so, it's crucial that you read up on the local etiquette with regards to gift giving.

Certain gifts may be inappropriate in some cultures. In others, the act of giving a gift at all may be a complete no-no. Do your research to avoid committing any social faux-pas.

Gift-giving etiquette is always complicated if you are dealing with customer, supplier or business people all over the Globe.

For instance, in China, you're likely to be asked what kind of gift you'd like before receiving one. In Japan, you can expect your gift to be reused once or twice before it's accepted. In Saudi Arabia, expensive gifts are common, but elsewhere, they may be viewed as a form of bribery.

Once you've given or received a gift, what do you do next? This is another important step to think about.

In some cultures, you're expected to open it right away, in the presence of the person who gave it to you. In others, it's polite to take it home and open it in private.

6. Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette

If you find yourself having a meal as part of your business meeting, you'll have to be aware of the local dining etiquette for eating, too.

Do you eat with hands or with utensils? Do you have your own individual dish or do you share lots of smaller ones with the rest of the table?

In some countries, it's polite to finish everything on your plate. However, in others, this means that you aren't satisfied. Sometimes, it's more polite to leave a little food behind.

At the end of it all, who pays the bill? This one can be particularly tricky.

These are all things that you'll have to think about when you're breaking bread with business partners.

Take a Unique Approach

When you're navigating these cultural differences in communication, it's essential that you're sensitive to the needs and customs of others.

This can be the difference between building and burning bridges with new business relations.

Lets Connect

At iTech Data Services, we understand the importance of treating each project, transaction, and communication individually. That's why we take a unique approach to each one.

Work with us, and we'll make sure we get it right for you.

Reach out to our team today!

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Cultural Differences in Communication [With Examples]

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Cultural Differences in Communication may cause several serious concerns that might affect your business and the working relationship. You'll find hundreds of cultural differences in communication from country to country. Cultural diversity makes communication hard, and in business, it can be extremely delicate because people from different cultures might have diverse behaviors, language, signs, expressions, etc.

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ZEIREEN JADEE ROMARAOG:
I was playing a multiplayer video game, and it was on a Tokyo (Japan) server. I was a bit surprised because the Japanese people immediately greeted one another with "Onegaishimasu" as soon as the match started. They were so polite, and it shows that they wanted to play just for fun, even though the game we were on was competitive. On the other hand, when I play on our local servers, I usually get either toxic or quiet players. I might be playing on the Tokyo server again, and I don't mind getting a low ping if I'd get to play with those kinds of people again.

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A short video about cultural differences.

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You become the person you are due to your actions and the values you were taught. When you venture out into the world, you will come into contact with people of various origins and lifestyles. Culture is frequently referred to as the guiding principles that shape people's behavior. Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors and can be viewed as our "way of being."

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FILIPINOS WILL ALWAYS INVITE YOU TO EAT WITH THEM

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FILIPINOS WILL ALWAYS INVITE YOU TO EAT WITH THEM

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"Tara, kain!" or "Kain tayo!" means "Let's eat!" You will often hear this in the Philippines when they see you while they're eating. It can mean that you're significant to them. It is not only a common courtesy, but it also invites people to enjoy the moment.

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Cultural sensitivity is the observation of similarities and differences among people's cultures without putting a positive or negative spin on them. Understanding how differences and similarities in people affect their behaviors, beliefs, and values is necessary for cultural sensitivity. This makes it possible for someone to modify their conduct such that it is on par with those from a different culture.

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JUAN NIÑO AGDEPPA:
I had the chance to experience cultural diversity when I was 14 years old. In summer, we came to my family's hometown on a small island called Bisucay. The people there are amicable and welcoming. They always ensure everyone is having a good time and gets along well. It is a peaceful place where everyone knows their neighbors and cares about each other. Their main religion is Roman Catholicism, but there are also many Muslims living there as well. I was studying at Seminario de San Jose at that time, and during that time, I learned to be more respectful towards others based on their culture, beliefs, and values.

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A traditional greeting in France where people usually exchange kisses on the cheek.

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Always make an effort to be sensitive to cultural differences while avoiding potentially offending references in your messages or discussions unless you are positively confident of your audience/s' reaction.

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Cultural sensitivity is critical as it helps people break the cultural barriers and understand ways in which they can appreciate people who are different from them. This helps people with different cultural backgrounds to relate well. Cultural sensitivity helps a person understand how the receiver may interpret their words. Hence, one can know how to communicate effectively and avoid words that can cause misunderstanding.

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A Guide for Cultural Differences in Communication

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A Guide for Cultural Differences in Communication

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The various ways in which cultural differences in communication manifest in the workplace can be assessed using a variety of techniques. The method developed by Geert Hofstede, a Dutch psychologist, identifies cultural characteristics which generate these differences. Based on Hofstede's extended framework, examples of culture-based dissimilarities in communication include:

Power distance

This refers to how people with relatively less power in a social group accept the unequal distribution of power. For example, a person who believes in more power distance accepts an unequal power structure in the communication process. In contrast, one who values less power distance does not do so. The latter individual is likely to challenge authoritarian communicators and prefer being an equal contributor when exchanging information.

Individual-focused vs. group-focused

Masculinity versus femininity: According to Hofstede, cultures that prefer assertiveness, heroism, material reward, and achievement are more masculine, while those that prefer modesty, cooperation, quality of life, and caring for the weak are more feminine. However, while the cultural differences can be used to differentiate communicators effectively, assigning them to fit inaccurate gender stereotypes is unnecessary. These differences include the following:

Assertiveness versus modesty

Heroism versus cooperation

Material reward versus quality of life

Achievement versus caring for the weak

Individualism versus collectivism: This differentiates cultures based on whether people prefer to work for themselves or work with others. Therefore, it closely resembles the differences articulated in the masculinity versus femininity dimension. Subsequently, it makes sense to treat Hofstede's masculinity versus femininity and individualism versus collectivism ideas in an individual-focused versus group-focused dimension.

In the context of communication, a person from a more individual-focused culture would prefer using their communication skills to gain short-term, personal rewards while someone from a more group-focused culture would opt for utilizing their power of communication to gain long-term benefits for their team. Additionally, the latter individual would be an effective team player while the former would lack teamwork skills.
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Uncertainty avoidance

This refers to the ability of societies to comfortably navigate uncertainty. As the communication process is fraught with ambiguity in the initial stage when everything is usually unresolved, a communicator with more uncertainty avoidance would be less effective in navigating concerns and sharing information than one with less uncertainty avoidance.

Long-term orientation versus short-term orientation

This dimension refers to whether people value short-term or long-term goals and achievements. For example, a communicator with a long-term orientation would prefer gaining value with their communication in the future. In contrast, someone who is orientated to the short-term would opt for achieving immediate gains through their communication.

Indulgence versus self-restraint

A culture's capabilities in relation to controlling desires or indulging them are explored through this dimension. For example, an individual from a culture that prefers indulgence, which relates to a social group in which the majority of individuals prefer indulgence over self-restraint, is likely to be an ineffective communicator. This is because an effective communicator can listen to others, empathize with them, and act with discipline. In contrast, someone who has inherited a cultural belief in behaving with self-restraint and the ability to do so is more likely to become a successful communicator.
Learn more: How to Negotiate Your Salary

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A Guide for Cultural Differences in Communication - Glassdoor Career Guides

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The various ways in which cultural differences in communication manifest in the workplace can be assessed using a variety of techniques. The method developed by Geert Hofstede, a Dutch psychologist, identifies cultural characteristics which generate these differences.

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In India, a head wobble/bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means yes, or is used to indicate understanding. The meaning of the head wobble depends on the context of the conversation or encounter. When the head is tilted slightly from left to right in quick motion, this also means yes. When they slightly dip their head and duck their chin quickly about three or four times, it means they are showing their gratitude.

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The Japanese slurp their noodles rather than using a fork or spoon to eat them. Obviously, eating noodles in this manner generates more noise. They make slurping noises while eating noodles is a sign of enjoyment in Japan. Some people believe that slurping noodles improves their flavor.

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FERNAN ERICK LOPEZ:
My cousin is half-Italian and she has been living in Italy for most of her life. However, in these past few years (until now), she has been staying here in the Philippines. I noticed whenever she was talking to her mother, they tend to really express their emotions (e.g., speaking louder when they are angry) even in public. As for we Filipinos, we somehow always try to prevent acquiring public attention whenever we are arguing with somebody. Compared to us, Italians frequently express their feelings honestly and speak emphatically to make their points. They frequently assume their conversation partner will be as honest, making it difficult for them to detect understatements.

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The discrepancies between people having a discussion that are caused by differences in their values, beliefs, conventions, and behaviors are referred to as cultural differences that manifest in communication. Being more sensitive to cultural differences will help one address these issues and communicate clearly.

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If you find yourself dining with Ethiopians, you might be in for a surprise. If someone puts food in your mouth, ensure to eat it because failing to do so may come across as rude. This is because one way to express affection in Ethiopia is to feed the people you are eating with.