how do we communicate effectively

7/31/2019 How Do We Communicate Effectively

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Submitted By: Muhammd Usman

Enroll No: 01-233092-039

Class BSCS 6-B

TOPIC: HOW DO WECOMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY TO THE PERSON OF ANOTHER

CUTLURE

Assignment NO:5

Submitted To : Madam Zainab


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HOW DO WECOMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

TO

THE PERSON OF ANOTHER CUTLURE

The purpose of communication is to convey your thoughts or ideas clearly to another. In an

effective communication transaction both the sender and the receiver perceive the

message in the same way. It is particularly important to communicate effectively in a

business environment: failure to do so can have costly and potentially disastrous results.

Communication skills are thus a key contributor to the success of an organization. When

communication does not embody the correct opinions and ideas, it becomes a barrier to

achieving the organization's goals. Being aware of the broad-ranging differences in the

interaction patterns of a given geography is thus essential for effective communication

across cultures.

Cultural Diversity

Each country and region has its own set of cultural and language rules. English spoken by

the indigenous population of one country will often be of a different style from that spoken

elsewhere. As an example, the English spoken by Canadians is different from that in

everyday use by Australians. Variances range from the grammatical through to vocabulary

and of course idiomatic language use. Equally, there are significant cultural differences.

Giving business cards is perceived as a significant event in Japan. Japanese professionals

consider their business cards to be a valuable possession and thus proffer them

respectfully with an inclined head. This is in sharp contrast with many other locations

where the provision of a business card is a commonplace event. Punctuality is usually

important for Europeans, although there are variances within Europe itself, but it is less

critical in Asian markets.

There are almost endless examples of cultural diversity. Being oblivious to cultural and

communication differences may lead to unintentional insult. It is therefore essential that

one should respect the style and difference in communication patterns when working with

those from other geographies and cultures.

Effective Communication

Communication is effective when it is accurate and concise and is correctly delivered in the

cultural context of the recipient. There are many key points to consider for effective

communication in a cross cultural environment.


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1. Speak slowly and clearly.

Focus on clearly enunciating and slowing down your speech. Even if youre pressured for

time, dont rush through your communication. Doing so often takes more time, as

miscommunication and misunderstanding can result and youll ultimately have to invest

additional time in clearing up the confusion.

2. Ask for clarification.

If you are not 100% sure youve understood what others say, politely ask for clarification.

Avoid assuming youve understood whats been said.

3. Frequently check for understanding.

Check both that youve understood whats been said and that o thers have fully understood

you. Practice reflective listening to check your own understanding (e.g. 'So what I hear you

saying is') and use open-ended questions to check other peoples understanding. Ask,'what's your understanding of this process?' instead of 'is that clear?'

4. Avoid idioms.

Business language is often contextual, and therefore culture specific. For example, in the

US, baseball terms are used extensively: Straight off the Bat, Ballpark figures, out in left

field, Touch base, Strike a deal. As a good general rule, if the phrase requires knowledge

of other informationbe it a game or metaphorrecognize that this may make your

communication more difficult to be understood.

5. be careful of jargon.

Watch the use of TLAs (Three Letter Abbreviations) and other organizational language that

may not be understood by others. If you use them, provide in parentheses a description of

what these are so others can learn to use the same language you do.

6. Define the basics of business.

In international business contexts terms such as: success, doneness, meetings,

punctuality, etc. may mean different things to different people. Spend time early in your

communication defining what these mean to you and others. Invest in building a sharedvocabulary.

7. Be specific.

Spell out your expectations and deadlines clearly. Instead of, Please get back to me shortly,

say Please email the completed report by 5 pm Eastern Standard time on Wednesday,

February 21.


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8. Choose your medium of communication effectively.

Carefully choose your form of communication (phone or video conference, email, instant

message, etc.). Be mindful not to overuse email. While useful, there are times when the

medium is likely to be ineffective. When a message is complex and complicated or there is

tension or conflict that needs to be resolved, switch to another medium.

9. Provide information via multiple channels.

Follow phone calls with emails that summarize whats been said. When possible, provide

presentations, agendas, etc. in advance so those working in their non-native language can

get familiar with materials.

10. Be patient.

Cross-cultural communication takes more time. If not at all times, certainly initially you

cannot expect your communication to occur with the same speed and ease as when you arecommunicating with someone from your own culture.

Know the cultural values and background of the person with whom you are

communicating.

Speak clearly and at a measured pace.

Gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, posture and even clothing contribute to

effective communication.

Ensure that you use language and vocabulary accurately.

If in doubt, keep it simple.

Give people more time to express themselves.

Humor is considered offensive in some contexts and cultures so avoid humor until

you know the person very well.

If these simple rules for effective communication are followed, you run less of a risk of

appearing clownish, insulting others or simply failing to deliver the correct message.

Advantages of Learning Other Cultures

An in-depth understanding of the cultural values, business practices and business etiquette

of other countries is vital for effective communication. It will make it easier for you to

understand the behavioral patterns of others. Learning about other cultures allows you to

read body language; to understand whether you are likely to get a direct answer; to be


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aware of topics that may be offensive; to understand whether you should avoid avoiding

touching and eye contact and a great deal more. Appropriate study will ensure that you

become more aware of why people from different cultures think the way they do. You can

then use this knowledge to ensure that you communicate accordingly in the most effective

way.

The Consequences of Ineffective Communication

The inability to communicate effectively in a working or social environment can have

serious consequences:-

It can prove difficult to compete in the work place.

It can lead to misinterpretation and unnecessary misunderstandings with

potentially costly consequences.

It can make you feel isolated in a new environment.

In extreme circumstances it may lead to psychological disorders.

Communication Training Programs

Organizations are recognizing that their future is dependent upon the communication skills

of their staff in an increasingly international marketplace. Businesses are thus honing the

communication and cross cultural skills of employees by utilizing appropriate inter cultural

training programs. These programs improve inter cultural understanding and

communication skills for specific target cultures and geographies. They focus upon

overcoming both language and behavioral barriers to facilitate confident personal, social

and business communication in achieving the desired business results.

Conclusion

Doing business in geography is not just about language and law. Proper awareness of local

culture is vital to personal and professional success. Cultures and customs are highly

diverse and communicating across cultures is often far from easy even if communicating in

your mother tongue. You need to do your homework. Explore the place in which you are

planning to do business; understand its cultural values, customs, business practices and

etiquette. In some cases, an appropriate communication training program can develop the

practical skills needed in understanding a given countrys markets, employees and clients.

how do we communicate effectively

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