international communications chapter 3 international business

International Communications

Chapter 3International Business

Understanding Communications

• The Importance of Communication– Effective communication holds things together– People must be able to reach and understand

each other to overcome differences, get along and accomplish goals

– Communicating Across Cultures• Business and International relation must have effective

communication when trying to send and receive messages

Understanding Communication

• Verbal Communication– Communication: Transmitting, receiving, and

processing information• Interpersonal – one to one• Organizational – business setting

– Language: The medium of communication through words, symbols, numbers, characters or nonverbal cues

– Verbal Communication: Sending messages by using words that are spoken or written.


• Language and International Business– Language and Word Gender• Every language has unique features/differences• Differences make learning new languages more difficult• Business people can learn a few basic terms and

phrases to promote courtesy and show interest

– Using Nouns and Verbs• Complications in learning sequence & order of nouns

and verbs– English = Noun before verb, most of the world = verb before

noun


– Using Alphabets and Characters• Many languages have different alphabets with different

characters and letters

– Using English• Many companies choose to use the English language

when doing Business• Most used language on the internet• Outside of Business?


• Verbal Communication Challenges– How People Speak• Speak very quickly in native language• Learn phrase for “Please speak more slowly”• Slang: Type of speech used in recreational settings

– Can be confusing and frustrating

– Technical Terms• Unique names for computer parts, nath symbols• Important to learn these terms


– Time for Translation• Translations cause pauses or time lapses in communication• Focus on speaker, not translator

– Social Behavior and Communication• Difference in behavior between high and low context

– High = More figurative (Japan)– Low = Words taken more literally (U.S.)

– Other Challenges• Noun-Verb Agreement• Singular-Plural Issues• Imprecise Translation• ESL: Slow down pace/speed, look for clarification, ask for

confirmation


• Learning Communication Strategies– Learning Key Phrases

• Know what language best serves the business relationship (Many countries have more than one language)

• Learn how to use key words and business phrases

– Using Names• Know how/what to address someone

– Name, title, rank

– Using Business Cards• Study culture before handing out Business cards


– Other Differences to Consider• Time Zone Difference

– Know the time of day you are calling from and too

• Currency Differences– Know the exchange rates

• The Metric System– Know meters, liters, and Celsius

• Trade Documentation– Papers and documents used to legally export and import

goods– Use experts or software systems to help

3.2

Nonverbal Communication

• Sending a message without the use of words– Can focus on facial expressions, hand gestures,

and posture– Other signals can relay nonverbal messages– All nonverbal expressions are influenced by:• Cultural factors• Methods of Communication• Specific Business Activities


• Cultural Factors– Numbers

• Look for significant #’s in certain cultures– 13 is unlucky in U.S. (No 13th floor), 11 is the same in Asia– Ground Floor not considered 1st floor in Europe

– Emblems (Symbols)• Jewelry• Use in advertising

– Personal Appearance• Different customs for shaving• What must be worn (women must cover faces, men covering heads)• U.S. men remove hats while eating or entering an office


• Colors– Different meanings depending on the nation– Be careful about choosing acceptable colors to

wear• Smells– Be aware of different responses to smells

• Foods– Customs vary in different cultures


• Nonverbal Methods of Communication– Time

• Punctuality, work days, work weeks• Dining and resting times

– Silence• Has different meaning

– Quiet room indicates lack of life, rude to sit quietly– Can indicate respect or attention

– Personal Space• Standing far apart or close together

– Body and Eye Contact• Touching has different effects throughout the world• Looking someone in the eye or looking away

Nonverbal Communication• Business Behaviors in Other Cultures

– Major Holidays• Holidays involve more than just taking a day off• Religious Holidays and Secular Holidays• Need to be acquainted with customs of holidays

– Dining, dress, gifts

– Giving and Receiving Gifts• Knowing what to give is important• Never embarrass the person giving the gift, even if you don’t like it.• Gift – An item given to convey good will• Bribe- An item or money offered to entice the receiver to do something illegal

or unethical• Expatriate – Person that relocates to a foreign country to live and work• Acculturation – The process of understanding, adapting to and operating in a

foreign culture


• Business Behavior and Communication– Business Protocol• The steps for receiving business visitors are a major

part of business protocol• Learn as much as possible about the person and their

culture• Be prepared

– Conducting a Meeting • Steps on P. 67


– Business Entertainment• Goals – Set goals for the event• Location

– Small event – restaurant, private venue, office– Large event – hotel, convention center

• Special Arrangements– Music or performances– Golf, tickets to sporting or entertainment events

» The person must have an interest in this

• Choosing a gift– Choose something appropriate for the occasion

Conducting a Meeting

• Choose a country that you will do business in:– Research business etiquette for this country– Research each of the ten steps listed on page 67

for conducting a meeting• Also research non verbal communication factors

– Numbers -Colors– Emblems -Smells– Personal Appearance -Foods

– Write a short Report on your findings

international communications chapter 3 international business

Documents