What Is Successful Intercultural Business Communication?

Intercultural communication occurs when people of diverse ethnic backgrounds discuss ideas and tasks in a language other than their native tongue. With the explosion of global business, productive intercultural communication has become more important. Successful intercultural communication is effective, frequent, and simple while also respecting the cultural viewpoints of all participants.

Keep It Simple

Successful intercultural communication avoids translation errors by using simple language and repeating important points in different ways. Avoid long, complex sentences and jargon for optimal communication. In written communications, bullet point lists are helpful in identifying key information without the distraction of a long sentence. Verbal presentations should be given at a slower pace with special attention to enunciation as well as stopping to verify everyone understands what was said. Visual aids should be used whenever possible to highlight key points in writing.

Power of Hierarchy

Many cultures are much more authoritarian when compared to the US and hierarchy is important. Outside of the US, respect and compliance are often granted based on job title and rank, making it inappropriate for a secretary or junior staff member to make requests of an executive. Americans tend to equalize and minimize title, whereas other cultures tend to stratify and use titles to emphasize rank and status. Successful intercultural communication compensates for these power differences by funneling directions and requests through equally ranked staff.

Cultural Knowledge

Understanding cultural history and etiquette are keystones of successful intercultural communication. Knowing how to properly present a business card and who receives one first can set the stage for a productive business interaction. Successful intercultural communication requires basic understanding of cultural mores and adapting business communication style to them as much as possible. Study the culture of business associates and know what is considered rude to avoid unintentional gaffes. For example, in Thailand it is an insult to show someone the sole of your shoe.

Language

Learning a few key phrases such as greetings and expressions of gratitude can greatly improve intercultural communication. Making the effort to greet someone in their own language shows respectful interest in their culture and creates a receptive audience. Cultural respect is often reciprocated and is vital to building positive working relationships that result in successful intercultural communication. Translators can also be invaluable in smoothing over misunderstandings that invariably arise from intercultural communication.

Follow Up

Culture doesn't just result in distinct languages and food traditions, it also affects conflict resolution, sense of efficiency and problem solving. Close follow up on action items and projects will be required to compensate for cultural differences in business process. It is possible to receive an affirmative response to a request only to find out later the action was never carried through. Successful intercultural communication entails building in more frequent checkpoints into projects with constant communication and verification of agenda items.

Resources

• Intercultural Articles and Information