Define Global Business Communication

Global business communication is an ever-changing phenomenon.

With the invention of the telephone, the personal computer and the internet, the world has gotten smaller. People are able to communicate with people around the world via the internet using video and audio free of charge. As the world has changed so has the way businesses are expected to communicate. The global market has forced business to create consistent branding, marketing and communication solutions to maintain a universal corporate image.

Definition

Global business communication is a company's ability to send and receive professional messages in various parts of the world and cultures. In order for global business communication to be effective, the messages must be easily understood by the receiving culture. Many times global business communication requires mediators, translators and a linguistic specialist to ensure proper delivery of the message.

General Types

Global business communication can take on various forms. Branding with a universal logo is a nonverbal way to develop a global business presence. For example, McDonalds' golden arches are recognizable in the US, China and South Africa. The logo communicates the corporate image without words. Marketing strategies may differ in different parts of the world, but the overall marketing objective will remain consistent. It is universally recognizable. Traditional forms of communication in global business communication are telephone conversations, video conferencing and emails.

Types of Global Communication

International communication is the vaguest type of global business communication. It addresses a broad-spectrum of people without adjusting to a specific culture. Multicultural communication is the sending of messages to various cultures of people that may differ in language, customs and culture. Cross-cultural communication is the sending of a message from one unique culture to another unique culture. This form of business communication is tailored to meet the cultural norms of the specific country the message is being sent to.

Function

Global business communication is intended to effectively send universal messages to the general population of the world therefore they remain objective and aware of cultural differences. Global business communication avoids the use of jargon, strong language or stereo types to avoid insulting or offending the general world population.

Considerations

Global business communication is ever-changing. Businesses must address growing differences and expectations of a global economy. International businesses hire a specialist to watch trends and global cultural changes to assess the company's current communication strategies in order to make adjustments to be more effective.

References

• University of Colorado: Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies
• Get International Clients: 3 Types Of International Communication
• Cybor Link: International Business Etiquette and Manners