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Communication between people with different cultural backgrounds can present challenges. Culture determines the ways in which people experience and interpret the world and all the ways in which people think and communicate. The influence of culture in business communication is often subtle and sometimes benign, but the potential for problems exists. Understanding how culture influences business communication can help you prevent negative outcomes.
Geert Hofstede's cultural dimension theory had profound impacts on the way business views culture. Differences in culture were brought to the forefront of the organizational behavior literature and, after time, research began on the effects of culture on accounting. Hofstede believes that culture has four dimensions, which include power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance and masculinity. Power distance is the degree of equality between people in a culture. Individualism is the amount that a society reinforces individual vs. collective achievement. Uncertainty avoidance is a culture's acceptance of variety and chance in daily life. Masculinity is a culture's disposition toward a traditional…
In business, communication is extremely important, and cultural differences can often impede communication between regions. Especially in cases with international businesses, following the appropriate codes of behavior and etiquette is crucial to securing business deals. Knowing the types of issues that require cultural understanding and awareness can help you use sensitivity and proper actions when dealing with cross-cultural business endeavors.
Working for a global business is "like working for the United Nations," writes executive coach Gill Corkindale. Diplomacy, tact, understanding and sensitivity are all important aspects of cultural awareness because culture can be a "fulcrum of conflict." Train your employees and managers to identify and deal with possible sources of conflict and misunderstanding in multicultural work settings.
As one of the world's fastest growing economies, Brazil offers burgeoning opportunities for the investor or entrepreneur. Brazil has a Gross Domestic Product of $600 billion and its major industries include manufacturing, chemical production, agriculture, and energy production. In order to conduct business in Brazil, it's useful to understand the unique characteristics of Brazilian culture and the customary ways of doing business there. Properly navigating cultural differences is helpful en route to profiting from Brazil's economic growth.
Because many adults spend much of their weekdays in a work environment, certain habits, perceptions, goals and ways of thinking in the workplace become deeply entrenched. This creates a workplace culture, which can differ from location to location. Cultures can also relate to job type. Understanding managerial culture can help supervised employees better gauge their managers' motives and perspectives. And learning about helpful and less-helpful aspects of managerial culture can help employers identify how to improve management.
Just like national and social cultures, business cultures indoctrinate members of a community with a shared sets of values, outlooks and priorities. When designed right, cultures also perpetuate these outlooks to give a company both a character and a way of operating that pervades all departments and employees. Top managers and business leaders know that developing a beneficial company culture takes thought and work that must continue over an extended period. In order to keep progress on track, management has to have a solid strategy that includes steps to keep momentum.
Globalization of business has had profound effects on cultures around the world. Some cultures are experiencing new-found growth because of the opportunities that international trade presents. Other cultures are reacting negatively to global business, fearing that globalization will ruin their way of life. Global businesses need to be aware of the possible side effects they could have on native cultures.
Business culture, organizational culture and corporate culture are all terms that describe the values and norms held in common within a particular business. Shared beliefs, understood taboos, ritual activities and processes, and other shared characteristics of a particular company are all part of business culture. Each company has its own unique culture, typically driven by top management, that affects the attitude of employees and the way they work.
One of the results of increased globalization in the world economy is the frequent interaction of different cultures in the business world. Wherever a business establishes itself, growth and expansion will likely lead to engagement with customers, colleagues and competitors from a different cultural background. Managing cultural differences in business is essential for those who want to participate internationally and succeed globally.
Corporate culture is the dynamic blend of values, beliefs, taboos, rituals and myths that all companies develop over time, according to Entrepreneur's Small Business Encyclopedia. A company's culture may be written in a mission statement or simply lived out day by day, but the true culture of a company has a profound effect on the way owners and employees behave and therefore a profound effect on whether or not a company succeeds.
Whether looking for a new job opportunity, seeking to engage in a business-to-business relationship or soliciting for a service, it is necessary to perform a thorough assessment of the business. In assessing a business, it is important to consider its culture.
Whether you are communicating by phone, email or standard mail, you need to understand the basic rules for communicating in a business culture. Your company's business culture is the way that you do business and the priorities your company sets as it deals with clients and vendors. When you are communicating within your own company, you can follow some simple rules that will make your communication more effective and productive.
A business culture can be made by the organization. WestJet, a Canadian airline, known for its corny jokes as it pulls up to a gate, made a name for itself in the airline industry. Here is a company that spends some time writing comedy while also discussing customer service and culture. It has created for itself a fun and informal atmosphere, which has worked in its favor in the cut-throat industry. Business culture does not have to be robotic. As long as there are guidelines to follow and a healthy working environment, a business can have its own personality.
Ireland's business culture emphasizes personal relationships and a balance between work and family life. Business interactions are usually relaxed, friendly and casual, and Irish business people are direct and honest and expect the same from their associates. Visitors from other Western countries, such as the United States, can expect a workplace atmosphere similar to the one they experience every day. According to the website Expat Focus, Irish business people are friendly to and welcoming of foreign visitors, though they are initially hesitant until close relationships and trust are established.
The divide between Eastern Europe and the rest of Europe and the world developed after World War II, with Eastern Europe consisting of many countries occupied by what was then called the Soviet Union. As a result, the influence of Communism was strong in the Eastern bloc and hindered international relations. That divide no longer exists, and Eastern European countries regularly conduct business and trade with the rest of the world. Understanding the region's business culture is crucial to creating rapport with potential business associates.
Because so many Americans are descended from European immigrants, or are European immigrants themselves, there are many cultural and historical similarities between the two places. However, the differences are significant enough that they need to be taken into account if an American hopes to be effective and accepted as a businessperson in Europe, or if a European hopes to understand the way that Americans do things.
The connections between social culture and business are multifaceted and sometimes subtle. Thus, it takes effort to reveal how culture and business are intertwined and to quantify the overall impact of social factors. Even so, awareness of social culture and business links potentially increases both your business revenue and reputation.
With the second largest economy in the world, the People's Republic of China is a major player in the global economy. This most-populated country in the world is also first in economic growth. With China featured prominently in the business world, an awareness of Chinese business practices is essential.
Over the last several decades, businesses have made efforts to change their culture to be more embracing of people with diverse backgrounds. This may be due to several reasons, including a changing hiring pool, the belief that there is a true business case for diversity, because businesses wish to avoid lawsuits or good publicity.
Many Americans make the mistake of thinking Canada and America have basically the same culture. Not only is this belief offensive to Canadians, but it also ignores important differences in the business culture of both countries. International business novices would do well to compare the Canadian and American approaches to doing business. A sharpened understanding of divergent communications, meetings, management and dress styles in the two countries will pave the way to business success.
Business communication involves the successful exchange of insight between two parties, ideally so that both parties benefit from the exchange. If one party leaves the conversation confused or ignorant, communication failed, and both parties can suffer. The "business" aspect of business communication, in particular, demands complete reciprocity with mutual benefits, so organizations behind the trade can profit. Businesspeople must negotiate trade, direct internal staff and resources, receive feedback from customers and manage relationships with suppliers to grow the organization. Culture plays a critical role in the success or failure of any given interaction, whether across town or across the globe.
Globalization means that managers will increasingly be working with foreign employees or in overseas offices. There is no doubt that culture shock, and varying ethical and moral codes of countries make it difficult for any such manager. A manager must research and understand the situation he is entering, and then try to adhere as strictly as possible to his and the company's ethical standards. He should also help his employees overcome cultural differences and unite as a functioning team.
China represents a vast emerging market for American businesses and entrepreneurs. Effective business communication in China has more barriers, however, than mere language. To be successful closing deals in China, American business people must learn some important cultural differences. They also must remain sensitive to the importance of business customs that may seem quite the opposite of the casual and somewhat bold approach to business learned at home.
Changing your corporate culture takes more than simply generating a new employee handbook. A true corporate culture change means that management must address the culture from every angle and aspect of the business. From human resources, operations and marketing to sales, all areas must be examined and addressed. Changing how employees approach business involves months and years of intense training and mediation. The only way a culture change will be successful is if senior management is on board every step of the way and demonstrates the new culture direction in how they do business.
Starting a cultured marble business will allow you to operate regardless of the economy. When the economy is good, more houses are being built and consumers will need your marble. If, unfortunately, the economy is not doing so well, consumers may still need to remodel their homes in hopes to resell or increase the value, hence needing your business. With the proper training, equipment and advertising, you can enjoy a profitable business.
Germany is a dominant nation in the worldwide business arena, and many U.S. firms aspire to do business with German firms. However, before going into Germany to conduct any kind of business, the business professional would do well to prepare for a business and work culture that is different than business in American culture. American attitudes about casualness in business as well as business entertaining and attitudes about the bottom line as opposed to product awareness are puzzling to many Germans.
Southwest Airlines is well-known for its pared-down, unconventional business model. Its focus on punctual arrivals and departures, and no-frills, yet friendly service, has helped the airline to thrive in a time when many others are failing. Southwest's approach may not be for everyone, but those looking for a great value and dependability find Southwest to be the perfect choice.
German business culture may appear Americanized with its extensive use of English and its plethora of international companies, but nevertheless, the Germans still have their own, distinct business culture, which isn't always the most obvious for Americans.
