Perfect cross-cultural
communication at
workplace
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Cross-cultural
communication at
Workplace
Cross-cultural Obstacles to a Why is cross-cultural 5 tips for
improving cross-
Communication successful cross- communication cultural
Definition and cultural important at the communication at
the workplace
Basic Elements communication workplace?
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What is Cross-Cultural Communication?
Cross-cultural Communication Definition and Basic Elements
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Definition
Cross-cultural communication is the communication happen among the
people from different cultural background. According to a recent survey
of employees from 90 countries, 89 percent of white-collar workers at
least somewhat work in virtual teams, where team members come from
all around the world and rely on online tools for communication.
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Basic Elements
Awareness- Be aware that there are differences
between cultures
Preparation- Make an prior effort to understand the
culture of our business partners or coworkers before
communication
Humor- Be careful how we joke around
Openness- Feel free to ask for feedback and admit that you’re nervous.
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Obstacles to a
successful cross-
cultural communication
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Obstacles to a successful cross-cultural communication
1. Assumption of Similarities: We tend to overlook the fact that people had been exposed to different
cultural influences, which shaped them.
2. Language differences: Sometimes, even when we share a common language with our international
coworkers, some misunderstandings are possible. This is due to the fact that words have different
meanings in various contexts, and some of them are maybe elusive to a not-so-fluent speaker.
3. Nonverbal misinterpretations: We know that our body language speaks volumes. The trouble is that
the meaning of our body language differs from culture to culture. Even a simple nod of the head
means “Yes” in some cultures and “No” in others.
4. High Anxiety: Sometimes, interactions with cultures we’re not so familiar with bring about anxiety
because we’re not sure how we’re supposed to act in their presence.
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Why is cross-cultural
communication important at
the workplace?
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Why is cross-cultural communication important at the workplace?
First, let’s see 2pictures, Obviously, the workforce worldwide becomes more and more diversified
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Why is cross-cultural communication important at the workplace?
Modern technology made opening up new marketplaces and promoting businesses to new locations and
cultures possible. Apart from that, remote-first work culture is gaining popularity, in part due to the current
pandemic. Since it is now easier to work with people remotely, employers can hire people from all around the
globe, so cross-cultural communication is becoming the new norm. Since miscommunication can make or break
a business deal. Hence, the importance of effective communication cross cultures is so crystal.
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5 tips for improving cross-cultural communication at the
workplace
.
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5 tips for improving cross-cultural communication at the workplace
1. Maintain etiquette: Find out something about their business etiquette, so you could follow its rules
and avoid misunderstandings and embarrassing situations. For example, if you’re doing business
with Italians, do your best to look presentable, since dressing well in their culture is a sign of
success.
2. Avoid slang: There is no place for slang in business communication, because its use may make you
seem immature and not serious about sealing the deal
3. Avoid closed question: Avoid asking them closed questions — i.e., the so-called Yes/No questions. In
some countries, such as India and Japan, saying “No” is considered rude, so you will probably
always get a “Yes” as an answer, even if your conversational partner doesn’t mean it.
4. Consider any special needs of team members : Be mindful of a possible difference in time zones and
holiday plan of your team members
5. Be supportive: Last but not least, be supportive of your international colleagues. For intercultural
communication to be effective, all team members need to feel comfortable. So, treat your colleagues
with respect, communicate clearly, and encourage them when needed
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Thank you!
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