04/12/23Intercultural Business

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Intercultural Business Communication

Crucial points about intercultural encounters

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Crucial points about communication

Connectivity is more important than what is communicated

Communication activities involve continuous acts of translation and negotiation

More nationalities, cultures and languages are in articulate communication now than ever before in human history: mainly to link organizations together.

Intercultural communication facilitates collective acts of knowledge sharing, group learning and networking

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The challenges ofintercultural communication

Ambiguity Interference Lack of equivalence Prejudice Stereotypes Lack of knowledge of body language and non-verbal

cues Lack of knowledge about the other culture level of

operation

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A profile of an intercultural effective person (IEP)

Adaptation skills Attitude of modesty and respect Understanding of the concept of culture knowledge of the host country and culture Relationship-building Self-knowledge Intercultural communication Organizational skills Personal and professional commitment

(Canadian Foreign Service Institute, Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2000)

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Intercultural competencies: Stahl 2001

Tolerance for ambiguity Behavioral flexibility Goal orientation Sociability & interest

in other people Empathy Non-judgment Meta-communication skills

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Personal qualifications for international work

Open-mindedness Flexibility Interaction Adaptation skills Motivation

(Petteri Niitamo, 2003)

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Competencies of the stars

”...ability to read emotional messages in people with backgrounds vastly different from their own, even when they couldn't understand the language being spoken – a competence crucial not only for diplomats but throughout today's work world for capitalizing on diversity.” (Daniel Coleman. 1999. Working with Emotional Intelligence)

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Intercultural dialogue

Understanding Listening Empathy Openness Trust Atmosphere Responsibility

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”Multicultural person”

Adapts when encounters difficulties, and is capable of interactions in various situations irrespective of the culture where s/he happens to be

Experiences constantly a personal process of change because s/he finds always new challenges in different situations

Is able to observe his/her own culture from an outsider perspective

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No rules function in all contexts

The knowledge of the communication rules of a culture is necessary but one should also realize that no rules function in all contexts. Intercultural sensitivity and situational adaptability are paramount in multicultural working situations.

Culture influences people and their communication. One should, however, beware of cultural stereotyping. People are influenced by many cultures, not only one. Which influence becomes dominant in each particular situation depends on the circumstances. Vasko, Kjisik & Salo-Lee 1998:123

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Conclusions, Questions and Role Play