Culture is the "lens" through which you view the world.

It is central to what you see, How you make sense of what you see, How you express yourself

Communication is the process by which information is exchanged or shared between two or more individuals. The communication process:

The speaker sends a message that is in some kind of code. The listener decodes the message and responds, thereby giving the speaker feedback.

It is a field of study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they endeavor to communicate across cultures.

Verbal Communication Words Voice Non- Verbal Communication

Gestures Postures Facial Expressions Eye Contact Vocal Characteristics Personal Appearance Touch

FUNDAMENTAL PATTERNS OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCE

What is different? 1. Communication Styles 2. Attitudes toward conflicts 3. Decision making style

4. Approaches to knowing

What is hidden below the surface? 1. Beliefs 2. Values 3. Expectations 4. Attitudes

Globalization: Cross border movement of people, goods and data brings more and more cultures into contact with one another and increases the potential of cross culture communication. Business Opportunities Job Opportunities Improves the contribution of employees in a diverse workforce Sharing of views and ideas Talent improvisation An understanding of diverse market

High Context Culture:- Cultures that rely heavily on nonverbal and subtle situational cues in communication. They are relational, collectivist, intuitive, and contemplative. This means that people in these cultures emphasize interpersonal relationships. Developing trust is an important first step to any business transaction. E.G. India, France,Japan,Korea. Low Context Culture:- Cultures that rely heavily on words to convey meaning in communication. They are logical, linear, individualistic, and action-oriented. People from low-context cultures value logic, facts, and directness. E.g: USA, England, Germany, Ireland.

Oral and written communication is generally easier to learn, adapt and deal with in the business world for the simple fact that each language is unique. Difficulty comes with Paralanguage. Paralanguage refers to the way things are said. Even though, logically, the same words should convey the same meaning the volume, rate, and emphasis placed on those words can change the meaning of the phrase.

In some cultures, looking people in the eye is assumed to indicate honesty and straightforwardness; in others it is seen as challenging and rude.

In USA, the cheapest, most effective way to connect with people is to look them into the eye.

In English culture, a certain amount of eye contact is required, but too much makes many people uncomfortable.

"Most people in Arab culture share a great deal of eye contact and may regard too little as disrespectful.

In India and many other cultures direct eye contact is generally regarded as aggressive and rude.

Gestures
A motion of the hands, head or body to

emphasize an idea or emotion.

How can a Gestures distort the message..

Perfect! OK!

Zero! Worthless!

Rubbish!

USA=OK

JAPAN=MONEY

INDIA=SURETY RUSSIA=ZERO

How can the same Gestures be treated differently in different cultures

Gestures Around the World

INDIA - Do you have a telephone ? Brazil - Cuckold (Your wife is cheating to you)

1.Ethnocentrism : Inability to accept another culture's world view; "my way is the best." 2. Discrimination : Differential treatment of an individual due to minority status; actual and perceived; e.g., "we just aren't equipped to serve people like that."

3. Stereotyping : Generalizing about a person while ignoring presence of individual difference; e.g., "she's like that because she's Asian all Asians are nonverbal."

4. Cultural Blindness: Differences are ignored and one proceeds as though differences did not exist; e.g., "there's no need to worry about person's culture
5. Cultural Imposition: Belief that everyone should conform to the majority; e.g., "we know what's best for you, if you don't like it you can go elsewhere." 6.Tone Difference : Formal tone change becomes embarrassing and offputting in some cultures.

"Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves. Abraham Lincoln

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." Donald Laird

Respecting Differences and Working Together

Building Trust Across Cultural Boundaries

Understanding Body Language

United States of America Americans tend to refrain from greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact. When sitting, U.S. citizens often look very relaxed. They may sometimes sit with the ankle of one leg on their knee. INDIA

The left hand is considered unclean in INDIA

Public displays of affection are not proper. Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive. JAPAN

Bows are used for expressing appreciation, making apologies and requests, as well as for greetings and farewells.
When the Japanese want to give the impression that they are in deep thought, they will sometimes fold their arms.

Connecting with people

Business Attire

How do you do it?

The handshake should be firm. While shaking hands establish eye contact and always smile The person who initiates the handshake is the one who closes it.

TEN Pre-cautions in Cultural Communication

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Slow Down Separate Questions Avoid Negative Questions Take Turns Write it down Be Supportive Check Meanings Avoid Slangs Watch the humour Maintain Etiquette

THANK YOU