XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

Cross- Cultural Communication Matrix

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XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

Cross-Cultural Communication
Country Mexico Preferred Communication Style Nonverbal Communication Practices Business Communication Norms Strategies to Increase CrossCultural Communication

Indirect communication is preferred over direct communication in Mexico. In business communications in Mexico, it is common for colleagues to address one another by family names. First names are only used when a strong relationship has been developed. Emotions are not used when making business deals in Mexico. The lack of emotion while doing business shows that colleagues are engaged and listening. In Mexico, people stand closer to one another and eye contact is important, but in some cases to much eye contact can be seen as rude and untrustworthy.

Mexico is a touching culture, more so than most cultures. For example, the United States mostly limits business touching to handshakes, but in Mexico back- patting, greeting hugs, handshakes using both arms are common during business relations. Body language is also important in Mexican business relations. In the U.S. people tend to slouch more, but slouching in Mexico is a sign of boredom and disconnection.

Mexico has several different communication norms that are different from the U.S. People in Mexico must refrain from using first names until they are told to do so and have built a strong relationship with the other individual. Titles are important and are used solely, without mentioning the last name. For example, hello doctor. In business, touching is common and withdrawing from an embrace is considered rude.

Good cross- cultural communication is a necessity and here are some strategies to ensure good cross- cultural communication: Knowledge of cultural diversity, awareness of cultures, tolerance, and simplicity. Understanding cultural diversity and being aware of the different cultures will help an individual gain respect, trust, and help them avoid insulting any other parties. Tolerance is important because different countries are on different time zones and celebrate different holidays. Tolerance and patience is needed to work around these obstacles. Keep communication simple between countries. English may be the most used

XCOM 285

XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

Cross-Cultural Communication
Country Australia Preferred Communication Style Nonverbal Communication Practices Business Communication Norms Strategies to Increase CrossCultural Communication

The use of titles in Australia is not as important as it is in Mexico. Australians are more informal and will be on first name basis much faster than in Mexico. However, at the first meeting Mr., Mrs., or Miss should be used as a sign of respect and good business etiquette. When first meeting, shake hands, firmly but briefly, at the beginning and end of a meeting. This is the preferred gesture for both male and female colleagues, although men should allow a woman to offer their hand first (Communicaid Group Ltd. 2009).

When conducting business in Australia it important to always keep a reasonable distance between each other. Personal space is important in Australia. Good solid eye contact is a sign of trust.

Discussing an individuals personal life during a business meeting is not liked in Australia. Privacy is an important element in this country. However, small talk at the beginning of meetings is common in Australia. Small talk helps Australians gather rapport with their colleagues. Australians will negotiate major issues in an open and direct manner, but always in accordance with company policy. It is fundamental to abide by established rules and laws rather than allow feelings to take precedence (Communicaid Group Ltd. 2009).

language, but for some it is a second language and not fully understood. Speak slowly, clearly, and simply. Avoid any humor because not everyone will find it as humorous as you, some may find it offensive. Seeking help when needed is important. If you do not understand something ask and research how to handle it.

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XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

Cross-Cultural Communication
Country Preferred Communication Style Nonverbal Communication Practices Business Communication Norms Strategies to Increase CrossCultural Communication

Russia

Russians prefer the spoken word and feel that face- to- face meetings are more efficient than the written word. Patience is important in Russian and an individuals patience will constantly be tested. Sincerity is also important and needed to build trust and a strong relationship. Russians expect all business material to be in both English and Russian and long and detailed presentations are expected.

In Russia, face- to- face meetings are used because Russians feel that more emphasis will come from the spoken word versus the written word. Standing close to colleagues while communicating is important, but gesturing the Ok sign is seen as rude and impolite. Hugging, kissing, and back slapping is common in Russia. Handshake are also common while conducting business deals in Russia, but shaking hands with gloves on is considered rude and impolite. Be sure to remove gloves before handshakes.

In Russia, there is little to no visual or body language during a meeting. During a meeting it is advised that little to no body movement be made and that individuals listen silently. Patience in important when making business deals in Russia because business deals and meetings tend to be long. It is unacceptable for a foreign business partner to be late, but it is alright is the Russian business partner is late. A foreign colleague must not show attitude with the lateness because it is a test of patience.

Technology offers new tools for communication between different countries. The Internet allows business people to communicate with other colleagues from neighboring countries by using e- mail, instant messenger, and other chatting communication tools available on computers. Modern technology has opened up new marketplaces and allows business people to promote their
XCOM 285

XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

business in new geographic locations and cultures. Technology closes the gap between countries and allows everyone to be intertwined together and make items available to everyone around the world. Technology can help other cultures get together and collaborate. Problems may arise when people from other cultures don to understand the material, differences in communication, traditions, and the thought process of other people from other countries. Some countries believe that their own culture is more superior to other cultures, which can cause many problems. Language causes many obstacles when dealing with other countries. A translator can help reduce the problems of the language barrier. The environment can cause difficulties when communicating with other countries. The climate, population size, topography, density, and the available resources all influence the success of cross- cultural communication. Authority can also cause problems when communicating with one another and reaching an agreement can become difficult.
Good cross- cultural communication is a necessity and here are some strategies to ensure good cross- cultural communication: Knowledge of cultural diversity, awareness of cultures, tolerance, and simplicity.

XCOM 285

XCOM 285 Essentials of Managerial Communication

References

Communicaid Group Ltd. (2009). Doing Business in Australia: Business Practices in Australia. Retrieved June 5, 2011. From http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20Australia.pdf Mind Tools Ltd. (1996- 2011). Cross Culture Communication: Collaborative Efforts a Must. Retrieved June 5, 2011. From http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/Cross-Cultural-communication.htm

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