Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication overview
In this era of globalisation, organisations are likely to work with people from different cultures. It is imperative to acknowledge that people from different cultures differ in a variety of ways which includes: the way they look at things, their way of dressing, their religious practices , different ways of expressing personality etc. It’s vital for organisations to understand peoples’ cultures so as to enhance productivity in various sectors of the economy.
In this era of globalisation, organisations are likely to work with people from different cultures. It is imperative to acknowledge that people from different cultures differ in a variety of ways which includes: the way they look at things, their way of dressing, their religious practices , different ways of expressing personality etc. It’s vital for organisations to understand peoples’ cultures so as to enhance productivity in various sectors of the economy.
Defining culture Culture is defined in different ways. For example , the Oxford advanced learner’s dictionary of current English 1974 defines culture as all the arts, beliefs, social institutions ,etc. Characteristics of a community, race etc. Culture is also defined as the behaviours and beliefs characteristics of a particular social , ethnic or age group (Random House unabridged dictionary 2006 ). Often problems arise when dealing with from different cultures because of misinterpretation of gestures and body movements. This is coupled with beliefs and practices relating to human relationships
What is intercultural communication?
Intercultural communication is a form of communication between people /workers/ clients possessing distinct cultural backgrounds. It also encompasses managing thought patterns and non-verbal communication
Intercultural communication is a form of communication between people /workers/ clients possessing distinct cultural backgrounds. It also encompasses managing thought patterns and non-verbal communication
Significance of intercultural communication
Intercultural communication is important in today’s world because it enables workers from different cultures to work together as a group for the success of businesses. Furthermore, communication across cultures involves understanding cultural differences and overcoming language problems.
Strategies for effective intercultural communication
- Ask questions
- Distinguish perspectives
- Build self awareness
- Recognise the complexity
- Avoid stereotyping
- Respect differences
- Listen actively
- Be honest
- Be flexible
- Think twice
Hofstede's cultural dimensions
We cannot run away from the fact that the world has become a global village and people from different cultures are now working together and communicating on a daily basis. To eliminate problems of cultural differences in the work place , we apply Hofstede’s cultural dimension model
Power distance
The table above implies that some cultures are characterised by either high power distance (HPD) while others are low (LPD).
Low PD talks about how power is shared and dispersed well in a society or organisation were members view themselves as equal to one another . There is consultative leadership in an organisation as superiors and subordinates work as a team to foster performance and productivity.
High PD cultures are characterised by authoritative leadership were top management makes decisions for organisation without involving subordinates. Therefore , there is inequality ,obedience and submissiveness in such cultures.
The table above implies that some cultures are characterised by either high power distance (HPD) while others are low (LPD).
Low PD talks about how power is shared and dispersed well in a society or organisation were members view themselves as equal to one another . There is consultative leadership in an organisation as superiors and subordinates work as a team to foster performance and productivity.
High PD cultures are characterised by authoritative leadership were top management makes decisions for organisation without involving subordinates. Therefore , there is inequality ,obedience and submissiveness in such cultures.
Individualism
Masculinity vs femininity summary
Uncertainty avoidance summary
Long term versus short term orientation summary
Low LTO
· Promotion of equality
· High creativity, individualism.
· Treat others as you would like to be treated.
· Self-actualization is sought.
· Expect to live by the same standards and rules you create.
· Be respectful of others.
· Do not hesitate to introduce necessary changes.
Low LTO
· Promotion of equality
· High creativity, individualism.
· Treat others as you would like to be treated.
· Self-actualization is sought.
· Expect to live by the same standards and rules you create.
· Be respectful of others.
· Do not hesitate to introduce necessary changes.