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Cultural Differences in Communication [With Examples]

22May
Read Time: 5 minutes

Cultural Differences in Communication may cause several serious concerns that might affect your business and the working relationship.

You’ll find hundreds of cultural differences in communication from country to country. Cultural diversity makes communication hard, and in business, it can be extremely delicate because people from different cultures might have diverse behaviors, language, signs, expressions, etc.

All modern businesses need to be aware of these cultural differences in communication to build professional relationships. Understanding these different cultural barriers in communication is vital to business success because of the multicultural work environment.

In this post, we’ll guide you through them, along with examples.

6 Examples of Cultural Differences in Communication

In this section, we cover cultural differences in communication along with examples. (we covered both verbal communication and non-verbal communication barriers):

  1. Body Language and Space
  2. Addressing People
  3. Cultural & Language Barriers
  4. Cultural Barriers in the Workplace
  5. Gift Giving
  6. Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette

1. Body Language and Space

Body Language and Space

Body language and Space accounts for around 55% of communication. In situations where there is a language barrier, that percentage becomes even higher.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the type of body language you use in cross-cultural communications. If you get it wrong, you can end up unintentionally sending the wrong messages.

In some cultures, eye contact is important, whereas in a few cultures eye contact is disrespectful. For example, in the US, it’s common decency to look someone in the eye when they’re talking to you. In Indonesia, the opposite is true. In fact, maintaining direct eye contact is seen as disrespectful.

Certain hand gestures can be offensive in different countries, too. While a thumbs up or a victory sign may seem innocent to you, it can be extremely rude to others.

This principle also applies to greetings. Not everyone likes to be greeted with a handshake. In some cultures, it’s completely inappropriate.

For example, for Muslim women, shaking hands with the opposite sex is forbidden. In Sweden, a woman won a lawsuit against a company that discriminated against her for this reason.

Be aware of how you take up space, too. In some cultures, it’s polite to leave a certain amount of distance between people, while in others this may make people uncomfortable.

2. Addressing People

Addressing People

First impressions are everything, so it’s essential that you get things right from the first point of communication.

That means addressing people in an appropriate manner. Find out whether it’s more acceptable to use someone’s first name, surname or title before reaching out to them.

Some cultures do this more formally than others. For example, in Thailand, it’s common for workers to address their bosses as ‘father’ or ‘mother’ when business relations are particularly good.

3. Cultural & Language Barriers

Language

Effective communication can be difficult when parties don’t share a common language. As a result, companies often hire translators to mediate communications between the two to solve the language barriers. However, this doesn’t solve everything.

When speaking to people across different cultures, you need to be aware of few words and phrases can’t be directly translated into other languages.

It would be best if you were especially careful when using idioms in business communications. While their meanings may seem obvious to you, they can be entirely baffling for non-native speakers.

In any case, it’s polite to try and learn at least a few words, like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in the other party’s language. They’re bound to appreciate the effort.

4. Conflict in workplace

Conflict

Dealing with conflict can be a complex and delicate issue in any case if you’re dealing with people from different cultures. When you add language or cultural barriers, they become even more difficult.

It’s important to be aware of how different cultures respond to these types of situations.

For example, in many Western cultures, it’s common to approach someone directly about a problem or disagreement you may have with them. However, Asian cultures can be very different.

In Thai, Japanese and Chinese business meetings, many subordinates wouldn’t dream of disagreeing with their superior. This is because it would cause their boss to lose face.

This concept may be new to some, but in Asia, it’s an underlying thread across all communications.

In these settings, if someone disagrees with you or is unhappy with your performance. You might not hear about it directly from them. To avoid causing either of you to lose face, they might talk about it with your boss, instead.

5. Gift Giving

Giving Gifts

In some business relationships, it’s common to give gifts. For example, when you’re visiting a customer or supplier abroad, you might want to bring them a token from your country, or something to thank them for hosting you.

Before you do so, it’s crucial that you read up on the local etiquette with regards to gift giving.

Certain gifts may be inappropriate in some cultures. In others, the act of giving a gift at all may be a complete no-no. Do your research to avoid committing any social faux-pas.

Gift-giving etiquette is always complicated if you are dealing with customer, supplier or business people all over the Globe.

For instance, in China, you’re likely to be asked what kind of gift you’d like before receiving one. In Japan, you can expect your gift to be reused once or twice before it’s accepted. In Saudi Arabia, expensive gifts are common, but elsewhere, they may be viewed as a form of bribery.

Once you’ve given or received a gift, what do you do next? This is another important step to think about.

In some cultures, you’re expected to open it right away, in the presence of the person who gave it to you. In others, it’s polite to take it home and open it in private.

6. Table Manners: An Overview of Cross Cultural Dining Etiquette

Table Manners

If you find yourself having a meal as part of your business meeting, you’ll have to be aware of the local dining etiquette for eating, too.

Do you eat with hands or with utensils? Do you have your own individual dish or do you share lots of smaller ones with the rest of the table?

In some countries, it’s polite to finish everything on your plate. However, in others, this means that you aren’t satisfied. Sometimes, it’s more polite to leave a little food behind.

At the end of it all, who pays the bill? This one can be particularly tricky.

These are all things that you’ll have to think about when you’re breaking bread with business partners.

Take a Unique Approach

When you’re navigating these cultural differences in communication, it’s essential that you’re sensitive to the needs and customs of others.

This can be the difference between building and burning bridges with new business relations.

Lets Connect

At iTech Data Services, we understand the importance of treating each project, transaction, and communication individually. That’s why we take a unique approach to each one.

Work with us, and we’ll make sure we get it right for you.


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