Featured in the CNBC online article “India is moving beyond call centers and IT support – but can it work?” two important statements were made: “For years, multinational companies have set up labor-intensive operations in India involving services such as IT support, call centers, or mobile app development.” I can verify this as living in Goregaon, I see emblazoned on the tops of skyscrapers such as JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, and Nestle. The second statement was, “According to a joint survey conducted in 2022 by EY and the Confederation of Indian Industry, more than 70% of multinational corporations plan to invest in the country in the next 3-5 years.” Wow, 70% of overseas businesses investing in setting up offices in India to utilise its labour. But there is a catch in all of this: many of those working in these offices have never travelled or dealt with those living in different countries to fully appreciate the ways of Western thinking. Additionally, the gap in understanding cultural nuances and business etiquette between Indian employees and their Western counterparts can lead to communication challenges and potential misunderstandings. Furthermore, the need for continuous upskilling and education in global business practices is crucial to ensure that the Indian workforce can meet the evolving demands and expectations of multinational corporations effectively. What is the Definition of Cross Cultural Communication Cross-cultural communication refers to the process by which people from different cultural backgrounds exchange information, ideas, and meanings. It involves not only the spoken and written word but also non-verbal cues such as gestures, body language, and facial expressions. The complexity of cross-cultural communication arises from the fact that each culture has its own set of norms, values, and communication styles. What is Cross-Cultural Communication with Examples
Social psychologist Geert Hofstede identified six dimensions of culture that influence communication: These dimensions, including power distance, individualism versus collectivism, and uncertainty avoidance, provide insights into how cultural values influence communication styles.
Another influential model is Edward T. Hall's concept of high-context versus low-context communication. High-context cultures (e.g., Japan, China) rely heavily on implicit cues, while low-context cultures (e.g., the United States, Germany) rely more on explicit verbal communication. Understanding these differences can help avoid misunderstandings.
What are Cross Cultural Communication Skills Cross-cultural communication skills are the abilities you need to effectively interact with people from different backgrounds. This includes understanding and respecting cultural differences, as well as adapting your communication style to bridge the gap.
What Are Some Cross-Communication Strategies Consider and seek continuous learning and improvement, why? In an increasingly interconnected world, people and thinking changes. So, engage in ongoing education about cultural competence and effective communication practices. Who can assist with cross-cultural communication? Etiquette and protocol coaches, attending workshops provided by your company, reading relevant literature, and seeking feedback from culturally diverse colleagues.
Conclusion Today cross-cultural communication has become a critical skill. As people from diverse backgrounds interact more frequently, the ability to effectively communicate across cultures is essential for fostering understanding, cooperation, and harmony. How is your business doing with cross cultural communication? Article Published In: LinkedIn
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AuthorElizabeth Soos Archives
October 2024
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