Elements in Cross-Cultural Communication Competence Presentation

Introduction

• Diversity is simply defined as difference exhibited between people.
• Diversity therefore is anything that is different from own and includes ideals, ideas, viewpoints, experiences etc.
• Diversity is everywhere and affects almost everything including communication (Gollakota, 2012).

Definition of issues

• Global diversity:
  • It is deep-rooted and not changed easily.
  • Based on societal aspects such as caste system.
  • Based on cultural background such as hierarch.
  • Based on language barrier.
• Local diversity:
  • Based on homegrown behavior.
  • Based on corporate and organizational.
  • It is significantly individualistic group based.
  • Based on language barrier.
• Cultural aspects:
  • Based on cultural hierarchical.
  • Based on self-confidence Vs. arrogance.
• Language aspects:
  • Language aspects.
  • Grammar, accents, and intonations.
  • Word choice as in when requesting vs. demanding.
  • The tempo used and how the voice is modulated.
  • Whether the language comes out as firm and assertive or as rude.

A clear explanation of the problem causes or effects

• Common basis of diversity:
  • Race, ethnic background, nationality, gender, age, caste
  • Sexual orientation, physical abilities
  • Language, accent
  • Up-bringing, schooling, personal experiences
• Common manifestation
  • Prejudice, discrimination, and favoritism

How to improve communication about this issue

• Know yourself and your own cultural context:
  • You need to know your own culture and its limitations. You also need to be aware that your culture is not necessarily the best culture.
• Know your audience and match the message to their communication needs and style:
  • You need to study your audience very well so that you are in a good position to understand their response, for instance, some cultures are known to be very indirect whereby a yes response may not mean agreement.
• Respect English language barriers:
  • This will apply to audiences who are not English native speakers. There is a need to avoid using jokes or illustrations which only native English speakers will understand.
• Be mindful of the whole message you are sending:
  • You need to watch out on nonverbal language. You also need to inquiry about different body signals as some may send a different message from the one that you intended to send.
• Respect your audience and suspend judgment:
  • Different cultures have different ways of doing the same things. You need to respect their ways to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
• Use active listening and check for understanding:
  • Listening is very significant as it will help to understand the details.
• Act authentically & Don not spring surprises.

A summary of two key communication research articles

• Article one by Suzanne Kaplan. This article highlights eight tips on better communication in a culturally diverse environment. The article acknowledges that cross-cultural communication can create the difference on the level of success in meeting a company’s goals (Kaplan, 2010). The eight tips are listed below:
  • Know yourself and your own cultural context.
  • Know your audience and match the message to their communication needs and style.
  • Respect English language barriers.
  • Be mindful of the whole message you are sending.
  • Respect your audience and suspend judgment.
  • Use active listening and check for understanding.
  • Act authentically.
  • Do not spring surprises.
• Article two by Vijay and Tiwari. This article proposes a framework of cross cultural communication competence. The article is a report of a case study carried out on a diverse working environment consisting of Indian and Japanese managers. The report is a comparison of how Japanese and Indian managers interact in a working context (Vijaya, & Tiwari, 2010).

References

Gollakota, S. (2012). Diversity and Global Communication Challenges. Web.

Kaplan, S. (2010). Eight Quick Tips for Improving Global Cross-Cultural Communications. Diversity Factor, 18(2), 33.

Vijaya, V & Tiwari, B. (2010). Elements in Cross-Cultural Communication Competence: Derivative of a Case Study Comparing Indian and Japanese Communication. IUP Journal of Soft Skills,4(3), 22-38.