Introduction
Non-verbal signals are part of the cultural traditions of a particular country. As a result, various non-verbal gestures directly affect how communication will be built. These issues should be included in the study of the culture of any team working with foreigners, especially in the territory of a non-native country. The success of any intercultural activity directly depends on respecting and honoring another country’s traditions and cultural characteristics. Thus, the study of foreign cultures, especially non-verbal behaviors that are more difficult to perceive than verbal ones, is a prerequisite for the work of a global team.
Main body
For example, in Japan, a considerable number of non-verbal signals regulate relationships between people. For example, a bow is a usual non-verbal greeting for the Japanese. This tradition replaces the handshake and reflects the degree of respect and desire to cooperate with certain people. Another interesting non-verbal pattern is silence, which is given the meaning of deep respect in Japan. The behavior is very different from the traditions accepted in America, which stigmatize silence as isolation and unwillingness to continue communication. In other words, as the highest form of respect, silence should not be interrupted by thoughtless statements. In America, it is often sought to fill any silence with meaningful or not very replicas. When working with the Japanese, it is essential to be aware that such behavior may come across as offensive and seriously jeopardize the potential success of the business interaction.
Conclusion
If we discuss the issue of how non-verbal signals affect the decision-making process, it is worth noting the timely consideration of these signals. For example, in a situation where certain conditions are proposed, it is crucial not to rush and maintain the necessary silence while paying tribute to the traditions of Japan. This way, the chances of a positive response and further intercultural collaboration can be significantly increased.