Reference no: EM132878575

Cross-Cultural and Organizational Communication

The communication process is central to the effectiveness of organizations and individuals. Beyond the obvious language differences, cultures vary widely in the use of nonverbal communication, vocal intonations, channel preferences, and the use of silence. In the following activity, you will explore the communication process and communication effectiveness by studying the simple but important practice of exchanging business cards.

Communication effectiveness is vital to personal and organizational success. For communication to be effective, the sender and receiver must have the ability to accurately encode and decode the information. Several factors influence effective encoding and decoding. These include similar codebooks, encoding proficiency, channel motivation and ability, and shared mental models. It is also important to choose the right communication channel for a given message. The two factors that influence this decision are social acceptance and media richness. Communicating effectively is challenging enough within a given culture. When people and organizations communicate across different cultures, the potential for misunderstanding is greatly increased.

Read the case below and answer the questions that follow.

Communicating with others within your own culture can sometimes be difficult, but communicating across cultures takes this challenge to a much higher level. Consider what might seem to be the fairly straightforward practice of handing out business cards. In the United States, this practice is usually done without fanfare, simply as a way of giving your contact information. Usually cards are accepted and quickly set aside or put away for future reference. When dealing with business associates from other countries, you'll need to take a different approach. Below are a few details for more acceptable ways to exchange business cards in four other countries.

Japan

Business cards, or "meishi," are exchanged in Japan with great ceremony. The way the cards are given and received is taken as an indication of how the person himself or herself would be treated. Cards should be printed on high-quality paper and kept in pristine condition in a leather case where they will not become warm or worn, two signs of disrespect or thoughtlessness. When presenting a business card, hold it out at the bottom two corners using both hands. The card should be face up and turned so the person receiving it can read it. Be sure your card includes your title so your Japanese associate will know your status in the organization. When receiving a business card, accept it with both hands at the top two corners, thank the person giving it, and bow slightly. Study the card carefully, as if trying to memorize it. If the card was received in a business meeting, keep it out during the meeting by setting it on top of your leather case. When it's time to put the card away, put it in a card case or a portfolio. Never exchange cards during meals, never put a card away immediately, never put a card in your pocket, and never write on a card.

China

In China, business cards are exchanged after initial introductions are made. Have your card translated on one side into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters. Using lucky colors, such as gold and red, is common. Your card should include your title in the organization, and if your company is the largest or oldest in your country, this should also be noted on the card. Business cards will be exchanged between all parties at a meeting. In a show of respect, give and receive cards using both hands and a slight bow. Make sure to offer the card with the Chinese side up facing the recipient. Take time to comment on the card before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case. Don't put the card in your pocket or write on it.

Russia

Business cards are exchanged in Russia after initial introductions, but without formal ritual. Have one side of your card translated into Russian using Cyrillic text, and place this side up when offering the card to someone else. Most Russians can speak English, but using their language is taken as a positive gesture. Russians often pay attention to status indicators, so be sure to list your title in the company, your advanced university degrees, and the year your company was founded.

India

In India, business cards are exchanged in business and non-business situations. This happens after initial handshakes and greetings. Present the card so the recipient can read the text as the card is being given to them. Always give and receive cards with your right hand. This is an important practice that should be followed in many other countries as well. Education is very important in India, so be sure your card lists your alma mater and any educational honors you earned. Translating the card into Hindi is not necessary, as English is widely spoken in the Indian business community.

You can learn about communication differences across cultures in many ways. Reading guides on cross-cultural etiquette, taking classes in cross-cultural business, and visiting countries on study-abroad trips will all improve your understanding of these differences. Perhaps the best way to learn about a different culture is to talk directly with a person who has extensive experience in that culture and ask questions about how communication differs there.       

Having your business card translated into Chinese on one side of a business card represents which component of the communication process?

Multiple Choice

• encoding
• feedback
• decoding
• noise
• forming