QUESTION

Non-verbal behaviour is prone to being wrongly interpreted in intercultural encounters (Guirdham, 1999). Therefore, using a level of assertiveness which is appropriate in one culture will probably be seen as an aggression or a lack of assertion in another.

(a) According to Guirdham (1999), assertiveness may be misinterpreted in intercultural encounters. Using examples, discuss any five non-verbal communication differences that might result in misinterpretation.

(b) If the Manager of a multinational had to challenge Guirdham (1999), he would come up with some advice during induction with his multi-cultural employees to avoid inter-cultural misinterpretations. Using examples, discuss five ways to prevent inter-cultural misinterpretations.