Essay
Management
Introduction
Cross-cultural management is a system intended to make people aware of the variations of practices, preferences and cultures of consumers around the business globe. With time, the diversity in practices, preferences and culture increase significantly thus causing a need for change to cross-cultural management. However, one important aspect of cross-cultural management is cross-cultural communication. This is because communication helps bridge the gaps between different cultures. Cross-cultural communication is a study that focuses on how people from different cultural backgrounds are able to communicate either through similar or different ways among themselves.
For effective cross-cultural communication to be achieved one of the key elements required that must be available is knowledge. It is important for people to comprehend the possible problems of cross-cultural communication. These problems can only be comprehended where there is better knowledge of the types of problems that exist. After comprehending the possible problems, the next step would be to make efforts towards overcoming these problems. It is also vital to make the assumption that efforts made are not guaranteed any success and so one must adjust his/her behavior suitably.
For example, one should always make the assumption that there is a considerable likelihood that cultural differences are to blame for communication problems. One should be ready to be enduring and forbearing, rather than hostile and antagonistic, if problems grow. One must react slowly and wisely in case of cross-cultural exchanges, and should not jump into conclusion thinking they know what is being thought and said.
There are several strategies that can be applied to ensure effective cross-cultural communication. These strategies include:
Following these strategies keenly will ensure that cross-cultural communication is effectively achieved. Communication is a very important process that requires several strategies to make it effective. This can be done through the following steps:
- • Ask questions: By asking questions, one can understand clearly what he/she doesn’t understand. Asking questions is a way of showing the respondent how much one has understood the whole process.
- • Distinguish perspectives: This enables one to differentiate perspectives and come up with the right perspective without confusion.
- • Build self-awareness: This will allow us to understand others better as well as how they perceive us. It helps one to have a clear perception of the respondent’s personality.
- • Recognize the complexity: it is important to understand the difficulty involving communication among people of different cultures. By recognizing these difficulties, one must try to find out solutions to them.
- • Avoid stereotyping: this will go a long way into making the communication as effective as possible.
- • Respect differences: We must understand that we are all from different backgrounds and so we must respect the differences that exist between us.
- • Listen actively: For effective communication to occur, one must listen actively as it will determine the success of the communication process.
- • Be honest: Honesty is the best policy. During the communication process between people of different cultures, honesty must be shown to build trust.
- • Be flexible: Being flexible will enhance the communication process and in the process improve understanding among the communicators.
- • Think twice: it is important for any person to think twice before acting or saying something. During communication one must be cautious not to irritate the respondent and should think twice before conveying any form of communication.
Conclusion
Effective communication is very important especially when it involves communication among people of different cultures. These strategies must be followed carefully to enhance cross-cultural communication. The process of cross-cultural management is a very tedious one, and it is important to have an effective communication during this process to ensure its success
References
Cross Cultural Communication. n.d.
Cross Cultural Management. 1994.
International Journal of Cross Cultural Management. 2001.
Labriola, T., Parker, R. and Adams, J. 1993. Cross Cultural Communication in Diverse Settings.
Lewis, R. 1999. Cross Cultural Communication: A Visual Approach.
Peterson, M. and Sшndergaard, M. 2008. Foundations of Cross Cultural Management. 2.
Peterson, M. and Sшndergaard, M. 2008. Cross Cultural Management.
