Dear Mr. Name,
Basically, Indian culture can be defined as high-context culture. It is more than 5000 years old and has its own peculiarities, and was influenced by many civilizations during all these years. Almost all the western cultures, like English, American, and Canadian are low-context (Croucher). This may cause some difficulties for the representatives of different cultures. In the current case, a representative of lower context culture wants to deliver news to the Indian audience, which is representative of higher context. Man from low-context cultures need to become accustomed while contact with representatives of the higher culture context (Bullis). High context principles suppose a small, cohesive group, and the dependence on the group. Individuals can in fact be relied to upkeep each other and it can be problematic to get support outside of cluster. Professional and private lives are often combined (Croucher). The business culture of India is characterized as a relationship-oriented, formal hierarchy, emotionally-restrained and slow pace. Indian society refers to companies with strong corporate bonds well-established religious traditions. Therefore, in India's it is worth first to establish a friendly relationship, and then build business agreement (Indiahorizonz.com).
India is a country of different religions. Most of the population (83%) is Hindu and Buddhism; there are also Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and others (Bullis).
Indian society is a caste, the formal hierarchy (Schweitzer). Over time, some of the traditions were transformed, close to civilizational norms. Therefore, in many modern India is close to European values. Although from birth, every Indian already belongs to a particular caste, profession inherits parents and is a way of life, consecrated religious and moral code. Neither education, nor academic degree, nor the financial capacity is able to influence the caste. In modern India, about 14% of the population do not belong to any caste (Indiahorizonz.com).They can occupy high government positions, but caste environment and include, without due respect (Worldbusinessculture.com)
Among other cultural features is to provide a separate attitude towards foreigners, especially Europeans and white people in general. Part of this relationship was formed during the colonial rule of Great Britain (Schweitzer), as well as at the present stage justified the behavior of tourists than the average income is much higher than the welfare of the local population. Therefore, if the Indians can contact each other, using the word "bhaysab" - "friend" or "equal», they often call the white man as "Mr." or "Sir", to use the word "sub". They also believe all white and wealthy, even rich, so for the same services require more money, such as the fare for a taxi. It is important to note a huge number of poor and needy, especially against the background of the total population in excess of one billion three hundred million people (Indiahorizonz.com).
The verbal culture of India constitute more than 300 languages, a large number of local dialects spoken language - Hindi, but her 14 other languages are considered official Indian businessmen speak good English, although it is full of local dialect. Nonverbal communication is especially important, for example, his head swinging from side to side can mean \ "yes \", and \ "no \", which often gives rise to misunderstandings in communication. To avoid it, you need to know that \ "no \" Indians express shaking their heads from side to side, as if poured water from the ears after bathing (Indiahorizonz.com).The culture of India is restrained, distant (Manian). This affects even the culture of congratulations. Representatives of the middle class are usually not served men hand in greeting. Men and women do not touch each other in public. American culture is different and it may cause some moments to pay attention before sending a letter. First, it is worth to remember that Indian culture is formal, and American is more informal. That is why not worth to use casual expressions. Also it is better to avoid imperatives.
American style is to move straight forward to the problem, just right to the point. But in Indian culture it is often ritualized. That is why the better way is to move to the conflict part more softly. It is also worth to mind the difference in ranks and women rules of communication. The other tip is to mind the Indian slowness and love not to be in hurry. It is better to explain, that western culture is about the speed to customer and delivery on time. It is better to be friendly to the Indian partner and then to build business.
For Indian culture, the emotions are essential. Communication is an art for them. It is easier for the representative of higher-context culture understand the representative of opposite. But still, they are curious. Indians, unlike Americans, are not so straightforward and the true meaning of the message may be opened after several layers.
That is why, the moments in the bad news letter that should be accommodated to the Indian audience, are the following. First, it is not to worth use set expressions like “not to have a prayer”. First, it is not easy to translate. Second, it is an element of informal letter.
It is also worth to use some neutral introduction not to move straight to the problem. Moreover, it is better to use less passive constructions and imperatives. It is also better to stress one more time on the necessity of on-time delivery.
Finally, for the Indian audience to understand better, it is necessary to rebuild the complex sentences into simple ones and make them easier for the understanding.
All in all, it is worth to mind the differences both in oral and written communication.
Best,
Works Cited
Bullis, Douglas. Doing Business In Today's India. Westport, Conn.: Quorum, 1998. Print.
Croucher, Stephen M. et al. "Conflict Styles And High–Low Context Cultures: A Cross-Cultural Extension". Communication Research Reports 29.1 (2012): 64-73. Web.
Indiahorizonz.com,. "India Business Etiquette В» India Horizonz Limited". N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Feb. 2016.
Manian, Ranjini. Doing Business In India For Dummies. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2007. Print.
Schweitzer, Sharon, and Liz Alexander. Access To Asia. Print.
Worldbusinessculture.com,. "Business Culture: Business Etiquette India". N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Feb. 2016.
