4. Understanding How Culture Affects Communication Globalization has changed the nature of work. To communicate effectively in a global marketplace, you must understand the basic dimensions of culture: individualism, formality, communication style, and time orientation. The following examples describe a dimension of culture. Identify which dimension is described in each case. Western cultures are more relaxed about social status, and input from subordinates is tolerated and even encouraged. Communication style Power distance Individualism Time orientation North Americans are uncomfortable with silence. Communication style Formality Individualism Time orientation Two barriers prevent people from successfully understanding and accepting people from other cultures: ethnocentrism and stereotypes. Fortunately, these barriers may be overcome by developing tolerance. Choose the best answer for each of the following. Ethnocentrism: Is only found in North American culture Causes us to judge others by our own values Reveals fundamental differences between people of different ethnicities Stereotypes are: Useful guidelines for intercultural communication Oversimplifications that cause misunderstandings and misconceptions Accurate representations that facilitate communication Which of these is not an example of tolerance in the workplace? Making decisions based on difference Accepting difference Listening empathetically Although most international business is conducted in English, levels of comprehension can vary. How can you enhance your oral communication skills in international environments? Check all that apply. Speak loudly and slowly. Observe eye messages. Use simple English. Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Accept blame. Correct mispronunciations. Follow up with a phone call. Writing or speaking in an intercultural business world can be challenging. However, many techniques exist for improving your communication skills. Megan is drafting an e-mail to a business partner in Spain. Attached, you should find three charts and two graphs. I have scheduled the first conference call for 18.10.09 and the next for 20.10.09. What has she done to make her writing more easily understood? Check all that apply. Humor is used to be friendly. The sentences are shortened using acronyms. Contractions are not used. Conversational idioms are used to enhance readability. The date format matches local styles. The sentences are short