$.$ 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

Time orientation

Individualism

Power distance

North Americans are uncomfortable with silence.

Formality

Time orientation

Individualism

Communication style

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.

If you have an ethnocentric view of the world, you hold which expectation?

You expect the rest of the world to follow your customs and share your values.

You expect to attend diversity workshops to broaden your horizons.

You expect that people from other cultures will think and act differently than you do$.$

When applied to individuals in professional settings, stereotypes:

Illuminate differences in professional expectations

Cause misunderstandings and misconceptions

Help the sender understand the receiver

What is the best way to develop tolerance?

Socialize with different people

Study discrimination

Practice empathy

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.

Encourage accurate feedback.

Teach English phrases.

Smile when appropriate.

Follow up in writing.

Discourage feedback.

Assume comprehension.

Accept blame.

Writing or speaking in an intercultural business world can be challenging. However, many techniques exist for improving your communication skills.

Beth 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 $18\mathrm{.}10\mathrm{.}09$ and the next for $20\mathrm{.}10\mathrm{.}09.$

What has she done to make her writing more easily understood? Check all that apply.

The sentences are shortened using acronyms.

The date format matches local styles.

Conversational idioms are used to enhance readability.

Humor is used to be friendly.

Contractions are not used.

The sentences are short.