Intro to Business Communication: Cross Cultural and Global Communication - Etiquette for International, Business Gift Giving Dining Business Cards Greetings

What This Is

Etiquette for International Business is about understanding and adapting to cultural norms and customs in a global workplace. This includes knowing how to give gifts, dine with colleagues, exchange business cards, and greet people from different cultures. A poor understanding of these customs can lead to misunderstandings, offense, or even business losses. For example, in some Asian cultures, it's customary to give gifts to show respect, but in some Western cultures, accepting gifts can be seen as a bribe.

Key Principles & Techniques

• Gift Giving: Know the Local Customs: Research the gift-giving norms in the country you're visiting. In Japan, gifts are typically wrapped in nice paper and are not opened until the recipient is alone. In some African cultures, gifts are given with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Business Cards: Exchange Cards with Both Hands: When exchanging business cards, use both hands and a slight bow to show respect. This is especially important in Asian cultures.
• Greetings: Use Formal Titles: Use formal titles such as Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr. until you're explicitly invited to use first names. In some cultures, using first names too quickly can be seen as too familiar.
• Dining Etiquette: Wait for the Host to Start Eating: In many cultures, it's customary to wait for the host to start eating before you begin. This shows respect for their hospitality.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Use the Seven C's: The Seven C's are a model for effective cross-cultural communication: Clarity, Conciseness, Consideration, Concreteness, Correctness, Completeness, and Courtesy.
• Active Listening: Paraphrase and Ask Questions: When communicating across cultures, paraphrase what you've heard to ensure understanding and ask questions to clarify any misunderstandings.
• Nonverbal Communication: Be Aware of Body Language: Be mindful of your body language, as it can convey different meanings in different cultures. For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact is seen as aggressive.
• Time Management: Respect Local Time Norms: Be aware of local time norms and adjust your schedule accordingly. In some cultures, punctuality is not as highly valued as in others.
• Cultural Intelligence: Be Open-Minded and Adaptable: Be open to new experiences and adapt to local customs and norms.

Do's and Don'ts

• DO: Use formal titles and last names until explicitly invited to use first names.
• DON'T: Use first names too quickly, as it can be seen as too familiar.
• DO: Research local customs and norms before visiting a new country.
• DON'T: Assume that local customs are the same as those in your home country.
• DO: Be mindful of your body language and nonverbal communication.
• DON'T: Make assumptions about someone's cultural background based on their appearance.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming that local customs are the same as those in your home country.
• Correction: Research local customs and norms before visiting a new country to avoid misunderstandings.
• Mistake: Using first names too quickly with colleagues from other cultures.
• Correction: Use formal titles and last names until explicitly invited to use first names.
• Mistake: Not being mindful of body language and nonverbal communication.
• Correction: Be aware of your body language and adjust it accordingly to avoid miscommunication.

Quick Practice

Scenario 1: You're meeting a potential client from Japan for the first time. How would you greet them?

Answer: You would bow slightly and exchange business cards with both hands, using a formal title such as Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr.

Explanation: This shows respect for their culture and customs.

Scenario 2: You're dining with colleagues from different cultures. What should you do first?

Answer: Wait for the host to start eating before you begin.

Explanation: This shows respect for their hospitality and cultural norms.

Scenario 3: You're communicating with a colleague from a different culture via email. What should you do?

Answer: Use clear and concise language, and avoid using idioms or colloquialisms.

Explanation: This ensures that your message is understood correctly and avoids misunderstandings.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• BCC is not a secret weapon – overuse damages trust.
• Gifts are typically wrapped in nice paper in Japan.
• Use formal titles until explicitly invited to use first names.
• The Seven C's are a model for effective cross-cultural communication.
• Active listening involves paraphrasing and asking questions.
• Nonverbal communication can convey different meanings in different cultures.
• Respect local time norms and adjust your schedule accordingly.
• Cultural intelligence involves being open-minded and adaptable.
• Avoid making assumptions about someone's cultural background based on their appearance.
• Use clear and concise language in cross-cultural communication.