Cultural Misunderstanding Essay

Nowadays, with the development of red-brick technology, the world tends to be a world(prenominal) village. It is quite convenient to contact pile from separate countries by teleph one and only(a), fax or on the internet. Therefore, firms mend more opportunities to mete out their products overseas. However, as we only cognize, incompatible countries live with their own unique cultures. Hofstede who is a innovator of comparative inter heathen research describes culture as the collective programming of the intellect which distinguishes the members of one category of people from an early(a)(prenominal) (Henk, Joseph Soeters and scratch Ester 2004,34). Owing to diverse company management, languages as well as customs, cultural departure depart arise from communication amongst people of antithetical cultural backgrounds. This show tries to present the main elements of cultural mistaking during cross cultural melody and in that respectfore find almost effective ways to avoid or mitigate those problems. assorted cultures make the world diversified. However, unfortunately, it as well ca-cas roughly negative effects on transnational business, which can lead to be amiss, confusion crimson anger. It univers all(prenominal)y appears in conform toing aspects1). Misunderstandings ground on proponent hold fit to Gallois and Callan(1997,28 ), the infinite between a double-decker and subordinate can be considered as to extent to which employees can agree with their bosses or managers. It has two different styles high distance and low distance. High power distance culture is usually found in whatever oriental countries, especially in Japan, Korea and China. Superiors seem to be entitled to more privileges. They atomic number 18 the centre of the whole company, their experimental condition (establish on age, experience, or position) gives them the right to reassure others what to do, and subordinates always esteem the managers.On the other hand, in western countries, an employee can cumber different opinions to his/her boss and can dissertate problems with their manager face-to-face. Actually, deference of power in low power distance is establish on knowledge and experience, rather than stipulation or position alone (Gallois and Callan, 1997,28). Because of the different realization of power distance, conflict and misunderstanding must emerge when two or more who come from different power distance cultures work together. In this situation, managers of multinational companies must pay forethought to the clashes and be awargon of the difference of cultures. The manager should know how to let those employees work together harmoniously and cooperatively.2). Misunderstandings ground on language As the medium of information, language is used to record ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. Different nations use different languages, so there will be red ink or misunderstanding during communication. For instance, in some countries, people like using inexplicit words, which are hard for foreigners to understand. It will cause big problems in cross-cultural negotiations. Language-based misunderstandings will happen, even with two native speakers of the same(p) language, but from different dialect groups or social classes, communicating, because of accent, slang or technical foul terms.Whats more, according to Gallois and Callan (1997, 7), language is also associated with non-verbal communication, which includes gestures, body language, eye contact and some types of non-verbal behavior are used based on the users culture. Therefore, it is familiar that similar gestures will have different meanings in different countries. Thus, the non-verbal channel is another contributor of misunderstanding. For example, an Indian shaking his/her headroom means yes instead of no In order to reduce language-based misunderstanding, overseas sellers should follow the customer orientation principle and do business in the customers language and communication style. In other words, it is essential to pay extra attention to the communication process, even if it takes more time.3). Misunderstandings based on social rules. Social rules are defined as shared expectations intimately the behavior that should and should not occur in specific social situations (Gallois and Callan,1997,33). But the rules are different from one situation to another. arrive at punctuality as an example we all know time is money, but when there is a conference, Germans usually arrive 5 minutes before the start and Spanish people will be modern for 15 minutes late. However, in their look they are both on time. Furthermore, when westerly people converse with each other, the usual distances are between 0.5 and 1 meter. However, in China, the distance is much less, especially in a restaurant when peoples bodies will touch very closely.  whatever Westerners feel uncomfortable in that situation. In a word, to keep an open mind about other peoples social rules and respect for those rules is very necessary. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.From what has been discussed before, cultural conflicts are inevitable during cross-cultural business, cod to differences in company management, language, attitude toward times, social behavior, etc.. People are not all the same under the skin. As a professional business person, he/she should be willing to learn other nations cultures and keep an open mind, and adapt himself/herself to fit into the business environment in order to get the best achievement in business.ReferencesGallois,C and V.Callan (1997) conference and Culture. JOHN WILEY&SONSVinken,H, Joseph Soeters and Peter Ester(2004) canvas Culture Dimensions of Culture in a Comparative Perspective. BRILLThe Content of Intercultural conference http//www.ahtvu.ah.cn/jxcl/zhykch/1107/supplementary%20reading2htm 25/01/2006