6 Key Business Communication Differences Between Cultures
You could write an academic text book on the differences in communication style between cultures, but in this short article we just have time to address the 6 key cultural communicate differences and how knowing about about these can lead to more effective inter-cultural training communications. These six key patterns of cultural communication differences are:
- Different Communications Styles
- Different Attitudes Toward Conflict
- Different Approaches to Completing Tasks
- Different Decision-Making Styles
- Different Attitudes Toward Disclosure
- Different Approaches to Knowing
1. Differing styles of communication between culture
Even when people from different cultures speak the same language certain expressions are used differently. For example, “yes” can mean, “may be”, “I’ll think about it” or “definitely” depending on the culture. So, when designing training communications which focus around role plays and yes/no scenarios, you’ll need to be more explicit to ensure it is clear to all members of the inter-cultural audience whether you mean, “may be”, “I’ll think about it” or “definitely” when you use the word ‘yes’ in a training communication.
2. Differing attitudes surrounding conflict
Some cultures are more accepting of workplace conflict, but many other cultures see it as undesirable and try to avoid it. For example, while US bosses don’t desire conflict they expect to use a face to face meeting to work through an issue, while some Eastern countries find open conflict disagreeable and tend to work through differences more quietly with perhaps a written communication. So, if you are delivering training communications which surround conflict you might need to consider developing two separate styles of communication to suit both your US and Eastern audience, e.g. presentation format versus series of email communications. And perhaps allow the audience to choose their preferred format.
3. Differing ways of completing work
Different cultures have different approaches to the way they like to get work done. Take Asian and Hispanic cultures who for example consider it important to develop strong relationships at the start of a shared project and focus on task completion nearer the end. But, Americans and Europeans like to focus on tasks first and let relationships develop. Clearly, if you are developing training communications on getting work done, you’ll need to place emphasis on the value of both the relationship and task prioritized approach to task completion to avoid alienating parts of your audience.
4. Different styles of making a decision
These can vary dramatically according to country. For example, US managers are thought to be more comfortable delegating decision making authority, whereas Southern European and Latin American managers are more inclined to hold decision-making power and not pass it down. In the US, group decisions are done by a vote but in Japan group decisions tend to occur by consensus. So, if you are making training communications about decision-making you’ll need to at least respect, if not incorporate both styles.
5. Differing views on disclosure
Some cultures are far more prepared to express emotions and to talk about the reasons behind a dispute or conflict while others are far more guarded. Other cultures will be more comfortable about revealing things than others – and others may find it an intrusion into their privacy. When preparing training communications around sensitive topics think carefully about the disclosure comfort levels of your audience and tailor your communications appropriately.
6. Different attitudes to acquiring knowledge
European cultures tend to value knowledge derived from statistics and experiments, yet African cultures are comfortable learning using symbolic imagery and rythmn whereas Asian cultures value knowledge gained through spirituality and working towards transendence. So think carefully about the props you use within each training to ensure you present knowledge in a way that can be accepted by all the cultures in your audience.
It may not always be possible to create universal training communications to suit the cultural diversity of your audience and in these instances, you may need to segment your audience into similar cultural communication styles and deliver culturally targeted communications to each culturally distinct segment.
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International Business Greetings
If you are an expat or a global executive looking to make an impression in new markets you will need to deliver greetings that are appropriate to each culture to maximize your personal effectiveness and ability to influence decision-makers in different cultures. And below, I have outlined international greeting styles for key markets around the world, as outlined in a recent Reuters article.
China – The western style handshake is acceptable, but the grip should not be so tight and there should be a pumping motion. Chinese tend to lower their eyes a little when meeting a new person. This is not a sign of submission, but a sign of respect. Looking into the eyes can be viewed as disrespectful.
Japan – Handshaking, and bowing are accepted forms of greeting in international business circles, but try and follow the lead of the person you are meeting. Match the firmness or lightness of their grip and bow if bowed to.
Russia – Russians tend to expect a firm (and often extremely firm) handshake when meeting a new person. On the second or third meeting, you could be greeted with a hug. Russian men often kiss their guest’s cheeks (men and women alike). Women, however, tend to just offer a kiss greeting to other Russians. They’ll normally shake hands with foreigners.
France – Shake hands with one quick stroke when arriving and leaving. Ensure that you shake hands with everyone.
Latin Americans – They tend to use a light, lingering handshake. It lasts about twice the amount of time of an American handshake and if you pull out too soon it can be interpreted as a rejection. Men sometimes offer a hand to a woman, and men sometimes “kiss” the top of a woman’s hand.
Europe – Similar to America
Arab Countries – Male friends often embrace and kiss each other on both cheeks after a light and lingering handshake. When talking they may stand very close to each other.
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