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Cross Cultural Communication When is a yes a no? Dolly Seow-Ganesan Sector Manager May 2011. Introduction. Cultural diversity. What can mean one thing in a country can mean something completely different in another. Cultural diversity. Watch out for body language and gestures. Pop Quiz.
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Cross Cultural Communication When is a yes a no? Dolly Seow-Ganesan Sector Manager May 2011
Cultural diversity What can mean one thing in a country can mean something completely different in another
Cultural diversity Watch out for body language and gestures
Pop Quiz 1. In the Middle East, what should you avoid doing when eating? • Burping • Talking loudly • Using your left hand
Developing awareness • Rules vs Flexibility • Equality vs Hierarchy • Me vs We • Direct vs Indirect Communication
Pop Quiz 2. What should you NOT do when you receive a business card in Japan? • Receive it with both hands • Write on it • Put it on the table in front on you
Developing awareness You say Guanxi, I say Schmoozing Guanxi. It's the first word any businessperson learns upon arriving in China. Loosely translated, guanxi means "connections" and, as any China veteran will tell you, it is the key to everything. Fortunes have been made and lost based on whether the seeker has good or bad guanxi, and in most cases a positive outcome has meant knowing the right government official, a relationship nurtured over epic banquets and gallons of XO brandy. Source: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_47/b4059066.htm
Pop Quiz 3. Dropping your chopsticks in China is considered bad luck? • True • False
Tolerance ~ Oh! the places you’ll go! ~ • The Chinese Banquet is a test of endurance • Take the time to get to know the person you’re working with • Expect long sales cycles and complex decision making
Pop Quiz 4. When writing someone’s name in Korea what colour should you NOT use? • Red • Blue • Green • Black
Understanding • Titles are important • Business card etiquette • Importance of “saving face” • Dress appropriately • Keep your message clear and simple • Referrals are priceless
Pop Quiz 5. What are inappropriate gifts to give in Singapore: • Clock/Watch • Knives • White flowers • All of the above
Other critical factors • Branding • Symbols • Adapting to the market • Sale strategy • Local knowledge
Pop Quiz Answers 1. c 2. b 3. a 4. a 5. d
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