International Communications

1. International Communications Chapter 3 International Business

2. Understanding Communications • The Importance of Communication • Effective communication holds things together • People must be able to reach and understand each other to overcome differences, get along and accomplish goals • Communicating Across Cultures • Business and International relation must have effective communication when trying to send and receive messages

3. Understanding Communication • Verbal Communication • Communication: Transmitting, receiving, and processing information • Interpersonal – one to one • Organizational – business setting • Language: The medium of communication through words, symbols, numbers, characters or nonverbal cues • Verbal Communication: Sending messages by using words that are spoken or written.

4. Understanding Communication • Language and International Business • Language and Word Gender • Every language has unique features/differences • Differences make learning new languages more difficult • Business people can learn a few basic terms and phrases to promote courtesy and show interest • Using Nouns and Verbs • Complications in learning sequence & order of nouns and verbs • English = Noun before verb, most of the world = verb before noun

5. Understanding Communication • Using Alphabets and Characters • Many languages have different alphabets with different characters and letters • Using English • Many companies choose to use the English language when doing Business • Most used language on the internet • Outside of Business?

6. Understanding Communication • Verbal Communication Challenges • How People Speak • Speak very quickly in native language • Learn phrase for “Please speak more slowly” • Slang: Type of speech used in recreational settings • Can be confusing and frustrating • Technical Terms • Unique names for computer parts, nath symbols • Important to learn these terms

7. Understanding Communication • Time for Translation • Translations cause pauses or time lapses in communication • Focus on speaker, not translator • Social Behavior and Communication • Difference in behavior between high and low context • High = More figurative (Japan) • Low = Words taken more literally (U.S.) • Other Challenges • Noun-Verb Agreement • Singular-Plural Issues • Imprecise Translation • ESL: Slow down pace/speed, look for clarification, ask for confirmation

8. Understanding Communication • Learning Communication Strategies • Learning Key Phrases • Know what language best serves the business relationship (Many countries have more than one language) • Learn how to use key words and business phrases • Using Names • Know how/what to address someone • Name, title, rank • Using Business Cards • Study culture before handing out Business cards

9. Understanding Communication • Other Differences to Consider • Time Zone Difference • Know the time of day you are calling from and too • Currency Differences • Know the exchange rates • The Metric System • Know meters, liters, and Celsius • Trade Documentation • Papers and documents used to legally export and import goods • Use experts or software systems to help

10. Nonverbal Communication • Sending a message without the use of words • Can focus on facial expressions, hand gestures, and posture • Other signals can relay nonverbal messages • All nonverbal expressions are influenced by: • Cultural factors • Methods of Communication • Specific Business Activities 3.2

11. Nonverbal Communication • Cultural Factors • Numbers • Look for significant #’s in certain cultures • 13 is unlucky in U.S. (No 13th floor), 11 is the same in Asia • Ground Floor not considered 1st floor in Europe • Emblems (Symbols) • Jewelry • Use in advertising • Personal Appearance • Different customs for shaving • What must be worn (women must cover faces, men covering heads) • U.S. men remove hats while eating or entering an office

12. Nonverbal Communication • Colors • Different meanings depending on the nation • Be careful about choosing acceptable colors to wear • Smells • Be aware of different responses to smells • Foods • Customs vary in different cultures

13. Nonverbal Communication • Nonverbal Methods of Communication • Time • Punctuality, work days, work weeks • Dining and resting times • Silence • Has different meaning • Quiet room indicates lack of life, rude to sit quietly • Can indicate respect or attention • Personal Space • Standing far apart or close together • Body and Eye Contact • Touching has different effects throughout the world • Looking someone in the eye or looking away

14. Nonverbal Communication • Business Behaviors in Other Cultures • Major Holidays • Holidays involve more than just taking a day off • Religious Holidays and Secular Holidays • Need to be acquainted with customs of holidays • Dining, dress, gifts • Giving and Receiving Gifts • Knowing what to give is important • Never embarrass the person giving the gift, even if you don’t like it. • Gift – An item given to convey good will • Bribe- An item or money offered to entice the receiver to do something illegal or unethical • Expatriate – Person that relocates to a foreign country to live and work • Acculturation – The process of understanding, adapting to and operating in a foreign culture

15. Nonverbal Communication • Business Behavior and Communication • Business Protocol • The steps for receiving business visitors are a major part of business protocol • Learn as much as possible about the person and their culture • Be prepared • Conducting a Meeting • Steps on P. 67

16. Nonverbal Communication • Business Entertainment • Goals – Set goals for the event • Location • Small event – restaurant, private venue, office • Large event – hotel, convention center • Special Arrangements • Music or performances • Golf, tickets to sporting or entertainment events • The person must have an interest in this • Choosing a gift • Choose something appropriate for the occasion

17. Conducting a Meeting • Choose a country that you will do business in: • Research business etiquette for this country • Research each of the ten steps listed on page 67 for conducting a meeting • Also research non verbal communication factors • Numbers -Colors • Emblems -Smells • Personal Appearance -Foods • Write a short Report on your findings