Intercultural Awareness

This report provides an overview of different cultural challenges people encounter when their company sends them abroad to conduct business. It also conveys the importance of cultural training, which is necessary for a businessperson to be successful in another country.

The report begins with cultural values in the areas of semantic differences, the importance of relationship building, and the different attitudes toward women. It continues with information on different types of nonverbal communication patterns and why it is important to recognize them and how they can impact business dealings abroad. The report also includes information on cultural etiquette, from exchanging a business card to giving gifts, and how the lack of proper etiquette abroad can make or break a business deal. The last topic reviews the stages of cultural shock and how it affects employees sent abroad without any prior intercultural training.

The report concludes that there really is a different world out there and that adequate cultural training is needed for people traveling abroad to conduct business.

Businesses today are conducting more business in other countries than ever before and their employees may be payin

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Developing relationships first is one of the most important aspects of doing business in many cultures. They are subject to much discrimination, oppression, and civil injustice (Hugenberg, 1996, [online]).

History

Businesses today are becoming more involved in global markets and their employees are traveling to countries outside of the U.

Relationship Building

We in the U. If an American rushes this process, it could be interpreted as a lack of interest and might lead to the loss of potential business (Coast, Feb 2000, [online]). government, business, and professional careers is increasing, most other countries are just starting to accept women at managerial levels. tend to get down to business first, get the deal signed as quickly as possible, and try to get to know our customers afterward. In Japan, the business card is considered an extension of the person giving it and is treated with much respect.

Unfortunately, approximately forty percent of employees sent on assignments abroad cannot adjust and terminate their assignments early. In many cultures, they need to get to know you first, to find out if you can be trusted, if you keep your word, if you respect them for who they are (a human being), and not what they can do for you. I would suggest avoiding using gestures when communicating in international business.

When talking with people of another culture, we need to make certain our meaning is clear by avoiding slang, contractions and idioms; by paraphrasing what was said; and by speaking slowly and distinctly (Chaney, L. In addition, adequate training should be provided to the employee regarding protocol associated with the presentation of the business card.

Approximate Word count = 3033
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)

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