Management Communications

Ram Mohan

Communicating in Diverse Environment

Paying attention to the needs of others means that we recognize and accept diversity. Diversity- The cultural differences within the Indian workforce and the worldwide marketplace Culture-The customary traits,attitudes and behaviours of a group of people. Ethnocentrism-The belief that one's own cultural group is superior. Hinders communication,understanding and goodwill between trading partners. Diversity has profound effects and poses growing challenge for managers in organisations. Awareness of cultural differences-both internationally and domestically-challenge at workplace.

Communicating in Diverse Environment

Cultural Differences: In international business-cultures differ in their verbal and non-verbal language. Very few non-verbal messages have universal meanings. International cultures differ widely in their emphasis on: 1.Individualism-cultures where individuals believe their selfinterest is of priority.e.g.US,Canada,Britain 2.Long-Term Orientation-cultures that maintain a long-term perspective.e.g.US,Canada 3.Time Orientation-cultures that perceive time as a scarce resource and that tend to be impatient.e.g.US

Communicating in Diverse Environment

4.Power Distance-cultures in which management decisions are made by the boss by virtue of their position.e.g.France,Japan 5.Uncertainty Avoidance-cultures in which people want predictable and certain futures.e.g.Japan,Italy 6. Formality-cultures that attach considerable importance to tradition,ceremony,social rules,and rank.e.g.India,Latin American countries. 7.Materialism-cultures that emphasize assertiveness and the acquisition of money and material objects.e.g.Japan,Austria,Italy. 8.Context Sensitivity-cultures that emphasize the surrounding circumstances(or context),make extensive use of body language,and take the time to build relationships and establish trust.e.g.Asian and African countries.

Communicating in Diverse Environment

The language of time is as different among cultures as the language of words. Example:Americans,Canadians,Germans and Japanese are very time conscious and very precise about appointments. Latin American and Arab Cultures are more casual about time. Business people in some countries favour long negotiations and slow deliberations with exchange of pleasantries to start.e.g.Asian countries. Many non-Western cultures use the silent intervals for contemplation,US businessmen-impatient to finalize the business deal.

Communicating in Diverse Environment

Body language-gestures and eye-contact ,also varies among cultures. Example:our sign for "okay"means; France-you're a zero Japan-please give me coins Brazil-an obscene gesture Example:sign of "Thumbs up" means; Germany-the number one Japan-the number five Saudi Arabia-I'm winning Example: "Thumbs down" Most countries- something is wrong or bad

Communicating in Diverse Environment

Example:handshake Asians-brief handshake Europe-handshakes last much longer than in the US and Canada. Germany-firm grip handshake The social distance and social behaviour is very culture dependent. Example:In Japanese culture,the matter of who bows first upon meeting ,how deeply and how long is very dependent on one's status. Competent communicators familiarize with such rolerelated behaviour and learn the customs regarding; Giving(and accepting gifts), exchanging business cards, degree of formality expected, the accepted means of entertaining and being entertained.

Communicating in Diverse Environment

Strategies for Communicating across Cultures: Maintain Formality-By both verbal and non-verbal clues,convey an attitude of propriety and decorum. Show Respect-withhold judgement,listen,understand,learn about your host country. Communicate Clearly-Oral and written messages Value Diversity-Effective managers are knowledgeable about, and comfortable with different cultures,avoiding misunderstandings,benefitting from greater variety of viewpoints.

Gender Issues in Communication

Gender roles consist of the differences that typically exist in male/female communication patterns: Women communicate mostly to build rapport;men to primarily preserve independence and status by displaying knowledge and skill. Men-problem solving themselves;women talk out solutions with another. Women complement the work of a coworker;men are critical. Men are more directive and dominating;women are polite and collaborative,seek consensus. Men internalize successes(strengths),externalize failures(should've been given more time);women externalize successes(was lucky) and internalize failures(not good at that).