CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COMMUNICATION

SESSION 2
IMPROVING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

COMPILED BY,
DR. ARPITA MATHUR
FELLOW OF IIM CALCUTTA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
3.1 Discuss the opportunities and challenges of intercultural
communication.
3.2 Define culture, explain how culture is learned, and define
ethnocentrism and stereotyping.
3.3 Explain the importance of recognizing cultural variations, and
list eight categories of cultural differences.
3.4 List four general guidelines for adapting to any business culture.
3.5 Identify seven steps you can take to improve your intercultural
communication skills.
 UNDERSTANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
OF COMMUNICATION IN A DIVERSE WORLD

 LO 3.1 Discuss the opportunities and challenges of intercultural communication.

 OPPORTUNITIES IN A GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

 International communication skills provide

 Increased profits
 Increased revenue
 Increased market share
 More valued employees
 ADVANTAGES OF A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

 A broader range of views and ideas

 A better understanding of diverse, fragmented markets
 A broader pool of talent from which to recruit
 CHALLENGES OF INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION

 Connecting with and Motivating Diverse Employees

 Fostering Harmony in Diverse Teams
 Ensuring that Messages are Sent, Received, and Properly Encoded
 CULTURAL INFLUENCES AFFECT

 Language
 Nonverbal signals
 Word meaning
 Time and space issues
 Rules of human relationships
 DEVELOPING CULTURAL COMPETENCY

 LO 3.2 Define culture, explain how culture is learned, and define ethnocentrism and
stereotyping.
 UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE (1 OF 2)

 We Each Belong to Several Cultures, each with its Own Special Language and/or
Customs
 Ethnic group
 Religious group
 Professional group
 UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF CULTURE (2
OF 2)

Culture is a shared system of symbols, beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations, and

norms for behavior.
 Automatic
 Coherent
 Complete
 OVERCOMING ETHNOCENTRISM AND
STEREOTYPING

Ethnocentrism Xenophobia Stereotyping

Judging Others Fear of Interaction with Ascribing General
According to Your Strangers and Foreigners Attributes Based on a
Standards Person’s Culture
Blank Cultural Pluralism Blank
The Practice of Accepting
Multiple Cultures on Their
Own Terms
Avoid Making Withhold Judgment Acknowledge Distinctions
Assumptions
 RECOGNIZING VARIATIONS IN A DIVERSE
WORLD

 LO 3.3 Explain the importance of recognizing cultural variations, and list eight
categories of cultural differences.
EIGHT MAIN TYPES OF CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

 CONTEXTUAL,
 LEGAL AND ETHICAL,
 SOCIAL,
 NONVERBAL,
 AGE,
 GENDER,
 RELIGIOUS, AND
 ABILITY
CONTEXTUAL DIFFERENCES
High-Context Culture
Relies More on Nonverbal
Communication
Less Emphasis on Verbal
Communication
Indirect Method of
Communication
Goal is to Build Relationships
Rather Than Exchange
Information
Low-Context Culture
Relies More on Verbal
Communication
Less Emphasis on Nonverbal
Communication
Direct Method of
Communication
Goal is to Exchange
Information Rather Than
Build Relationships
 LEGAL AND ETHICAL DIFFERENCES

 Actively Seek Mutual Ground

 Send and Receive Messages Without Judgment
 Send Messages that are Honest
 Show Respect for Cultural Differences
 SOCIAL DIFFERENCES

 Attitudes Toward Work and Success

 Roles and Status
 Use of Manners
 Concepts of Time
 Future Orientation
 Openness and Inclusiveness
 NONVERBAL DIFFERENCES

 Greetings
 Personal Space
 Touching
 Facial Expressions
 Eye Contact
 Posture
 Formality
 AGE DIFFERENCES

 Cultures that Value Youth

 Cultures that Value Age and Seniority
 Cultures with Multiple Generations in Positions of Value
 GENDER DIFFERENCES

 General Perceptions of Gender Roles

 Gender Representation in Management Roles
 Different Communication Styles
 Outdated Concepts of Gender and Sexual Orientation
RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES

Personal Beliefs Workplace Issues

Balancing Act Between: Balancing Act Between:
Corporate Culture Upholding and Advancing
Corporate Culture
Personal Beliefs Respecting Employees’
Personal Beliefs
Employee Freedom of Allowing Freedom of
Expression Expression while Maintaining
Legal Compliance
 ABILITY DIFFERENCES

 Respect for Individuals

 Sensitivity to Differences
 Availability of Assistive Technologies
 ADAPTING TO OTHER BUSINESS CULTURES

 LO 3.4 List four general guidelines for adapting to any business culture.
 GUIDELINES FOR ADAPTING TO ANY BUSINESS
CULTURE

 Become Aware of Your Own Biases

 Be careful about applying the “Golden Rule”
 Exercise tolerance, flexibility, and respect
 Practice patience and maintain a sense of humor
 GUIDELINES FOR ADAPTING TO U.S. BUSINESS
CULTURE

 Individualism
 Equality
 Privacy and Personal Space
 Time and Schedules
 Religion
 Communication Style
 IMPROVING INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION SKILLS

 LO 3.5 Identify seven steps you can take to improve your intercultural
communication skills.
COMPONENTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERCULTURAL
COMMUNICATION
 STUDYING OTHER CULTURES

 Knowledge, Ability, and Motivation

 Research, Practice, and Honest Effort
 Websites, Books, Print Media, Music, and Apps
 STUDYING OTHER LANGUAGES

 Increased Career Opportunities

 Common Phrases for Everyday Business and Social Situations
 Mobile Devices, Apps, and Websites
 Avoid Assumptions and Learn About Other Languages and Dialects
 RESPECTING PREFERENCES FOR
COMMUNICATION STYLE

 Level of Directness
 Degree of Formality
 Media Preferences
 WRITING CLEARLY (1 OF 2)

 Choose Words Carefully

 Be Brief
 Use Plenty of Transitions
 Address International Correspondence Properly
 WRITING CLEARLY (2 OF 2)

 Cite Numbers and Dates Carefully

 Avoid Slang, Idioms, and Business Jargon
 Avoid Humor and References to Pop Culture
 SPEAKING AND LISTENING CLEARLY (1 OF 2)

 Adjust Content and Style

 Be Mindful of Communication Medium and Circumstances
 Be Aware of Nonverbal Communication Styles and Cultural Norms
 SPEAKING AND LISTENING CLEARLY (2 OF 2)

 Speak Slowly and Clearly Without Being Condescending

 Ask for Feedback and Rephrase as Necessary
 Confirm for Agreement
 USING INTERPRETERS, TRANSLATORS, AND
TRANSLATION SOFTWARE

 Interpreters – for spoken communication

 Translators – for both spoken and written communication
 Computerized Translation Tools
 HELPING OTHERS ADAPT TO YOUR CULTURE

 Look for Opportunities to Help

 Offer Advice on Word Choice
 Suggest Appropriate Communication Styles and Media
 Help Simplify the Communication Process