Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Here are some simple tips to help you improve your cross cultural communication skills: Slow Down Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible. Separate Questions Try not to ask double questions such as, "Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?" In a cross cultural situation only the first or second question may have been comprehended. Let your listener answer one question at a time. Avoid Negative Questions Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer 'yes' if the answer is affirmative and 'no' if it is negative. In other cultures a 'yes' or 'no' may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to "Are you not coming?" may be 'yes', meaning 'Yes, I am not coming.' Take Turns Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response. Write it Down If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000. Be Supportive Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you. Check Meanings When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place. Avoid Slang Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed. Watch the humour In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad. Maintain Etiquette Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness training or at least do some research on the target culture. Cross cultural communication is about dealing with people from other cultures in a way that minimises misunderstandings and maximises your potential to create strong cross cultural relationships. The above tips should be seen as a starting point to greater cross cultural awareness. For more information on cross cultural communication training please visit http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

Cross Cultural

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

Neil Payne is Director of London based consultancy http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

watches mobile phone Best Buy Blue Sea Systems 9012 Solenoid Switch

Cross Cultural Management

Cross-cultural Management is a system designed to train and make known to people in the global business about the variations of cultures, practices and preferences of consumers around the globe.

Cross-cultural Management poses as a challenge for companies from all over the world who participate in the global market. As time passes by, the diversity in culture, practices and preferences significantly increases, and so is the need for cross-cultural management, to be able to bridge the communication gaps for every culture.

Cross Cultural

As the competition becomes rigid, the need to survive becomes a difficult test for most companies. Each must compete and at the same time formulate strategies that would make them stay alive. One is alliance with other companies, (not necessarily of the same country, culture, or preference).

Cross Cultural Management

Because of the increasing immigration counts, the global marketplace has become culturally diverse. And in order to survive, a company must be highly productive and at the same time innovative. It is a manager's key function to promote and maintain a system of communication to best understand the others' cultures and preferences, and at the same time keep pace with time zones, trends and updates so as not to get off the global market tracks or lose out to rivals.

Before embarking on a global marketplace, a newbie company must first be aware of the consumers to whom it will introduce its products and services. Thus, an intensive research about varied cultures and preferences of the possible target market in the world market is very necessary.

Communication is the foremost tool needed to deal with the stiff market competition. And, through cross-cultural management, people are trained to see other cultures and are exposed to various practices to be able to familiarize themselves on the preferences in products and services of various cultures.

Copyright 2007 Ismael D. Tabije

Cross Cultural Management

Unlock the secrets of successful executives and professionals. http://www.BestManagementArticles.com -- the article directory with thousands of free articles in business and management--tips, advices, strategies and solutions for your success. Specialized articles in the field of Cross Culture Management may also be accessed at: http://cross-cultural-management.bestmanagementarticles.com

mobile phone watches Best Offer Jaypro Sports Stg 824 8 Ft

How to Take Your Luggage When You Are Going On a Trip

Whenever you set off on a trip that is going to keep you away from home for a few days, it is essential for you to carry some luggage with you. The most important aspect of carrying your belongings is to choose the right carrier. You may need to decide whether to use a suitcase, a travel bag or a backpack. It all depends on what you are going to carry and how long you are going to be away from home.

In case you are going to make an overseas trip, your luggage carrier has to be a highly durable one which is of light weight. There are lots of such travel bags and suitcases available in the market. Most of them are large enough to carry all your luggage yet light enough to not to make your luggage too heavy. Most of them are made out of strong light weight plastic. Almost all of them have wheels and handles to help you move them easily.

When you travel locally in your car, your luggage has to be packed in flexible bags so that you will find it easier to pack them in the boot of your car. There are many such bags made out of durable materials. They serve the purpose and they last long. Often, you could buy them in online stores at discounted prices. They are available in many shapes and attractive colors.

Almost all travelers pack something in to their carry-on baggage as well. It is a good idea to have a flexible bag for this type of baggage. However, it has to be a bag that is durable enough to go places. It is a good idea to buy one made out of ballistic nylon. Though bags made out to this material are flexible they are very strong. They are not very expensive either. Since there are similar materials that are used for the manufacture of bags, it is necessary to ask the salesman to make sure that what you buy is the right one.

Backpacks are also good for carrying your belongings either on long trips or even when you are on short distance travelling. There are backpacks made out of highly durable material that are suitable for any long trip; even overseas. The good thing with some of the back packs is that they have ample space for all your paraphernalia such as the bottle of water, the camera and the laptop.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7021839