8 Examples Of Cultural Difference Communication In Business
The way you talk with others in the workplace and present yourself to others plays a significant role in communication. This is why understanding the cultural differences communciation is necessary for entrepreneurs to run businesses.
Learn more about this concept and its influence on businesses here.
Examples Of Cultural Difference Communication In Business
Some of the most modern examples of cultural difference communication are:
1. Individualism vs Collectivism
In business and in our professional lives, we either work individually or in groups. This is where two different mindsets are created. However, the creation of this mindset lies in the cultural values of people.
In some cultures, individualism is preferred over collectivism. Here, people from these societies prefer working in isolation since it gives them freedom and authority to get work done.
On the other hand, some societies prefer working in groups as a collective unit. These societies prefer doing so since it makes the allocation of work easier, leading to business being done faster.
2. Power Distance
Power distance is commonly associated with workplaces where employees are lower in power compared to management. However, the communication gap and approachability between employees and managers can be linked to the business culture.
Some workplaces have a strict hierarchy system in place to direct the authority and make communication easier. Here, several chains of command have been placed to ensure that authority over others is focused on the top. Employees will have to follow each and every command of their seniors to the bone.
On the other hand, some workplaces have a more flaccid system of command where decisions can be taken by anyone. Depending on the work to be done, employees have the power to be in charge of projects whenever required.
3. Avoiding Uncertainty
Businesses by themselves are an uncertain venture. If you start your own business, you have a goal in mind. But then, the road to reaching that goal can be filled with many obstacles. With many external factors in the way, you do not know whether the business will be a success or not.
Here, your culture has a big impact on your business. It boils down to whether you are a risk taker or not. Some societies prefer individuals or groups that are not afraid of challenges and uncertainties. On the other hand, other communities prefer people that are more grounded and make more rational decisions. Here, not taking risks and sticking to tried and tested methods ion the best course of action.
4. Gender Inequalities
Gender inequalities have always played a big role in influencing business decisions. Man vs woman has always been a subject of discussion in professional institutions. This has to do with the pay gaps between the genders.
In some communities, men and women are treated as equals. Here, the salaries and wages of each professional in the field are directly related to their skills, work, and experience. This can mostly be seen in urban and modern societies where communication address is more evident.
On the other hand, many rural societies follow the more “traditional” patriarchial and male-centric professionalism. These societies predominantly believe that males are better than females in everything. Hence, men are typically paid more than females.
5. Cooperative vs Competitive
Professionalism requires employees to be both cooperative and competitive as well. However, the decision to be assertive and cooperative or dominant and competitive lies on the employee. This is where cultural barriers of communication and orientation get stressed.
Here, certain individuals and professionals prefer working in tandem with others to get work done. In such scenarios, people are typically more respectful of the wishes and suggestions of others.
In other cultures, people are more power-hungry. They prefer dominating others through sheer authoritative force. Here, they want everything to go their way and would undermine others opinions. Competitive people do so to get more respect and authority over others and climb the corporate ladder.
6. Being vs Doing
Being vs Doing is another important cultural difference communication. This is one of the more complex cultural barriers to communication.
Here, a sense of being a man adhering to the laws of society and the corporate world. You try to do things in order to “fit-in” with society and its laws.
However, if you have a sense of ”doing,” you already have a rebellious spirit. Here, you do not try to fit into society. Instead, you try to make your own way and become an independent individual by breaking the perceptual barrier.
7. Indulgence vs Restraint
Do you want pleasure, or do you want pain?
This is a simple question that many interviewers will ask you during an interview. Many people try to do everything at once and to work done. They also do other tasks as well, without really focusing on anything. This is called indulgence – when you do work for the business far and beyond what is expected of you.
However, people from different cultural backgrounds exercise more restraint. Here, people do not give into greed and do what is told of them. Nothing more and nothing less too. This makes you more focused and makes you more productive.
8. Orientation To Time
When it comes to enjoying life and the thrills of it, many people want it instantly. However, others will want it later on. This has everything to do with their orientation to time.
This orientation helps you make decisions accordingly. Businesses might want to seek instant results in the operations being done. On the other hand, they would want their goals to be met in the long run.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
The answer to some questions asked about cultural difference communication are:
Ans: Since people of different cultures have language and behavioral differences, the conflicts stemming from these factors cause cultural differences in communication.
Ans: Yes, cultural differences can be one of the major causes of communication barriers. This is because people from different cultures have different mindsets that can clash with others in the same workplace.
Ans: Cultural diversity in communication refers to a communication process that is influenced by the distinctly different cultures of the speakers and the listeners. This is why most workplaces require cross-cultural management.
Conclusion
Understanding cultural differences communication is necessary for entrepreneurs to run businesses. This is because most workplaces are bound to have professionals from multiple cultural backgrounds. Understanding their thought patterns and communication processes is necessary to run a business successfully.
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