This document discusses cross-cultural communication and diversity in business. It defines cross-cultural communication as communication between different cultural and social groups, which is important for organizations with a global and multicultural workforce. Key aspects that vary across cultures and need to be considered include communication styles, personal space, use of gestures, formality, and decision-making approaches. Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication include ethnocentrism, stereotyping, and discrimination. The document provides tips for improving cross-cultural communication, such as cultural awareness, preparation, and training. It also gives an overview of business etiquette in India.

1. CROSS-CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND
DIVERSITY COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

2. WHAT IS CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION?
 Culture shapes a person’s values and identity. Cultural identities
stem from differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion,
country of origin.
 Cross-Cultural communication is a form of communication that
aims to share information across different cultural and social
groups. It is used to describe the wide range of communication
processes and problems occurring in an organisation resulting from
cultural differences.

3. SIGNIFICANCE OF CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
 Globalization & Multicultural
Workforce
 Business and Job Opportunities
 Sharing of Views and Ideas
 Talent Improvisation
 Diverse Market

4. CONTEXT CULTURES
 High Context Cultures:
Cultures that rely on non-verbal
and subtle situational cues in
communication.
 Low Context Cultures:
Cultures that rely on words to
convey meaning in
communication.

5. DIFFERENCES TO CONSIDER
 Frequency of eye contact
 Assertiveness
 Use of hands while talking
 Proximity
 Speed of speech
 Use of first names vs titles
 Volume of speech

6. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
VISIBLE
 Communication Styles
 Attitude towards conflict
 Decision making
approach
 Approach towards
knowledge
INVISIBLE
 Beliefs
 Values
 Expectations
 Personality

7. HOW CULTURAL DIVERSITY AFFECTS COMMUNICATION IN THE
ORGANIZATION
 Communication Styles Adapt
 Corporate Culture Changes
 Employers Revise Policies
 Fallout Is Costly

8. BARRIERS TO CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
 Ethnocentrism Cultural Imposition: The emotional attitude that
one’s own culture is superior to all others.
 Stereotyping: Generalising about a person while ignoring presence of
individual differences.
 Discrimination: Differential treatment of an individual due to minority
status; actual & perceived.
 Tone Difference: Formal tone change becomes embarrassing and off-
putting in some cultures.

9. KEYS TO EFFECTIVE CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
 Awareness is the first step.
 Be proactive and well-prepared.
 Hone your cultural rapport.
 Organize productive interactions and workshops.
 Cross-cultural training for employees.
 Maintain etiquette & be supportive.
 Avoid slang & watch the humour.

10. INDIAN VALUE SYSTEM
 Ancient cultural heritage
 Diversity of languages
 World’s largest democracy and
3rd largest developing economy
 Diversity of religion

11. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE IN INDIA
 Relationships built on mutual trust and respect
 Indians prefer to do business with acquaintances
 Meetings are arranged in advance
 Impressed with punctuality
 Meetings start with getting to know each other
 Indians are non-confrontational

12. “CROSS CULTURE EXPERIENCE TEACHES USNOT
SIMPLY THAT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT BELIEFS,
BUT THAT PEOPLE SEEK MEANING AND
UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES IN SOME SENSE AS
MEMBERS OF COSMOS RULED BY GOD.”