The document discusses barriers to cross-cultural communication in business. It outlines fundamental cultural differences between countries, including communication styles, decision-making, and attitudes. Specific barriers covered include stereotypes, relationship building, greetings, gift giving, dress codes, and using language appropriately. Unlocking these barriers is important for successful international business. To communicate effectively across cultures, one must acknowledge assumptions, recognize invisible cultural differences, respect individuals and cultures, and listen without judgment.

1. Unlocking Cross Culture
Barriers in Business
Communication
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2. Road Map
Introduction
Why it is Important
Fundamental Understanding of Culture
Cross culture- Countries
Barriers
Summary
Call to Action
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3. Introduction
“ The reasonable person adapts himself
to the world, while the unreasonable
one persists in trying to adapt the world
to himself”
– George Bernard Shaw.
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4. Introduction contd..
Globalization has brought dramatic change in
frequency of communication world wide
Key areas for success in international trade
Language
Ways of working in particular country
Cultural values
Life style
Views & ideas for business growth
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5. Why it is IMPORTANT
To avoid Problems such as:
Loss of Client
Poor staff
Motivation
Lack of Team
building
Low
Productivity
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6. Fundamental Understanding
Cultural Difference
Visible Cultural Differences:
Different communication style
Different attitude towards conflict
Decision making style
Invisible Cultural Differnces:
Beliefs
Values
Attitude
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7. Cross Culture - Countries
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8. Barriers
Stereotype
Stereotype
Gift Giving
Gift Giving
Business Cards
Business Cards
Greetings
Greetings
Relationship Building
Relationship Building
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Before Meeting
Before Meeting
BARRIER
S
Dress Code
Dress Code
During Meeting
During Meeting
Communication
Communication
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9. Barriers- Stereotype
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10. Barriers- Relation Building
Role Play Highlights
Indians prefer to do
business with those they
know
No personal relationship
with whom they do
business
Less use of Polite
Language
Americans are direct
Time is not big issue
Americans are often
uncomfortable with
silence
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11. Barriers- Before Meeting
CHINA:
Appointments- in writing
One to two months in
advance
Punctuality is Virtue
Send Materials
UAE:
Appointments- One month
in advance
Time- In Morning
Relationship Building
Be present in country
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INDIA:
Appointments- by letter
Confirm your meeting
Time- Late Morning or Early
afternoon
Send Materials
USA:
Punctuality is Virtue.
Agenda must be forwarded
well in advance
Small talk before getting
down to business
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12. Barriers- Dress Code
CHINA
INDIA
UAE
USA
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13. Barriers- During Meetings
Greeting ways
Don’t get too close
Don’t be too friendly to women
Time is money
Cultural research is must !
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14. Barriers- Communication
CHINA:
Face-to-face meetings
Email go to the main
subject directly
Collective terms
“ us , we , partnership “
UAE:
Use Arabic language
“Yes” usually means
“possibly”
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INDIA:
Telephonic communication
Never use word “NO”
Oral reply or SMS reply
is common
USA:
Are direct
Use of telephone
Spell names correctly and
have correct titles
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15. Barriers- Communication
Language
“ If you speak to a man in a language he
understand, you speak to his Head, If
you speak to a man in his own
language, you speak to his Heart.”
– Nelson Mandela.
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16. Barriers- Communication
Language contd..
What is this
Called ?
Capsicum
Chilies
Bell Pepper
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17. Barriers- Greetings
CHINA
INDIA
UAE
USA
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18. Barriers- Gift Giving
To decline a gift up to 3
To decline a gift up to 3
times before accepting
times before accepting
it.
it.
Do NOT Present
Do NOT Present
Gifts are not usually
Gifts are not usually
opened in the
opened in the
presence of the gift
presence of the gift
giver
giver
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19. Barriers- Gift Giving
Gifts are not opened
Gifts are not opened
when received
when received
Do NOT Present
Do NOT Present
Gifts are usually
Gifts are usually
unwrapped immediately
unwrapped immediately
and shown to all
and shown to all
assembled
assembled
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20. Summary
Unlocking these barriers have become the need of
the hour
It is extremely necessary for one to understand the
importance of communication
Cultures are deep inside every individual a visible
behavior and words are only small part of a person
culture
Cultural & personal values dictate a person’s
behavior, showing respect for it without being
judgmental creates mutual trust
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21. Call to Action
10 Keys for Effective Cross Cultural Communication
Acknowledge Own Assumptions
Recognise “Invisible” Difference that exist
Welcome Change
Avoid using Slang and Idioms
Be sensitive to Non-Verbal Cues
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22. Call to Action contd..
10 Keys for Effective Cross Cultural Communication
Consider Alternatives
Respect the Individual
Be Patient and Tolerant
Remember Face
Listen
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