Exploring Cross Cultural Communication Skills in Practice: Real-Life Examples
Effective cross-cultural communication remains a crucial factor in today’s globalized world. As businesses continue to expand across borders and cultures, the significance of cultivating cross-cultural communication skills among employees to foster intercultural understanding and collaboration cannot be overstated. In this article, we dive into real-life examples that showcase the importance of cross-cultural communication in practice.
Cross-Culture Communication Challenges in Global Business
One of the biggest challenges in cross-cultural communication is breaking down cultural barriers that hinder effective communication. For instance, language barriers may pose challenges as a non-native speaker may not have the appropriate language proficiency and fluency. Equally, non-verbal behaviors such as eye-contact, facial expressions, and gestures can differ across cultures and may lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of messages.
To illustrate, let’s look at the story of a British banker who relocated to Japan. Despite speaking good Japanese, she faced cultural barriers in communication. In Japan, indirect communication is highly valued, and the use of vague language is a way to avoid causing offense. While the banker tried to be straightforward and provide clear instructions, her Japanese colleagues found her approach too direct and confrontational. This miscommunication created tension and a lack of trust between her and her colleagues.
Overcoming Cross-Culture Communication Challenges: The IKEA Way
On the other hand, some companies have been successful in navigating cross-cultural communication challenges and creating a culture of understanding and tolerance. IKEA, the global furniture retailer, serves as a great example. One of the ways that IKEA bridges communication gaps is by taking a hands-on approach to training employees on cross-cultural communication. For instance, IKEA provides intercultural training to employees who relocate within the company to handle cross-cultural differences better.
Moreover, IKEA has an open-door policy that encourages employees to voice their concerns, opinions, and perspectives. This approach empowers employees to participate fully and feel valued, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. IKEA also recognizes and respects cultural differences by manufacturing products that cater to local cultures and tastes. For example, when IKEA launched a store in Saudi Arabia, it considered the local customs and traditions, such as segregating male and female shopping sections, while maintaining its core values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cross-cultural communication skills are essential in today’s globalized world. Nevertheless, cultural barriers may hinder effective communication, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and low productivity. To overcome these challenges, businesses need to invest in intercultural training, recognize and respect cultural differences, encourage open communication, and lead by example. Companies that adopt these practices, such as IKEA, create a supportive culture of understanding and foster intercultural collaboration, leading to higher employee engagement and productivity.
