Common Multicultural Challenges in Business
Not being proactive and learning about different cultural business expectations. It’s all too easy to get off on the wrong foot and become reactive.
Differences in formality, hierarchy, and timing and how they can affect business relationships. These things have a tremendous impact on negotiations and decision-making.
Being perceived as too aggressive or even inpatient in your business approach. Things often take longer with different cultures and countries, so plan accordingly.
Many cultures are more team focused or ‘we’ oriented. This can impact their business style and how they perceive marketing material. Avoid being egocentric or ‘I’ oriented with these cultures.
Don’t unintentionally offend someone with gestures and body language. This can be difficult to recover from. A basic guideline is to use open-handed gestures. Avoid pointing the index finger, using the OK sign, or the thumbs up/ thumbs down gesture - even in virtual meetings.
Prepare for Multicultural Business
Awareness is the 1st step! Observe how people communicate with you in person or virtually, as well as on the phone and by email. Notice if they are formal, expressive, or more direct and to the point.
Know your facts. Be aware of relevant historical data, economic issues, major industries, cities and geography to name a few. There is nothing more embarrassing than not knowing your facts!
Learn some cultural rapport skills about what is most important to different cultures.
Keep in mind that we are homogenizing as a global culture, so the good news is we are naturally adapting, especially with virtual communication so be observant and never generalize about cultural tendencies.
- Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communications
- Initially focus on creating good relationships and the business will fall into place.
- Use multicultural rapport. Adapt your marketing material and business approach as needed.
- Organize productive interactions that insure ‘win-win’ outcomes for all concerned.
- Develop strategies for relationships and business cycles based on appropriate levels of formality, business hierarchy, and timing.
- Success leaves clues! Learn the Do’s & Taboos of the country and cultures you partner with. Be well prepared.
Gayle Cotton is the author of the bestselling book ‘SAY Anything to Anyone, Anywhere! 5 Keys to Succcessful Cross-Cultural Business Communication’. She is President of Circles Of Excellence Inc., an Executive Coach, and a distinguished Keynote Speaker. For more information, please visit www.circlesofexcellence.com
