Next, understanding the differences in power across different cultures is very important. Some cultures may be more masculine vs. feminine, meaning that some may be more dominant while others are more demure. Many Asian cultures are feminine in that they are polite, and unassuming and may wait to be spoken to rather than approach others and introduce themselves. Whereas people in the United States take on a more forceful role by entering a room and greeting everyone immediately, or speaking up without being asked. Each role is effective in different ways but it is important for those running a meeting to be aware of the differences and to understand how to conduct a meeting without offending any particular culture. Power distance can also be a cultural difference. Understanding how different nations treat each other and peers is critical to successful interactions. Some low-power density cultures may treat everyone as equals whereas high-power density cultures may be focused on hierarchy and importance of rank or position. Even within cultures, power density is important to understand. For example, most military organizations are high-power cultures where position or rank is very important (this can also be seen as materialistic.) In civilian organizations, CEOs and subordinates may treat each other as equals to level the playing field and make conversations more open and comfortable (which is also known as relationship oriented.) Finally, personal interaction can be driven by direct versus indirect communications. Some cultures may be direct and to the point recommending a specific position on an issue, while others may spend time on making their case with facts, persuasion, and appealing to the senses to try to win your support. Understanding the direct or indirect nature of a culture is also key in messaging. Some cultures prefer to start messages with a more familiar opening by talking about non business related topics such as family health and welfare rather than just
Next, understanding the differences in power across different cultures is very important. Some cultures may be more masculine vs. feminine, meaning that some may be more dominant while others are more demure. Many Asian cultures are feminine in that they are polite, and unassuming and may wait to be spoken to rather than approach others and introduce themselves. Whereas people in the United States take on a more forceful role by entering a room and greeting everyone immediately, or speaking up without being asked. Each role is effective in different ways but it is important for those running a meeting to be aware of the differences and to understand how to conduct a meeting without offending any particular culture. Power distance can also be a cultural difference. Understanding how different nations treat each other and peers is critical to successful interactions. Some low-power density cultures may treat everyone as equals whereas high-power density cultures may be focused on hierarchy and importance of rank or position. Even within cultures, power density is important to understand. For example, most military organizations are high-power cultures where position or rank is very important (this can also be seen as materialistic.) In civilian organizations, CEOs and subordinates may treat each other as equals to level the playing field and make conversations more open and comfortable (which is also known as relationship oriented.) Finally, personal interaction can be driven by direct versus indirect communications. Some cultures may be direct and to the point recommending a specific position on an issue, while others may spend time on making their case with facts, persuasion, and appealing to the senses to try to win your support. Understanding the direct or indirect nature of a culture is also key in messaging. Some cultures prefer to start messages with a more familiar opening by talking about non business related topics such as family health and welfare rather than just
e_portfolio_-_cultural_differences_in_business_communications.docx