Cross culture communication

Setting the stage The easy is a critical examination of my account about cross-cultural communication. Globalization is thought of as various mechanisms or processes that aim at creating and consolidating a unified world in terms of economy and culture characterized by a complex link of information sharing that is world wide (Adler Gundersen, 2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Cross culture communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Tayeb, 1994 culture has been thought as the way things are done within a given setting and refers to norms, beliefs, values and attitudes which play a part in determining how individuals or a group in an organization behaves. Culture include such factors as the relationship between the organization and its customers, suppliers, type and level of collaborative decision making, the pace and steps followed in making decisions, level of controls and formality, risk t olerance, rewarding performance to mention but a few (Ohame, 1990) People are travelling across the globe more than ever in history. For that matter, one’s next-door neighbour is more likely to be from a different cultural background. Similarly, ones next business trip can be anywhere from Kenya to Finland. Sharing information across cultures usually starts with a basic comprehension that one size does not fit all. However, the issue of cultural difference hinders effective communication between and among individuals from distinct cultural backgrounds. Cultural differences have seen to it that a number of business deals have hit a snag since communication impeded with differences in cultures. A number of communication challenges in the UAE include language barrier; it is worth noting that the region is Islamic dealing with partners from the west is a times challenging. However, majority of the organization have strived to incorporate English. On the same note, meetings may or may not start at the exact time this might make westerners uncomfortable. The behavioural constraint such as non-verbal communication, personal distance as well as the manner with which individual express themselves verbally has proved to be a communication challenge since there is bound to be misinterpretations.Advertising Looking for essay on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the United Arabs Emirates culture, personal space should be maintained between the two genders even in business meeting, while for other cultures it may consider not important. Men stand closer to women it could be unacceptable concept in this country. On the other hand, Handshaking is the best way for greeting in the business meeting. In the UAE being from an Arabic background, women do not shake hands. Additionally, the manner with which we dress might look unofficial to people in the western countries. I consider majority of the region’s business organization to have a culture of high-context in which we use less explicit and more indirect language (Moran, Harris Moran, 2009). In my work place and in most of the business deals we heavily rely on body language, the manner with which we greet, seat as well as interpersonal relationship (Heather Kylie, 2007). Case description Being a woman with a strong Asian background, I felt uneasy in my first business meeting with our American partners. The negotiation took place in the UAE. One of the first challenges I noted was that time was of essences to Americans. To them business is business but in the UAE business talks takes more of a social setting in which entertainment plays an important role. I felt it was a ssign of disrespect to the way we tackled the issue of time as most of them openly expressed their displeasure. I was unable to effectively communicate since the men were dominating the meeting. I was embarrassed by the manner with which ou r partners expressed their emotions. Being from an Eastern culture, I exhibited high-context verbal communication while the American counterparts exhibited low context verbal communication accompanied by ‘strange’ expression of emotions. The Americans wanted a deeper explanation of every word said, this made me feel that the Americans are not taking the responsibility in keeping up their knowledge base and remain plugged into informal network. To me it looked childish to give in-depth information about an ‘obvious’ point.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Cross culture communication specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More I was taken aback by the way in which the Americans exhibited their anger, frustration, fear and feeling. For instance one of the members yelled ‘damn, that is fucking good’ this surprised me and I took it as lack of respect. Another area of concern especially havi ng in mind that I come from an Islamic nation and that am a woman, is the association or behaviour constraint. I found it strange when the Americans wanted to shake my hands; as if this was not enough it was evident that they could not mind a hug. However, based on my religious culture, I feel embarrassed in the meeting as several men extended their hands to me; I was forced to apologize to them that I couldn’t shake their hands. I saw expression of surprises from their faces while some took it personal and could not associate with me in a friendly manner. There was an instance that my views were harshly commented on and this left me feeling less confident of myself. As this was my first meeting, all the American business partners were looking directly in my eyes when I was talking; when people maintain eye contact with me especially men makes me feel embarrassed. I expected members in the meeting to identify with and work well in groups, which protect them in exchange for lo yalty and compliance. This was not the case with our partners; they seemed to be individualist in ideas that made me conclude that the business deal we were trying to strike would hit a snag. Based on my understanding personal space opts to be maintained especially between the two sexes even in business settings. However, during the meeting with our American counterparts, I was left without words when during the meeting and breaks some sat or stood too close to me and were even trying to pat my shoulders when we were talking. This made me feel uneasy and concluded that these men do not have respect for women. Similarly I was astonished with the manner with which I was being addressed after the meeting. I was not shown the ‘respect’ I deserved as some of the American members just passed me. On the same note, those who came close to me talked in a very informal manner which showed no distinction in power.Advertising Looking for essay on communication strategies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Based on Hall’s theory of cross cultural communication, I was amazed with the manner with which the American were very much concerned with following laid down procedures are rules during negotiation. This did not give me the environment I am used to where business meeting entails some informal aspect. Similarly, I always believed that the words of a manager were unquestionable and thus were final. I felt agitated when my views were severally put into question. Lessons learnt One important lesson learnt is that we all have distinct cultures that we hold dear to us which might impede communication across cultures. Similarly it is important that communication goals be absolutely linked to companies’ objectives as well as strategies this will help in effective communication. On the same note being aware of ones culture is not enough; one needs to be aware of the others culture tied not only to communication. This is with the understanding that different cultures have envir onments that function in a different way from ours (Tayeb, 1994). Although being fully Knowledgeable about different cultural practices and worldviews can be challenging, I have learn that striving to have some knowledge will help one to be able to effectively communicate with people from diverse cultural background. Similarly developing a positive cultural attitude is of essence as it will offer one an avenue to learn more about a given culture. Additionally, I have noted that when I treat people in a respectful manner they will always remember it just as they remember insults. This came into limelight when I politely told my American counterpart about shaking hands, and the personal distance between the genders. This usually goes an extra mile in cementing the relationship between partners as understanding is attained. Aside from our skin colour and audiences we all belong to one being, the American just like majority of us in the Eastern world care about our families, watch TVs a mong other similar things. Lastly, keeping things simple in business deals is key in striking a good deal (Ohame, 1990). It was from my experience with the Americans that I changed my notion of maintaining eye contact and letting the others from a different culture know my views in the most respectful manner. Solutions and recommendations A major solution to the problem faced in cross culture communication is to have a full understanding of one’s culture. This is then to be closely followed by an understanding of diverse cultures across the globe. This will help individuals to be in harmony with others when dealing with individuals from different cultural background. Since maintaining eye contact has proved an important part of communication, I will strive to ensure that I take the same positively. Another solution to this problem is to listen actively and talk less; this involves a close examination of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This will help in making me sen sitive to a wide range of behaviours in communication. Similarly, adopting an open mind to views of others will go an extra mile in making communication between different cultures more effective. Being able to acknowledge that there is no wrong or right culture; employees will be able to respect others’ culture. Similarly, personal efforts to gain culture awareness are paramount. With the advent of computers and presence of internet, an employee can learn about what American, German, French, among others like or dislike during communication. From the organizations’ point of view, there is need for it to have initiatives that will help employees learn about foreign cultures. One way to do this is to arrange meetings with prospect people teach workers about culture shock, support or offer employees sponsorship to learn in foreign countries among others. Conclusion From the review of cross-cultural communication, we will continue to see more interconnectedness hence conti nuous meeting of people from varied cultural background. There is no single culture that is wrong or right as the same plays role in shaping how individuals communicates. Those in the business world have only one solution, to learn the cultures of others so that they will be in harmony when they engage in negotiations. This must start by individuals being fully aware of their own cultures. Similarly, organizations have a bigger role to have in place initiatives to foster employees’ awareness of other cultures. This will enhance striking of business deals with ease hence a competitive advantage to an organization. References Adler, N. Gundersen, A. 2008. International dimensions of organizational behaviour (5th Ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western. Heather, J. Kylie, M. 2007. Communication across cultures: Mutual understanding in a global world. Oxford University: Oxford University Press. Moran, R., Harris, P. Moran, S. (2009). Managing global differences: Global leadersh ip strategies for the 21st Century. Oxford: Elsevier Press. Ohame, K. 1990. The borderless world, New York: Fontana. Tayeb, M. 1994. â€Å"Organizations and national culture: Methodology considered†. Organization Studies. 15(3) Pp. 429-446. This essay on Cross culture communication was written and submitted by user Ava Becker to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Cross Culture Communication

The Naked Ape Essays - Human Behavior, Behavior, Abnormal Psychology

The Naked Ape Essays - Human Behavior, Behavior, Abnormal Psychology The Naked Ape In The Naked Ape, Desmond Morris provides an alternative explanation of the causative factors underlying various human behavior patterns and societal and cultural activities. He develops his theme around such human activities as feeding, grooming, sleeping, fighting, mating and care of the young. He compares human traits and behaviors with those exhibited by animals, mainly the primates, in like activities. His point is that understanding the evolutionary source of many behaviors can throw new light on understanding the complex nature of the human species. Morris begins by examining the evolution of the mammals, from the earliest insectivores to the latest carnivores, detailing the survival characteristics which led to the success of some species over others. He provides great detail on the development of the nearly naked carnivorous 'hunting ape' from the fruit eating primate group. He presents a thorough discussion of sexual behavior, stressing the similarities between human 'rituals' and primate behaviors. Tracing the three characteristic sexual phases of pair formation, pre-copulatory activity, and copulation, the evolutionary process which lies at the root of modern human sexual behavior is clearly laid out. Similarly, he examines human child-rearing, and provides interesting insights into non-verbal communication and body language between mother and child. The role of exploratory behavior in the basic survival patterns of feeding, fighting, and mating, as well as its importance to an individual's social adjustment, is detailed. Morris analyzes thoroughly our human aggressive urges, as always providing examples of animal behaviors which serve as an objective base upon which to understand why we act as we do. In addition to territorial and social dominance aggressive behaviors, he describes the actual mechanics of aggression, both physiologically and behaviorally. Both displacement activity and appeasement activity are explored in detail. He concludes by examining human feeding and comfort behaviors and mankind's relationships with animals. Throughout the book he stresses that as a species, man is a simple biological phenomenon subject to all the basic laws of animal behavior. He feels that it is important to the survival of the human species to understand itself and the limitations implicit in being a 'naked ape'. Morris admits that he perhaps over-stresses the biological/zoological slant of his thesis, but even so his concepts are capably and logically developed. I found it easy and fascinating to recognize myself (and others) in almost every behavioral situation he describes. One very important point to keep in mind about Morris' book is that he is exploring 'normal' social behavior, not abnormal behavior. He has taken almost every aspect of man's everyday life and shown, acceptably and believably in my opinion, that in many cases human behavior can be understood in terms of our evolutionary roots.

CSR strategy in the oil and gas industry Term Paper

CSR strategy in the oil and gas industry - Term Paper Example Presently, most of the oil drilling companies have set shop in hostile waters, deeper in the sea, which has resulted in numerous achievements over time in the industry. Petroleum is a crucial element to the economy with numerous applications across all industries, and it is, therefore, critical to maintain the supply to drive the global economy. Apart from driving the global economy, the industry provides employment opportunities to thousands of worker around the world. In the United States, the industry provides employment to about 9 million people, which accounts for 5% of the country’s total employment. In addition, oil and gas industry tops the list of revenue generation through taxation, and its contribution to the national economy was over $1 trillion in 2007, about 7.5% of the US gross domestic product (COGA, n.d.). Among the key players in the oil and gas industry in the US include Exxon Mobil Corporation, British Petroleum, Chevron Corporation, Total, and Royal Dutch Shell among others. This Corporation was formed in 1999 following a merger between Exxon and Mobil, to form the largest company in the world (Corporate Watch, n.d.). The merger was aimed at consolidating the economic position of both companies in the oil and gas industry, and enhances the company’s ability to remain an effective competitor in a highly volatile global economy. The Exxon Mobil Corporations net worth is over $264 billion, which makes it the largest in the oil and gas industry (BERA, 2010). Individual companies allied to the merger have been actively involved in heavy exploration and development around the world, with drilling expeditions in the Middle East, Gulf of Mexico, Asia and Africa. The company specializes in the extraction, manufacture and marketing of petroleum and other petroleum products. The corporation holds a sizeable deal of resources that aid in the refining and marketing of its products, with affiliated companies