MGT 3553

1. STEP HOW TO COMMUNICATE WELL WITH OTHER PEOPLE FROM OTHER CULTURES
   
   
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   Understand relativism: some things are relative to some particular frame or reference, such as a language or a culture. Understand that people from other cultures might have entirely differently value systems than yours, but still not be explicitly wrong.
   
   
   
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   Give proper personal space: Different cultures have different norms regarding what personal space is public (in which other humans can stand and converse with you) and private (reserved only for your dear ones). For example: Arabians do not share the concept of "personal space" that Americans have. It is considered offensive to step or lean away while talking to an Arab! Make sure you create proper distance between others when you talk. If you're unsure, you can always ask the others what they would like.
   
   
   
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   Do not belittle their religion: Remember, most people believe passionately in their religions, and what strikes you as unreal, may be his constant truth. If you have trouble dealing with it, you may wish to skirt the topic of religion altogether.
   
   
   
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   Learn to recognize physical cues: The gamut of Cultures contain a physical-gesture kaleidoscope. Often when people visit other countries, they get lost and miss subtle cultural cues, which leads them to misinterpret others. The use of irony, the implication of a laugh, are many times visible only through the squinting of the eyes, the shaking of the hand, which a cultural outsider might miss.
   
   
   
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   Know relationship differences: Many foreigners think American relationships are superficial (with a brief "Hi, Jim", and never a backward glance). Americans might think relationships in other cultures are too sentimental. So, know that if a person strikes you as too voluble or withdrawn, it may be considered normal in his culture.
   
   
   
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   Learn about their culture: Learn about the greetings, the goodbye rituals, the before-meal ceremonies, the food, the clothes. If some catch your fancy, you might even try them! This will help you understand people from other cultures.
   
   
   
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   Accept there may be lapses in communication: Even the best communicators fall short when jumping across the vast cultural chasm. Humor and non-defensiveness are the best bridges at such times.
   
   
   
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   Ask: There is no better tool for effective communication. If something strikes you as funny or inappropriate, if you feel the other person is neglecting you or is offended, simply ask him what you can do to remedy the problem. Grievances are like silence- broken when they are spoken out.