Synopses & Reviews
This book prepares today's business people to compete and manage domestic and international diversity in an increasingly multinational business arena. Unique in the market, it uses research involving three Delphi panels of experts' perceptions of the importance of the topics covered as the basis for its contents. The authors have traveled or worked in a number of countries, therefore producing a work of firsthand knowledge of the topics covered. Topics comprehensively covered include: cultural shock; language, oral, and non-verbal communication patterns; written communication patterns; global etiquette; business and social customs; intercultural negotiation process and strategies; and laws affecting international business and travel. A good reference work for anyone who works internationally.
Synopsis
"Intercultural Business Communication," Third Edition, offers practical advice for students and businesspeople competing in a global economy. The essentials of international and Intercultural communication are supplemented with chapter objectives, key terms, questions and cases for discussion, and activities. Topics Include:
Contrasting cultural values Cultural shock Language Oral and nonverbal communication patterns Written communication patterns Global etiquette Business and social customs Intercultural negotiation strategies NEW Features
Additional information included about ethics, religious influences, the role of women in international business, and information that reflects changes in laws and trade agreements.
Expanded country-specific information so that students have a broader knowledge of life in specific cultures. Countries highlighted are those with which the United States does a majority of its international trade.
Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Preface xi
About the Authors xiii
CHAPTER 1 The Nature of Intercultural Communication 1
Globalization 4
Culture 5
Enculturation 7
Acculturation 8
Ethnocentrism 9
Norms, Rules, Roles, and Networks 10
Subcultures and Subgroups 10
Cultural Intelligence 11
Communication Barriers 12
Intercultural Constructs 13
Multinational Management Orientations 14
CHAPTER 2 Universal Systems 21
Economic Systems 21
Political Systems 27
World Economics 30
Educational Systems 31
Marriage and Family Systems 36
Social Hierarchies and Interaction 42
CHAPTER 3 Contrasting Cultural Values 51
Values 51
Semantic Differences 53
Attribution and Perception 54
Attitudes Toward Women 55
Work Attitudes 58
Attitudes Toward Ethics 60
Religious Influences 61
Individualism and Collectivism 63
CHAPTER 4 Cultural Shock 73
Stages of Cultural Shock 76
Alleviating Cultural Shock 78
Aspects of Cultural Shock 83
Relationships and Family Considerations 86
Public and Private Self 86
CHAPTER 5 Language 93
High- and Low-Context Language 95
Language Diversity 95
The Language of Numbers 96
Informal and Alternative Languages 96
Forms of Verbal Interaction 98
Linear and Nonlinear Language 99
Vocabulary Equivalence 99
Parables and Proverbs 101
Conversation Taboos 102
Nature of Language 104
Translation Problems 104
Interpreter Use 106
Host Language 108
Thought 109
Language and Culture Interaction 111
CHAPTER 6 Oral and Nonverbal Communication
Patterns 117
Thought Patterns 117
Paralanguage 118
Chronemics 119
Proxemics 121
Oculesics 122
Olfactics 123
Haptics 124
Kinesics 126
Chromatics 130
Silence 131
CHAPTER 7 Written Communication Patterns 139
International English 139
Writing Tone and Style 141
Letter Formats 143
Facsimiles (Fax) 151
Electronic Mail (E-Mail) 152
Résumé and Job Search Information 152
CHAPTER 8 Global Etiquette 161
Introductions 162
Business Card Exchange 163
Position and Status 164
Electronic Communication Etiquette 165
Dining Practices 167
Tipping 169
Gift Giving 169
Travel Etiquette 173
CHAPTER 9 Business and Social Customs 182
Greeting and Handshaking Customs 183
Verbal Expressions 185
Male/Female Relationships and Workplace Equality 187
Humor in Business 188
Superstitions and Taboos 189
Dress and Appearance 191
Customs Associated with Holidays and Holy Days 192
Office Customs and Practices 196
Customary Demeanor/Behavior 197
Bribery 198
Special Foods and Consumption Taboos 199
CHAPTER 10 Intercultural Negotiation Process 207
Steps in the Negotiation Process 208
Mistakes Commonly Made During Negotiations 211
Intercultural Negotiation Models 212
Negotiation Strategies 215
Trade Agreements 219
Negotiation Styles 223