Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication points toward the fact that the way cultures process and receive information differs dramatically from culture to culture.  One cannot assume that a non-verbal mode of communication, like silence for the Japanese, indicates dissatisfaction, as it can in the United States.  Intercultural communication pushes people to reflect on their own ways of expressing themselves and adapting their behaviors where appropriate.

The dynamics of intercultural communication are also manifest when communicating through technology.  Some cultures are simply more receptive to highly verbal modes, like e-mail, whereas others prefer a higher level of human contact, such as video or teleconferencing.  It is important to make appropriate choices as to which mode would be more effective with a particular culture.

When communicating interculturally, it is important to be versed in the dominant cultural norms and values of the culture you are interacting with.  Cultural self-awareness is also crucial, and an employee needs to reflect on their preferred mode of communication.  Only then can adaptation for successful communication take place.

IOR offers Communication Across Cultures programs providing practical tools for smoother connection worldwide.