Behavior in Organizations - Intercultural Communications Exercise Response Paper

The most overt cultural differences, such as greeting rituals and name format, can be overcome most easily. The underlying, intangible differences are very difficult to overcome. In this case, the underlying cultural differences are

• Assumptions about the purpose of the event (is the party strictly for fun and for relationship building, or are their business matters to take care of?).
• Assumptions about the purpose and the nature of business relationship.
• Assumptions about power and leadership relationships (who makes the decisions and how?).
• Response styles (verbal and nonverbal signals of agreement, disagreement, politeness, etc.).

Many (though not all) cultural differences can be overcome if you carefully observe other people, think creatively, remain flexible, and remember that your own culture is not inherently superior to others.

The Scenario

Three corporations are planning a joint venture to sponsor an international concert tour. The corporations are Decibel, an agency representing the musicians (from the US, Britain, and Japan); Images, a marketing firm which will handle sales of tickets, snacks and beverages, clothing, and CDs; and Event, a special events company which will hire the ushers, concessionaires, and security officers; print the programs; and clean up the arenas after the shows. The companies come from three different cultures: Blue, Green, and Red. Each has specific cultural traits, customs, and practices.

You are a manager in one of these companies. You will attend the opening cocktail party in Perth, Australia the evening before a 3-day meeting during which the three companies will negotiate the details of the partnership. Your management team includes a Vice President and a number of other managers.

During the 3-day meeting, the companies have the following goals:

Decibel

• As high a royalty rate as possible on sales of T-shirts, videos, and CDs
• Aggressive marketing and advertising to increase attendance and sales
• Good security, both before and during the show Image

Image

• Well known bands that will be easy to market
• As much income as possible from the concerts
• Smoothly functioning event so that publicity from early concerts is positive

Event

• Bands that are not likely to provoke stampedes, riots, or other antisocial behavior
• Bands that are reliable and will show up on time, ready to play
• As much income as possible from the concerts

The cultures that are assigned to the various companies are:

BLUE CULTURE

Image (Marketing Company)

Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes that Underlie This Culture's Communication

Believe that fate and luck control most things.

Believe in feelings more than reasoning.

An authoritarian leader makes the ultimate decisions.

Nonverbal Traits of This Culture

Treat time as something that is unimportant. It is not a commodity that can be lost.

Conversation distance is close (about 15 inches, face-to-face), and touch others on the arm occasionally When in conversation.

Verbal Traits of This Culture

Frequently express gratitude and other emotions to others.

Interrupt others who are speaking and are not offended if they interrupt you.

Business Customs in Your Culture

Treat women as superior to men.

Avoid conflict.

Greetings and Courtesies

When meeting or leaving someone, hug warmly but gently.

Most common phrase is "Howdy, pal!"

You call everyone by their first names, and you refer directly to people by name frequently in conversation (e.g., "As I was telling you, George, we want to start this project because...").

Food

Eat and drink with gusto. In this culture, eating and drinking are considered some of the greatest pleasures in life.

RED CULTURE

Event (Special Events Company)

Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes that Underlie This Culture's Communication

Believe that people determine their own destinies.

Prefer to make decisions in a democratic manner.

Believe in reason over feelings.

Nonverbal Traits of This Culture

Conversational distance is far (about 35 inches, face-to-face).

Believe that time is a valuable commodity, and don't want to waste any.

Openly express emotions (e.g., anger, dissatisfaction, happiness).

Verbal Traits of This Culture

Are direct in expressing ideas and opinions.

Ask a lot of questions.

Don't express thanks to others because in their view, people choose their actions to create their own destinies; in other words, if someone does something for you, he/she is also doing it for himself/herself.

Business Customs in This Culture

Welcome conflict as a way of reaching better decisions.

Treat women and men as equals.

Greetings and Courtesies

When meeting someone or leaving them, shake hands firmly.

Most common expression is "Good afternoon."

Call people, except for children, by their title (Mr., Ms.) plus their family names.

Food

Don't eat any raw vegetable, fruit, or grains. In this culture, it is considered uncivilized and uncouth to do so. Raw food is taboo.

GREEN CULTURE

Decibel (Musicians' Agents)

Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes that Underlie This Culture's Communication

Members of this culture are strongly religious and believe that a higher power directly and frequently intervenes in human affairs.

Culture makes decisions by consensus of the group and only after thorough discussion.

Nonverbal Traits of this Culture

Avoid eye contact with strangers.

Conversational distance is medium (about 25 inches, face-to-face).

Verbal Traits of This Culture

Never contradict others directly in conversation.

Silence is considered a positive and affirmative signal.

Business Customs inThis Culture

Treat men superior to women.

In business settings, men and women often segregate themselves.

Greetings and Courtesies

Call people by the courtesy title "Brother" or "Sister," followed by their first names.

Most common greeting phrase is "Peace."

Bow slightly when greeting someone.

Food

In this culture, people are very conscious of cleanliness, so they always tuck a napkin in thier collar before eating or drinking anything.

Prefer food prepared according to the norms of their religion. In settings where they cannot control food preparation, they ask questions about the cleanliness of the food--unless it is individually wrapped.

Your Assignment

Your paper should address the following questions:

- Which culture would you find most difficult to be a member of? What strategies might you use to overcome this challenge?

- Which culture would you find most difficult to work with to achieve the goals of your organization? What strategies might you use to overcome this challenge?

- How might you prepare an employee to adjust to these cultural differences? This is particularly true of gender differences.

Your paper should be 2-3 pages long and include a cover page as well as 3-4 references (you may use your text as one of the references.)  I will be looking for critical analysis in your discussions.