Cross Cultural
Communication
When is a yes a no?
Dolly Seow-Ganesan
Sector Manager
May 2011
Introduction
Cultural diversity
What can mean one thing in a country can mean
something completely different in another
Cultural diversity
Watch out for body language and gestures
Pop Quiz
1. In the Middle East, what should you avoid doing
when eating?
a. Burping
b. Talking loudly
c. Using your left hand
Developing awareness
Experience
Expectations, Assumptions,
Beliefs, Values
Decisions
Developing awareness
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•
•
•
Rules vs Flexibility
Equality vs Hierarchy
Me vs We
Direct vs Indirect Communication
Pop Quiz
2. What should you NOT do when you receive a
business card in Japan?
a. Receive it with both hands
b. Write on it
c. Put it on the table in front on you
Developing awareness
You say Guanxi, I say Schmoozing
Guanxi. It's the first word any businessperson learns
upon arriving in China. Loosely translated, guanxi
means "connections" and, as any China veteran will tell
you, it is the key to everything. Fortunes have been
made and lost based on whether the seeker has good
or bad guanxi, and in most cases a positive outcome
has meant knowing the right government official, a
relationship nurtured over epic banquets and gallons of
XO brandy.
Source: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_47/b4059066.htm
Pop Quiz
3. Dropping your chopsticks in China is considered bad
luck?
a. True
b. False
Tolerance
~ Oh! the places you’ll go! ~
• The Chinese Banquet is a test of
endurance
• Take the time to get to know the person
you’re working with
• Expect long sales cycles and complex
decision making
Pop Quiz
4. When writing someone’s name in Korea what colour
should you NOT use?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Red
Blue
Green
Black
Understanding
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Titles are important
Business card etiquette
Importance of “saving face”
Dress appropriately
Keep your message clear and simple
Referrals are priceless
Pop Quiz
5. What are inappropriate gifts to give in Singapore:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Clock/Watch
Knives
White flowers
All of the above
Other critical factors
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•
•
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Branding
Symbols
Adapting to the market
Sale strategy
Local knowledge
Pop Quiz
Answers
1. c
2. b
3. a
4. a
5. d
“The world is but a canvas to
the imagination”
A typical farm ?
Terima Kasih, Gracias, Salamat, Xie Xie,
Danke, Asante, Merci, Mahalo, Grazie,
Arigato, Nandi, Fa’afetai, Shukriya, Jag
Tacker, Mauruuru, Nandri, Malo,
Thank you