Cross Cultural CommunicationWhen 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

• 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. Red

b. Blue

c. Green

d. Black

Understanding

• 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. Clock/Watch

b. Knives

c. White flowers

d. All of the above

Other critical factors

• 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