As the world of business becomes increasingly global and homogeneous, cultural differences have faded into the background or even disappeared altogether. It seems then that if a concept is able to be taught, it would stand to reason that the concept could be simply translated into other languages and taught on a global scale. All members of a working society would understand new methodologies and systems in the same manner and would be able to begin using new information right away to further the productivity of the business. This, however, is not always true.

Understanding Communication
Cross-cultural communication (also know as intercultural communication) is all about trying to figure out how members of very different cultures and societies communicate with one another. Often times, it is necessary to draw upon the fields of psychology, anthropology, cultural studies and communications to gain a better understanding of this process.

A number of scholars have become experts in the field of cross-cultural communications and have written books and devised theories to help managers and other business people gain insight into the mechanics of successful international business endeavors. For example, Geert Hofstede uses an analysis of various countries to determine how they might interact in any given situation with members of another country. “Understanding and appreciating intercultural differences ultimately promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens horizons and yields tangible results in terms of business success.”

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Cross cultural relationships can be a wonderful thing, as they are exciting, interesting, and educational, but they do take considerable work, and you have to pay attention, especially in the beginning. If you’ve never been in a cross-cultural relationship because you were afraid, I’d recommend you listen to the song; “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack. Do it now, then you may read the rest of my article.

You see, life is to be lived, don’t be afraid. Not long ago, there were two very good articles on Relationships” back-to-back” in Psychology Today Magazine. Now, I must say I try very hard not to read that magazine, as I don’t always have a lot of great things to say about that profession, and I rarely read the touchy-feely articles on relationships in any magazine, perhaps like you I feel they are beneath me.

Still, you and I both know that these are very popular articles geared for the masses, and generally they are shallow in intellectual content, and quick reads. Thus, I just kept reading my Psychology Today magazine cover-to-cover this last go around, it was the March-April issue of 2010. In any case the two articles were;

1. Read the rest of this entry »