Cross-cultural communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cross-cultural communication - Essay Example Also, as case study, research data of intercultural communication between the USA manager and Japanese manager of an USA based company in Japan is analyzed. Culture and communication Communication is defined as a procedure by which information and other matters are exchanged between more than one person where the subject matter is important for at least one of the persons involved. Communication also means that one or more persons absorb the meaning and theme of the matter that has been shared based on certain patterns of interpretations that have followed. Therefore, during the course of a communication it is required to understand the kind of behaviour that needs to be followed or avoided. Thus, culture forms a framework and a universal reference in which all that takes place is comprehended. Cultural patterns by their own distinct nature carry purposeful meanings for only those who participate unlike other symbols that carry meanings that are attributed to them depending on social acceptance, and as such these symbols are not inherent in behaviour. On the other hand, patterns cannot exist on their own accord after their creation; they need to be given new concepts by conveying the meanings to a new generation. This is done by means of communication. There is a complex relationship between culture and communication. It is through communication, which is a mode of interaction between several persons, that culture is created. By communication it is possible to create and share the prevailing patterns of meaning, thinking, feeling and acting, and by such sharing these patterns are carried on for generations (Korac-Kakabadse, 2001, p.6). The strength of intercultural communication can be linked to several hypotheses based on geographical proximity. There are several examples of such hypothetical situation. For one, during a course of communication there may be several members belonging to different cultures but residing in same place or in close proximity. In suc h cases, these members may not communicate as much as was expected beforehand because of their geographical proximity. Then, the second hypothetical situation can be that members of a communication belong to cultures that are differentiated by their segregated geographical locations. In this second case, important parts of the communication have less possibility to be carried on between the individual members; communication is more likely to be carried on between cultural representatives and intermediaries. In this case, communication can take place between the individual members but more likely in neutral places like in workplaces and in recreational centers. For study of culture and communication, it is also necessary to know the kinds of communication that are involved like the topics chosen, and also the balance of small and formal discourse. The content and style of communication need to be comprehended to study the relation between culture and communication. During intercultur al communication, it is the strategic decision of the participants that shape the course of the interaction. The decision may include keeping quiet or joining one group or the other. The speakers may forego their distinct cultural styles to adopt a practical approach according to the need of the moment. The behavior that the speakers display during such communication does not reflect their original