PANHA CHIET UNIVERSITY

Bachelor Programs – Year 4

Intercultural Communication in The Global Workplace
Fifth Edition
Iris Varner & Linda Beamer
Respect for Authority and the Structuring
of Messages
Businesspeople will be well served to understand
the symbols of authority and power such as
nonverbal behavior, position, and appearance signal
level of authority and power.
- Authority: The moral or legal right or ability to control.
- The United Nations has used its authority to restore peace in
the area.
- Power: Ability to control people and events
- Ex: I've no power over him - he does what he wants to.
• Signals of Respect
The nonverbal signal of respect can be
obvious or subtle, and can be different from
culture to culture.
For example, The Japanese bow, the depth of bow
clearly indicate who rank higher. The subordinate
must bow lower.
In the Western cultures, younger people hold the
door open for the older people, subordinates open
the doors for supervisors, and men open the door
for women.
• Positions of Authority
In all cultures, certain positions and
professions enjoy a high level of authority.
For example:
- In many societies, medical doctors have
prestige because they can help the sick.
- The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
students would not think of talking with or
questioning their professors because they
think the teachers are persons who
commend respect.
• Dress as a Symbol of Authority
The standard business dress around the
world is the suit, shirt and tie for men, and
some sort of suit or dress for women.
Sometime businesspeople must be aware of
local customs and traditions.
Power Distance and Symbols of Power
and Authority
Understanding where a culture rank on the power
distance scale can be helpful when one is working with
a businessperson from other cultures. The use of
language is an indicator of authority.
• Tone and Behavior of Power and Authority
– Claims to democracy and equality are symbols of
power and authority, especially everywhere in the
United State.
– The size and location of an office and type of
furniture indicate power.
– Business relies on relationships and trust, so
agreements take time and can not be rushed.
• Language as an Indicator of Power and Authority
in Most Cultures
– Japan provide a good example of the way language is
used to establish authority. The language subordinates
differs from the language supervisors use. For example,
a boss talk to a subordinate man, he use the suffix kun,
Nakasone-kun, and a subordinate talk to a boss, he use
Name Suffix
The last name and title or the title and san, Abe-kacho or
kacho-san Name of boss
Title (chief) Suffix Title (chief)
– In Western cultures, people use only pronoun I and
You, referring their parents, spouse, friends, co-
workers, or bosses.
• Family and Societal Structures as Indicators of
Power
So far we have discussed the tone and language of
power, but in most cultures power also is conveyed by
social groupings and structures of groups.
Most Arabs are used to this structure and accept the
authority of a person as long as if is clear that person is
officially in charge.
 Assertiveness vs. harmony
- Assertiveness: describing someone who behaves
confidently and is not frightened to say what they want
or believe
- Harmony: Being peaceful and agree with each other, or
when things seem right or suitable together
- Assertiveness versus peacekeeping (Harmony).
Businesspeople from assertive cultures may lose out on
contacts partners who come from cultures that emphasize
harmony
- U.S. Businesspeople believe in assertiveness
training (a way of teaching people how to
communicate confidently and get what they
want without annoying others ) .
- In contrast to Western assertiveness stands
the concept of peace and harmony in Asian
cultures.
Recognition of Performance as a Signal of
Authority
Rewards for performance are based on cultural
priorities. In some cultures, the major sign of
success is a monetary reward. In other cultures,
nonmonetary rewards may be a more significant
recognition of performance.
• Monetary Recognition
Cultures that emphasize relationships over individual
achievement, such as a salary. In the United State, for
example, recognition of achievement is reflected in one’s
salary.
• Nonmonetary Rewards
Appropriate recognition must be based on
cultural motivators and culturally acceptable
norms, such as recognition by powerful people.
The culture that do not put high value on
individuality. Nobody alone can reach the top
and as the result, companies tend to reward
every one. For example, everyone get a bonus –
everyone get to go on the a trip.
The Role of Social Contacts in Intercultural
Business
• Conventions for Extending Invitations
– The invitation is a gesture of welcome and
goodwill and do not necessary mean that the
person issuing the invitation to become a close
friend.
– The invitation is similar to the social question
“How are you?” which do not require an
answer other than “Thank you.”
– Open hospitality is not universal.
– Guests in Japanese homes must follow certain
custom such as taking off one’s shoes and some
family provide slippers for guests.
– Arabs may invite outsiders into their home more
easily than the Japanese do, but the outsiders will
be only permitted in the official or public place of
the house, and women are typically not present
while the outsiders are in the house.
• Mixing Social Engagement and Business
– The host sets the agenda and guides the visitor,
and will determine where to met for lunch or
dinner such as a bar, nightclub, restaurant or at
home. The host will also invite the appropriate
persons and the arrangements may be fairly easy.
– No culture is right or wrong; cultures are different
and we approach business communications
differently.
– Businesspeople should learn how the other side
approaches business and what the principles of
hospitality are.
• Appropriate Behavior for Hosts and Guests
– If you follow the custom of hospitality in a particular
culture, your foreign business partner will look at you
as sensitive and respectful behaviors.
– A typical U.S. symbol of hospitality is the cocktail party.
The goal of cocktail party is to meet as many people as
possible.
For example, in Canada and the United State, guests
may linger after the meal or dinner, whereas in Japan
and China the host and guests will get up shortly after
the meal is over and say their good-byes.
• Gift Giving
– Companies have specific rules for gift giving in a
business context.
– In many cultures, it is appropriate to take small gifts
when one is invited to join or enjoy the hospitalities.
For example
- In Northern Europe, a fitting gift is flowers or
chocolates for hostess.
- In France, a bottle of wine
- In japan, gifts are very important.
– In the United State and German, the recipient of the
gift is expected to open the gift immediately.
– In japan and China, never open the presents while the
giver is around.
• Holiday Greeting
Many companies in Western countries send Christmas
cards or season’s greeting to their suppliers, customers,
business associates, and government contacts. The
Japanese send New Year’s card; Taiwanese send Lunar
New Year’s card.
The timing of greeting also is very important. Holiday
greetings in most countries are expected to arrive on
time, preferably before the holiday. In France, however,
season’s greetings can be sent until the end of January.
Ethical Considerations in Intercultural
Engagements
• Different cultures have different views of what is
ethical. What is consideration ethical behavior
depends at least to some extent on cultural
priorities and philosophical viewpoints.
 :

Fifth Edition
Iris Varner & Linda Beamer
• Mid-Term Examination will be held on
July 9, 2014 – at 6: 30 – 8: 00 PM
• Someone absent on the exam time will
be penalized in zero