Working INterculturally

It is important in business and in fact in many fields to have different perspectives. Many people feel that it is enough to be "tolerant". Tolerance does not create an effective team. Individuals must trust and understand one another to be effective. This may be achieved various ways ,but cultural concepts of communication may vary so greatly that it is only with a concerted effort that teams will work together well.

Our text describes 4 ways to work well intercultural. The first way is to build relationships. This allows people to build trust and learn by experience about a person's culture and how that effects their communication. Second is exchanging information. There must be active involvement in solving issues at hand as well as the comfort and freedom to ask relevant questions. Third there are different methods of persuasion. Many countries don't view persuasion as Americans do. For example some may persuade through stories will here we often persuade by presenting facts, stats, or expiriental knowledge to lead to what we might consider an obvious conclusion. 4th business like deals differ. For example signing a contract may mean very different things in other cultures than it does here. Also saying things in a way that is definitive rather than suggestive may be offensive to those of a different cultural background so it is important to know a little about the culture you're working with.