Good communication is a culturally-bound concept. What is appropriate and effective in one culture may not be so in another. However, regardless of culture, all communication carries a message. But who is responsible for making sure that message gets transmitted? … Continue reading
Although most New Yorkers would like to believe it, not everyone around the world is waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square. Here are 10 ways the new year is celebrated around the world. How do you ring … Continue reading
Everyone has an accent. Accent marks one’s native language and geographic region, among other things. A wide range of research has shown that your accent affects how others perceive you, and may even judge you on issues unrelated to accent. … Continue reading
Good customer service means different things to different people. To ensure culturally sensitive service, become an active listener and watcher to gain insight into customers’ values and beliefs and to avoid cross cultural conflict and miscommunication. Cultural identity influences the … Continue reading
If you’re angry or frustrated at work, would you say so? How would you express these feelings? Depending on whether your culture is Affective or Neutral, your answer will be very different. Affective or Neutral describes how overtly a culture … Continue reading
UK Macmillan publisher is in big trouble. It seems that they gave bribes in Sudan for a textbook deal. In Sudan, a bribe is not an uncommon business practice, whereas in the UK, it’s illegal. In some cultures, bribes are … Continue reading
An interviewer who makes decisions based only on his own cultural ideas may miss out on talented applicants who may not fit into his framework. Areas for miscommunication in the interview process include: Group v individual orientation American culture focuses … Continue reading
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hispanics comprise 50% of the foreign-born labor force and Asians make up 22%. Among these workers, 2 tiers exist: Latinos with low education and low skills, and educated professionals from Asia. Although both … Continue reading
Yang Liu is a designer who was born in China and raised in Germany. Her graphic designs showing cultural differences between East and West are both insightful and humorous. Below are some of her designs that help us to understand … Continue reading
