INTER-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION FOR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Abstract

Culture is commonly defined as the ocean of values, attitudes, behaviors and transactions which govern the human life and civilization. Culture is the root of all policies, programmes, products, services and other activities which take place across the globe. In the world, there is no common culture, language, values and aspirations. There is ever growing need for constant communication across cultures. The cultural exchange programmes are becoming imminent in the age of globalization since businesses are becoming increasingly global in their operations. The multi-national corporations have understood the need for communication across cultures in view of their ever increasing business operations. Inter-cultural communication also enables the business organizations to understand the diversified needs of the customers across the globe and fulfill their demands. The cultural interaction has become an important means of facilitating inter-cultural relations which benefits the people regardless of profession. The cultural mis-understandings bring about conflict of interest and hamper the cultural exchange. Cultural understanding facilitates better business transactions. It is necessary to know the cultural background of individuals and institutions in order to understand each other and respond correctly in intercultural situations. Scholars have identified strong linkage between culture and communication. The world is a mixture of races, ethnicities and cultures which has resulted in rich diversity. In the age of globalization, modern organizations are required to achieve the goal of unity in diversity in order to promote peace, tranquility and progress. Intercultural communication has become a prominent instrument of global unity and integration.

The modern business organizations are required to develop meaningful intercultural communication in order to do business on the basis of good human relationships. Modern business organizations accept both parties to come to the table with their best offer. The business executives and communicators  need  to  be  aware  of  ultural differences and adapt their style of communication when meeting people from different cultural backgrounds which vary in their concern for space and business relationships within it. Intercultural communication basically deals with people from other cultures in a way that minimizes conflict of interest and maximizes rewarding business relationships.