business
How Does International Cultural Practices
Impact Communication?
By Susanne Rothschild
President of The Rothschild Corporation, and
J.D. Thomas, International Training Consultant
How does international cultural practices
impact effective communication in Houston
business, lifestyle, and culture? Differences
in body language, cultural norms, styles
and behaviors can transform the meaning
and perceptions resulting in cross-cultural
miscommunication. How can you apply this
understanding in your life?
Universal Drivers of Behavior
Worldwide, people are driven by three foundational desires: to be accepted (connected,
loved, approved), to be safe and secure, and
to have control. The desire to be accepted is
expressed by gestures and practices demonstrating respect such as bowing, smiling, extending
or not extending a hand to shake hands, and
making or not making eye contact when speaking with those in authority. The desire to be
safe and secure can be expressed in many ways
such as choice of dress and maintaining accepted
personal space with those with whom you are
speaking. The desire to have control can be expressed by body language that is open and trusting or guarded and closed. However, international cultural differences can color and change
30 iF Magazine | September 2016
meaning and individual perceptions. The key
to cross-cultural success is to develop an understanding and deep respect for the differences.
Silence from subordinates or associates can
have many conflicting meanings such as agreement, compliance, disagreement, resistance, or
fear. Considering the cultural expectations and
applying emotional intelligence can help you
explore the reason for the silence and how to
address it effectively. Does the person feel safe
in speaking openly? Is the person seeking approval or acceptance by being silent to show
support? Or, by silence is the person seeking
control through passive resistance? For example, when some women get very quiet, it could
mean that they are uncomfortable or unhappy
with another’s behavior.