Business Across Borders Essay Example for Free

Business across Borders EssayIn the business world today, borders ar blending and multi-national mergers are causing m whatever party nationalities to become indistinct. As the globalization of markets rapidly increases, many companies are finding international expansion a necessity of competition. North America is greatly affected by this movement towards a global market, and many companies are finding it extremely important to adapt to other refinements.Favorable trade agreements and explosive return of the middle class in countries once considered underdeveloped fix both been important factors in the race towards globalization. However, the virtually important factor in increased globalization has been technological advancements, including new transportation and learning technologies. Presentation of information is more(prenominal) frequently processed by members of a virtual team a work group non necessarily in the same geographical location. With the proliferati on of e-mail, videoconferencing, fax machine, and the teleph one, virtual teaming is comely increasingly efficient.The most bulky obstructions to successful international marketing involve misinterpretations and contrary views resulting from cultural differences. creation both aware of some of these issues and prepared to make the necessary accommodations can save companies term, effort, and a considerable amount of money.Exploring ContextContext is described as the most important dimension of culture and merely is the most difficult to define. Context refers to the stimuli, environment, or ambiance surrounding an event. Communication styles and business practices as a whole are often identified with the context of a country.North American, Scandinavian, and German communicators are mainly considered to be low-context cultures. They take over a high level of detail in their visua,l verbal and written communication. Low-context cultures pass tobe analytical, logical and find words and contracts very important. Individualism, freedom and psycheal achievement are passing valued by these cultures.High-context cultures, such as Japan, China, Arabia, tend to assume the receiver does not need untold background. Information and words are not as important as what is surrounding the situation. They are more aware of a communicators status, interpersonal relationships, the setting, and ambiance when conducting business relations. In general, tradition and social customs are more important in high-context cultures. These cultures emphasize membership in brass instruments and groups. Because they avoid confrontation, they frown upon individual stopping point making and prefer consensus.RelationshipsIn many countries personal relationships are the key to success. It is important to not expect to get down to business right away, but rather get to have intercourse a person first. In Mexico, for example, business deals are only made with friends, so one must deve lop a friendship with any business partner. It is considered polite to ask personal questions more or less family, and also to answer any questions about your family. Discussions are warm and friendly.In Japan it is unlikely to get very far without connections. guardedly chosen intermediaries are a necessity. Not only will the Japanese feel obliged to be loyal to them, but rank of ones associates will determine their status as well. A Japanese man of affairs will always consult within his group before making a decision. Because of their intense loyalty, ones personal identity is subsumed into the group. It is important to never single out a Japanese counterpart, even for praise or encouragement. Contrarily, the Spaniards have a hierarchy style of management and it is best to deal with el jefe or el pardon-the one who will be making the decision. Spaniards also will expect whomever they are dealing with to have decisions-making authority. manner of speaking FaceWhen dealing with Spain or most Asian cultures, it is also critical to actualize the concept of livery face. Any loss of control of emotions or embarrassment is considered disastrous in business negotiations in these cultures. award and personal pride mean everything and they must not be insulted. Because of this attitude it is very important to carefully prepare presentations so that they are easy for the audience to understand. Paying close attention to determine if anything is misconceive during the presentation is also a must. Because of this concept of saving face the presenter will not know if they are having difficulties. Close attention must be paid to conversations in order to discern the distressfulness of what is being said. In Japan, a deal is never refused directly, and any dealings with Japanese business culture should remain indirect.Business CardsIn nearly all countries, it is important that business cards be printed one side in English, and the other in their language. When pres enting the card, it should be presented with their language facing the recipient. In Japan, the telephone exchange of business cards is not to be taken lightly. When you receive the card of a Japanese businessman, be sure to make a show of examining it carefully and whence making a remark about the card. Ask any questions about anything on the card which is difficult to pronounce or understand. The card should then be placed in a case or on a near by table. A card shouldnt be shoved into a pocket or be written on.Concepts of clippingTime orientation is an important cultural difference that Americans must pay close attention to. In America, time is viewed as a precious commodity. Time is related with productivity, efficiency, and money. Many other countries have a much(prenominal) more relaxed perception of time. They take their time, and enjoy it. In Mexico you can ask if a scheduled employment is en punto (the precise time), or mas o menos. Mas o menos appointments are often s cheduled a half(a) an hour to an hour before the actual time. With bothMexican and Japanese cultures it is also important not to expect instant results. Plenty of time should be allowed for contemplation and decision making. In Mexico it is important to do any expectations regarding deadlines and efficiency.ConclusionDoing business over borders and through time zones has become commonplace in the ordinal century. Technological advancements in communication and travel make it possible to do business across the earthly concern almost instantaneously. Doing business with multiple cultures can be a challenging venture. International communication skills of an organization can determine success or failure.In order to interact with different cultures, it is necessary to understand the basic characteristics of the culture. This type of understanding helps to make adjustments and accommodations. We must rid our minds of pre-conceived notions, stereotypes, and prejudices. It is imperativ e that one be familiar about such topics as context, traditions, social rules, etc. It is equally important to possess competent earshot skills and to be aware of ones own nonverbal messages.The ability to adapt to an intercultural perspective is probably one of the most crucial aspects of doing business in todays global village.BibliographySellin, Robert H. J and Elaine Winters. Cultural Issues in Business Communication. Berkeley Program Facilitating and Consulting, 2000.Guffey, bloody shame Ellen. Business Communication Process and Product, 4th ed. Mason, Ohio South-Western, 2003Etiquette and Local Customs. The Travelers Yellow Pages Online. http//www.infoservices.com/stpete/342.htm. InfoServices International,Inc., 2002What to Know Before Negotiting Execitive Planet.com. http//www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture.html.