Kartik discussed cross-cultural communication issues in USA and India organizations. His web poster indeed provides useful information for multinational businesses and whoever else is interested in understanding the dynamics of USA/India trade. There is no doubt about the importance of the relationship between India and USA, given that both countries have been more and more unified by business’ interests.
I learned interesting information about India. I did not know that a handshake did not mean the same in the US and in India. When it comes to handshake, Brazil, for instance, interprets it like USA: a strong handshake means interest and a gentle one indicates one does not care or is afraid of something. Indeed non-verbal communication plays a big role in intercultural relationships. In terms of similarities, Brazil is a collectivist country like India. So whenever US executives deal with Brazilians executives, they need to bear in mind this cultural difference. Like Kartik, since I started my Masters program at SJSU I have been encountering similar contextual intercultural situations that teach me valuable lessons.
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3 comments:
I too found Kartik's web poster interesting. It did emphasize cultural differences between India and the US but it also made me wonder about cultural differences with other countries. For example, I noticed that my manager was adding 'san' at the end of the last name when sending an email to a person in Japan. I started doing the same even though it felt awkward to me at first and I then noticed a change in the behavior of the person I was sending the email to. My correspondent became more responsive and cooperative. Maybe it had nothing to do with me adding 'san' to his last name but I can't think of another reason why this person changed behavior. I am convinced at little cultural attentions can indeed go a long way.
@cathyblog08: I'm well versed in the Japanese culture and so your comment about "san" amuses me. Indeed "san" is a term of respect, but it is important to understand that these words are imbued with considerable meaning.
For example,
"san" = Sir or Madam
"kun" = boyfriend or girlfriend
"chan" = little girl or boy
I assume that you learned about these cultural distinctions because international collaboration requires intimate knowledge of the other country. When you understand the rationale and emotion behind words like san, kun, and chan, then it is natural and rational to include these words in your every day language.
But Kartik's poster cautions against superficial interactions. For example, George Bush should lightly shake Manmohan Singh's hand because he DOES feel authentic deference. I suspect that he was advised in order to appease international relations, but if Bush wants to interact with India he should understand why deference is important. He must also think about why he is deferring to Manmohan and whether Manmohan should be deferring to him.
Although it may seem irrelevant to consider these questions, we must understand the cultural perspective of prospective partners, especially within corporate and governmental politics.
I also found Kartik's web poster project to be fascinating and was very impressed with the lay out and information presented to the viewers.
In my blog, I discussed about some of the non-verbal mistakes I may have made during my previous semesters at SJSU in the MBA program. I am now reminded of my years in the International Living Center when I first learned to greet European women with a kiss. on both cheeks. I am still often unsure of it it appropriate to do so to a complete stranger and I try to observe and see what is acceptable before I proceed.
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