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Cultural Misunderstanding and Differences

In: Business and Management

Submitted By jll1982
Words 372
Pages 2
Cultural misunderstanding can arise when we least expected and any member of any culture can misinterpret each other even when they speak the same language, but it can also be easily avoided. During the negotiation process it is important for both parties to have clear understanding of each other’s cultural differences that can influence the process. This is done with the proper and careful preparation of each party involved, usually the host country expects the other side to do their research and be more understanding of their background. While Americans for example in a negotiation process want to get straight to the point and reach a decision as fast as possible, other groups such as Asians and Brazilians stall. These cultures believe in relationship building for mutual trust and an American negotiator who did not do his research might not want to partake in the activities and might see the nontask sounding as a waste of time which would be an insult to the host country. This article listed some things one can do to avoid cultural misunderstandings such as being conscious of body language and non-verbal, eye contact, listening, etc. This could all be done with again preparation before the negotiation.

Cultural differences can significantly impact and influence the decision making process and understanding these differences can definitely help negotiators. In the persuasion stage of the negotiation process for example, while some negotiators might present their case and hope that they were influential enough in their argument to win the other party. Other cultures prefer rough tactics and some believe in bargains and bribes may use them to persuade the opposing. The Middle-East for example because of their high context cultures uses the expressive oriented approach to resolve conflict. This approach to an American is a delay because they are so focus on

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